Page 21 of One Drink

“Oh.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. It’s too much.”

I snapped my mouth shut as I realized it fell open. I don’t know what I was expecting, but that was not it. “No, no. Don’t apologize. It’s just, you surprised me.”

“It’s a lot to ask, especially with your novel and I don’t want this to hold you back, but I’m desperate.”

“Okay, how much time we talking? A year? Two years?”

Her eyes widened and this time it was her mouth that fell open. “Okay, as in yes.”

“Yes, Steph.” I chuckled. She looked so cute when she was surprised. “I’ll do it.”

“Oh my, God, Jake. I don’t deserve you as a friend.” She jumped up out of her seat and scooted into the booth next to me and hugged me. “You’re the best.”

My heart immediately started pounding faster than a jackrabbit and when she kissed me on the cheek, I sucked in a breath. My hand was shaking when I reached around her to hug her back. “I told you ... I’ll ... I’ll do anything for you.”

She hugged me tighter and the closeness of her body to mine made it hard to breathe. I’d wanted to hold her in my arms for so long and now that she was here, I didn’t want to let her go.

She pulled back and a big smile covered half her face. “Two years, tops. That’s all I’m asking for. No matter what happens with the magazine, you leave. No hard feelings or expectations.”

“Okay, two years.”

***

ROBBIE WAS RIGHT—ITwas past time to put my career ahead of helping Stephanie. We’d agreed on two years, and it had been three. Maybe it was time to quit. But a part of me feared if I quit, I’d never see her again.

It was the most torturous three hours I’d ever worked. Between thoughts of Stephanie sneaking into my mind and the constant stream of customers coming in and out, I couldn’t focus. I tried focusing on the research I’d done on interstellar space travel and made notes where I needed to make updates, but that only got me so far. I read the first pages of my early draft five times, and still couldn’t absorb the words. How did others do this? I’d have been better off going back home.

I’d never been more grateful when my phone dinged reminding me I was having lunch with Dad. I looked over my notes and scene ideas one last time before closing my laptop and heading around the corner to the restaurant where I was meeting Dad. He’d been busy with his upcoming charity event, and I only saw him once for dinner last week. Thankfully, we had a lot to catch up on, so the subject of Stephanie and me dating never came up. My gut told me I wouldn’t be so lucky today.

Dad was already standing outside waiting for me when I arrived. “Hey, Dad.”

Same as we’d always done since I was a small boy, he hugged me tight and patted my back. When he released me, he regarded me closely. “Are you feeling okay, Jake? You look pale.”

“Just tired.” I never was very good at hiding my emotions—especially with Dad—and I had more than my fair share of emotions right now. He had a way of seeing through me when no one else could. “Work’s been busy, and I haven’t slept well.”

He squeezed my shoulder and smiled. I prepared myself for him to ask more questions, but he surprised me and didn’t. “Let’s go eat and talk about this week. Your mom can’t wait to see you.”

“When does she fly in?” Knowing I’d see my mom this week put a genuine smile on my face. I didn’t see my parents nearly as often as I’d like, and I missed them.

“Tomorrow. It’ll be late though. She’d like you and Stephanie to join us for dinner on Wednesday.”

The hostess handed us each a menu as we sat down.

“You told Mom about Stephanie?” It was bad enough Stephanie got pulled into a charity event with me. She’d never forgive me for having to fake a relationship with me during dinner with my parents.

“Of course. We’re excited you two finally got together.” He laughed. “It sure took you two long enough.”

“Dad, I don’t think a family dinner with Stephanie is a good idea.” I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. “This thing between us is new. We’re still trying to figure it out ourselves.”

He stopped laughing and a frown covered his face. “That’s fine. Taking things slow is good, but I don’t see why that means you can’t have dinner with your parents. Besides, Stephanie already agreed.”

“She what?” That came out much louder than it should have. “When did you talk to Stephanie?” A horrible image of Dad going by the office this morning and cornering Stephanie flooded my mind. Stephanie would not be happy about that. I didn’t need anything adding to her discomfort where I was concerned. If Dad pressured her into going to dinner, I was fucked.

“Why are you getting mad?”

I took a deep breath and rubbed my eyes. “I’m not mad. I’m just tired. You know how I get when I’m tired.”