Page 117 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

“I’m sorry.”

“No. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just kinda nice you always have someone that has your back.”

I nodded. Millie stopped to sniff a leaf, so I slowed. “I’d never considered that. I guess I’ve taken it for granted. But you’re right, I’ve always known Em would be there.”

“Comforting, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. What about your parents?”

“They’ve both passed, so it’s just me now.” Robyn stared out at Lake Mendota.

I struggled to find words.

“I’ve got Vera.” Robyn put her hand on my arm. “Don’t look so worried about me. I’m just having a moment.” Robyn smiled and pointed toward the sun, which was sinking toward the horizon. “We should turn around, so we’re not out after dark.”

“Is it dangerous?”

Robyn laughed. “No, but Millie doesn’t see well. She’ll trip over things.”

I glanced at Millie, who was happily trotting in front of us. “Are you serious?”

“I am. She’s got night blindness.”

I looked at Robyn out of the corner of my eye.

“Honest. Google it. It’s a thing.”

“Okay, I believe you.”

“We need to talk when we get back to my apartment,” Robyn said.

“Um, we can go farther. I can carry Millie.”

“Nice try.” Robyn smiled. “Plus, I’m getting a little chilly.” Robyn held up her arm, which was covered in goose bumps.

I lifted my free arm. “May I?”

She moved closer to me, so I could put my arm over her shoulder. “Um, that’s nice,” she said as she nestled against me.

We made it back to Robyn’s apartment with no mishaps, aka Millie tripping over anything. After a rocky start, Millie had taken to my commands and behaved in exemplary fashion. It might have been silly, but pride welled in me when Robyn complimented how well she’d responded to me.Omen?

I shook those thoughts from my head. Our first date, and we were about to havethe talk.Which meant it could be our last date.

When we returned, Robyn refused my help as she busied herself getting us drinks and a snack. Surprisingly, even afterour meal, the walk made me hungry, so I was happy with the cheese and fruit tray she set on the coffee table.

After she hurried off to prepare the iced tea, I took in the apartment. It was quaint. Usually, the term meant small, which it was, but it had a homey quality. It couldn’t be over eight hundred square feet and would almost fit in the living room of my penthouse. Something I didn’t plan on mentioning to Robyn. While she knew I had a high-powered job in the city, I didn’t think she knew the extent of it, and I had no plans to reveal it. At least, not yet.

The design was like many apartments—four rooms. Living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bath. I’d only gotten a peek at the small bedroom when I’d gone to the bathroom. The living room, by far, was the largest room. It afforded space for a couch, recliner, and a luxury dog bed for Millie, who we’d worn out. She’d already flopped into her bed and was lightly snoring.

“Traitor,” I whispered to Millie. She would be no help diverting the conversation we would soon have.

“What?” Robyn said as she entered the room with our iced teas.

My face heated. “Uh, nothing. Just talking to myself.”

Robyn set the glasses on the table before she sat on the couch. I was disappointed that she sat several feet from me. I realized why she had when she turned to face me.

When she brought her leg up, she laughed. “Damn. This isn’t easy in a dress.” She put her feet back on the ground and stood. “No offense, but I’m gonna sit on the end of the couch so I can put my feet under me without flashing you.”