Page 20 of From That Moment
“Excuse me? You’re done with what? Because I’m pretty sure you’re not done with that naan,” he said, and I resisted the urge to flip him off. I’d already had a bad enough night. I didn’t want to get kicked out for vulgarity on top of it all.
“I’m done dating,” I said after I swallowed hard. Damn, that naan was good.
“How could it be that bad?”
“First, you’re in a stable relationship, so…fuck you.” I whispered the last part. “Second, this was not a date. Tonight was an invitation to join his marital bed with his wife. Kansas and June, the cutest polyamorous couple ever.” I dug into the naan again, while Prior just sat there, blinking at me. It was good that he didn’t laugh, because I was not in the mood.
“Well, that’s a new one. I mean, I was standing right there, they could have invited me.”
I looked at him and burst out laughing. “Wow, full of yourself, aren’t you?”
“I could make a joke thatsomeoneshould be full ofme, but that’s weird,” he said, and I closed my eyes, trying not to laugh.
“Please, no sex jokes. We’re coworkers.”
“That is true. By the way, while you were digging into that naan, I texted Allison, and she said this was fine. I explained about the bad date, though I want to go into detail just so she understands why I’m eating dinner with you.”
I waved my hand in the air. “Go ahead. Tell the world. I don’t care. As long as you don’t get in trouble for making me feel good.” I paused. “I mean…helping me have a better night, not making me feel good. Sexually. And I haven’t even had any wine yet.”
He held up his glass, and I held up mine, we clinked them before I took a big gulp of the liquid.
“Slow down there, slugger.”
“Oh, shush. This is the only glass I’ll have. But between this and the food I’m about to indulge in, this is the only good thing to come out of the evening.”
“Ouch. I’m sitting right here.”
“I’m not taking back my statement,” I said, grinning.
“Anyway, thank you,” I said after a while. The waiter set our food in front of us, and I groaned, saying my thanks.
Prior leaned forward. “You’re welcome. And dear God, this is so much food, but I’m going to eat it all.”
“Is it okay if I steal some of yours? The waiter brought an extra plate like we asked.”
“Thank God that’s why you ordered the extra plate because I wanted to try yours.”
“See? I guess wearefriends.”
He winked at me, and I rolled my eyes.
“Took you long enough, but here we are, best friends forever.”
“Don’t push your luck.”
We ate, talked about work, and our friends, and I did my best to push thoughts of Kansas and June out of my head. The waiter picked up our empty plates, and we were looking over the dessert menu when my phone rang.
I had it on Do Not Disturb except for a few people, and I recognized that ring.
Cold sweat covered my body, and Prior stiffened in front of me.
“What is it?”
“Nothing. But I need to answer this.”
“Okay. I’m here.” I picked up the phone and prayed that everything was okay, but I knew it wasn’t going to be.
“Hello?” I asked as I stood up from the table and made my way out the door so no one could overhear me.