Page 45 of Forty, Flirty & Fall Inn

I almost smile.I shouldn't smile.

“I was supposed to meet with you about the system updates tonight,” I say, running a hand through my hair.“But I’m going to be at this thing.Black tie.Society crowd.The usual joyless formality.”

“Oh.Right.Sure.We can reschedule.”

Another thud.Possibly a goat-related one.

“Or...you could come.”

Silence.

A long, charged silence.

“To the gala,” I clarify.“As a guest.My guest.”

“You’re asking me on a date?”she asks.

“No.I mean yes.I mean—God, not like that.”I exhale.“I’m asking if you’d come to a function with me.As a...business engagement.Where we can also discuss the system updates.”

“So...a business non-date?”

“Exactly.”I glance at my friends, who are now openly eavesdropping with zero shame.“Strictly professional.”

She's quiet for a moment, and I can hear Buttercup bleating in the background."What do people wear to hospital galas?"

"Formal attire.Cocktail dress, typically."

"Right.The kind of dress I definitely own and didn't sell on Poshmark to pay for plumbing repairs."

"Sage—"

"No, it's fine.I'll figure something out."She pauses."This isn't because of last night, is it?The...kitchen incident?"

Connor mouths 'kitchen incident' at Grayson, who gives him a thumbs up.

"We should probably talk about that," I admit.

"Definitely.Absolutely.Talk about how it was a mistake and won't happen again."

"Right.Exactly."

"Great.So we're on the same page."

"Completely."

"Perfect.What time?"

"I'll pick you up at five-thirty."

"It's a business non-date," she confirms.

"The most professional of non-dates."

We hang up, and I turn to find my friends staring at me with identical expressions of pity.

"That was painful," Connor says.

"Actually physically hurt to witness," Grayson agrees.