“Yes. We had a lovely, romantic meal, and we’re going out again.”
“That’s marvellous. I’m happy for you.”
“You say the words, Harvey, but I’m not sure I believe you. There’s more to life than this. Come on. Isn’t there anyone you want to spend the rest of your life with?”
“You want to spend the rest of your life with her after one date?” The doors of the lift opened, and we stepped inside.
“Well, no, but it’s a start, isn’t it? I’ve liked her for a while, just never had the nerve to ask her out before.”
“You’re right. It is a start.” I watched the red numbers above the doors, wishing they’d move quicker.
He leant against the side of the lift, a stupid grin on his face. At least he seemed happy.
“Oh, we’re going to that bar again tonight. Wanna come? Maybe Sally won’t be all googly-eyed over Killian this time, although if I remember rightly, you were taken with him as well.”
Had I been that obvious?
“You’re being ridiculous, Ed. I didn’t like him.”
“Men like men, Harvey. Happens all the time. Stefan in HR is gay. He’s married to a guy. They came to the summer party. Nice bloke.”
I wouldn’t know. I didn’t go to corporate events.
“It was nothing like that,” I said. “He sang a song that reminded me of my parents. It brought back some memories. That was all.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know. Why don’t you come again? I told Sally you’d come. She thinks you’re lonely.”
“I’m not lonely, Ed. I’m just not a people person.”
He laughed again. “Understatement of the year.”
I looked up at the numbers again. One more floor and he’d be gone.
“I’ll think about it.”
I had every intention of not going, but later that day, Sally caught hold of me in the break room. “Ed says you’ll come later. I’m so happy. Vivian, who works with me, is coming as well.”
Fuck. Was this a double date?
“I didn’t say…”
“Aw, come on. It’ll be fun.”
No, it wouldn’t, but I smiled and said nothing more. How the fuck was I going to get out of this?
Seemed like I wasn’t, and before I could get away for the evening, the trio stood at my desk, all smiles and giggles. I fought the urge to roll my eyes but closed them and took a deep breath.
“I really don’t think this is a good idea. I need to get home.”
“For what? We all know you live alone, unless you’ve got a pet you need to take care of.”
Yes, that was the excuse I was looking for, but if I went straight home, I’d not get to see Killian again. And I really wanted to see him again, just not with these three looking on.
I wanted to drown in the voice that sounded like flowing water; natural and graceful, soothing and steady. A voice that held a touch of gravel, giving it an edge, sending shivers up my spine.
“Fine. One drink, then I’m gone.”
I wouldn’t let him be the one who put me back in my recovery. After this, I’d force myself not to see him again and go back to my humdrum existence.