Page 70 of The Wisdom of Bug

“Maybe she hasn’t been given a good enough offer in the past. You could be that offer. Look, I’m not saying you have to go full lesbian cliché. You can keep your U-Haul parked for now. I’m just saying that asking the girl out would be a good start. Give her the choice, you know?”

“You’re full of opinions lately, aren’t you?”

“I’ve always been full of opinions. Doesn’t make me wrong. Come on Evie, grow some bloody ovaries and ask that sexy minx out.”

The dam broke inside Evelyn. Alyssawassexy, she was kind, and Evelyn had wanted to be more than friends from the beginning. What was she playing at? Why was she letting Alyssa get away?

“Oh, sod it. What have I got to lose, right?”

“That’s the spirit. I’m going to get her back.” Once again, Evelyn didn’t have a chance to reply. Maggie zipped out of the room like her bum was on fire. Rolling her neck and shoulders, Evelyn prepared for what she thought would be humiliating rejection. Surely if Alyssa wanted more than friendship, she’d have asked Evelyn out already. It’s not like Alyssa was shy or anything.

Evelyn almost jumped out of her skin when Alyssa spoke. She’d been so lost in her head she didn’t see her enter the office.

“Hey, Maggie said you needed me.”

Evelyn’s heart drummed, her palms sweaty. “Hi, yes. Right.”

Excellent start, Evelyn, top-notch!

“Sorry,” she mumbled, taking a gulp of cold coffee. “Alyssa, would you have dinner with me?”

“Sure, when? I can grab takeout on Monday if you like.”

“I mean a date, Alyssa, not an office dinner.”

“A date?” Alyssa squeaked.

Oh, crap, had Evelyn made a terrible mistake and ruined their friendship? Why didn’t she think of the repercussions of being rejected? How could they stay friends? That would be way too uncomfortable. Bollocks!

“Yeah, yes, a date. I can cook, or we could go to a restaurant. Or I could drive to Four Paws, so you’re close by in case of an emergency. Whatever.”

Shut up, you rambling pillock!

“Yes. To the date,” Alyssa stuttered.

Evelyn smiled brightly. She’d said yes!But she also said yes to Josh, so don’t get too excited Ev.

“Okay, great, we’ll chat about it then. Soon.” Evelyn gripped her pen, needing to channel her excitement into something that wasn’t a happy dance.

“Okay.” Alyssa smiled, her cheeks a little red.

Evelyn was a grown woman and yet she felt like a spotty tween who had just spoken to her first crush. Good Lord.

“Okay, so I’ll see you soon. Don’t worry about Bug, he’s going to have a great time with me.”

“I know he will. That dog adores you.” They smiled sweetly at each other. “I’m gonna…” Alyssa said, hooking her thumb over her shoulder.

“Good night, Alyssa.” Whoa, that sounded way too sultry.

Tone it down, Romeo.

As much as Evelyn hated saying good night to Alyssa, knowing she was off to get wined and dined by someone else, Evelyn couldn’t stop the ember of hope growing in her belly. She also couldn’t help watching Alyssa’s lovely derriere leave the office. Hot damn.

Unsurprisingly, Maggie blew back into the room, sporting a grin as wide as the River Thames. “Nice one, Evie! Very well handled.”

Evelyn laughed. “I think we need to have a chat about eavesdropping on my conversations, Mags.”

“Don’t be silly. Now, what’s the plan? Posh restaurant? River cruise?”