Page 14 of Last Date

“God,” Merrick groaned. “I don’t want to.”

This time I knew enough to stifle my laugh.

Grimacing, Thomas said, “You can’t fix things if you don’t talk.”

I spotted Peter making his way back to the table. “Peter is coming,” I said under my breath.

Thomas straightened and said, “I’ve never seen a fire burn so hot. It was scary. Fire chief thought it might be arson.”

Playing along, I said, “No kidding?”

Peter reclaimed his seat with a sigh.

“Oh, you’re back.” Thomas feigned surprise. “We were just talking about work.”

Smiling politely, Peter nodded. He sipped his drink as an awkward silence fell. Then he set his mug down and turned to Merrick. “I’m sorry.”

Merrick looked surprised at the sudden apology. “You’re sorry?”

“Yes.” Peter touched Merrick’s hand. “I’ve been in a horrible mood all week.”

“Oh, uh, it’s okay.”

Peter sighed. “No it’s not. I’ve been under a lot of pressure at the hospital lately. I think I’m taking it out on you.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine, and I’ll do better.” Peter also gave me a contrite smile. “Kip, I owe you an apology too. I’m sorry. I’ve been snippy with you all night. You don’t deserve that.”

“Oh, I didn’t notice anything,” I lied. “We’re good.”

“Thanks.” Peter laughed sheepishly. “I appreciate you letting me off the hook.”

Merrick cleared his throat. “I should have consulted you about Valentine’s Day. I’m not used to having to do that.”

Peter smiled. “Nah. I overreacted.”

“See?” Thomas said. “This is good. Communication is a beautiful thing.”

I felt less generous than my brother as uneasiness twisted inside of me. Watching Peter and Merrick smile at each other made my guts knot painfully. Was I supposed to watch them cuddle and make kissy faces all night? That wasn’t going to happen. For whatever reason, I couldn’t stomach it.

On impulse, I pulled my phone out of my pocket as if I’d just gotten a text. “Oh, damn. Helen just messaged me that she’s sick.”

“Just now?” Merrick frowned.

“Yep.” I faked a disappointed smile. “Well, that’s a drag.”

“Why is she texting you?” Thomas grumbled.

“Because now I’ll have to open up the shop tomorrow morning.”

Thomas wrinkled his brow. “Why can’t Charlene or one of the guys do that?”

“Well, I’m the boss. It’s my responsibility to cover shifts.” I exhaled. “What a bummer. Well, looks like it’ll have to be an early night for me, guys.”

“It’s only 8:47 p.m.” Peter frowned.

“I know, but I have to get there early in the morning. Have to feed the dogs and a million other things before we open.” I kept things intentionally vague.