Page 70 of Last Date

“I feel like lunch got cut short.” He shifted uneasily. “Maybe you don’t though. Maybe you’ve spent enough time with me today.”

“No, I could… you know… spend more time with you. If that’s what you want?”

The muscles of his face relaxed slightly. “I do want that.”

“Okay.”

“After I finish up here, I have a few things to take care of. I probably can’t get to your place before 8:30 p.m.”

I suddenly remembered he’d said he was going to check on Elon’s condition and meet with Peter later tonight. “Are you sure this is the best night for this? I know you already had plans.”

His expression was difficult to read. “I’d like to come see you tonight, but if you’d rather I didn’t, I understand.”

I wasn’t sure what to make of that answer. “It’s not that. I simply know you had things to take care of. You’re a busy man.”

“Let me worry about how I fit everything in.” His smile softened his words.

“All right.”

“You never said if 8:30 p.m. is too late or not.”

“You think I go to bed at 9:00 p.m. or something?”

He laughed. “No.”

“8:30 p.m. is perfect. Gives me time to walk Spot.”

“Great.” He smiled, looking happy. “I’d better go, or Detective Bergen will start without me.”

“Right. I’ll see you later.” I turned and walked out of the building, feeling pleased but also bewildered. Had Merrick just made adatewith me? Or were we just hanging out as pals? Did I want it to be a date?

He’d said he was meeting Peter later at the hospital and checking on Elon. Had he decided not to do that, or was he squeezing us all in at the same time? Killingthreebirds with one stone?

Once I got back to the shop, Helen and Charlene were conspicuously quiet. I told them about Bob’s arrest, and they were appropriately horrified at the thought he might be Allister’s murderer. They didn’t pry at all about my lunch with Merrick. That wasn’t like them at all, and their restraint was almost unsettling.

Late in the afternoon, Charlene left for her dog walking appointments, but still Helen didn’t ask me any questions. If she was waiting for me to bring up the subject of my lunch with Merrick, she’d have a nice long wait.

Closing time arrived, and we walked out together like usual.

“Have a good night,” I said, moving toward my truck, Spot following on my heels.

“You too.” Her voice was cheery.

I unlocked my vehicle and opened the door, letting Spot jump in first. Was I actually going to get away without having to talk about my lunch with Merrick? Were Charlene and Helen finally respecting the boundaries of our friendship?

“Kip O’Connor, don’t youdareget in that truck without telling me how your lunch date went with Merrick.” Helen sounded like she was trying not to laugh.

So close.

I winced. “I was almost home free.”

“Get back over here and spill the beans.”

Groaning, I returned to her. “I thought you were going to give me a pass, just this once.”

“You thought wrong, buddy boy.” She chuckled. “So? How was it?”

“It was nice.”