Page 41 of Irresistible Second Chance

“That brewery down the street looks like a cool spot. I bet they have all sorts of gourmet salads. Want to try it?”

“Sure.”

Of course, the brewery had an industrial vibe. It looked more like a warehouse and all the tables were made from teak butcher block and stainless steel. Even the stools looked like they were from reclaimed wood. Large windows lined the outside. I remember dad and his date and asked Chris if he wanted to sit outside. It was a nice day and the air seemed to be changing…maybe fall temperatures would be early this year, I thought to myself. I ignored how the breeze was going to mess up my hair and instead just enjoyed the moment.

“So, what are you doing tonight?” he asked me.

“I don’t know...probably binge watching a show and then passing out. I should probably get a dog. My idea of a fun night sounds kind of pathetic.”

“It does sound pathetic, and you probably should get a dog,” he said matter-of-factly.

“Wow, thanks for that.”

“I wouldn’t be me if I weren’t honest.”

“Save your honesty for some other woman. I need you to feed me lies. It’s good for my ego.”

He laughed and a waitress showed up at a table at that moment to to take our orders. I realized then that I hadn’t even looked at the menu.

“Can I just get a burger with fries?” I asked.

She nodded, “And for you sir?”

“Same.”

When she left, Chris said to me, “So much for that salad.”

“I was team salad until we passed by someone eating a burger and then I realized the error of my ways.” I settled back against the chair and asked him something that had been bothering me since he mentioned it. “So, you’re in between contracts now?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh, when are you going to get back to work?”

He shrugged, nonchalantly. “I’ll figure it out. Why? Are you in a rush to get rid of me?”

“No,” I said simply. The waitress was back and handing us our drinks. She was saying something about their beers on tap, but I was heading back to work and so I passed and so did Chris.

“You sure you don’t want a beer? It might make those reports more fun to read.”

“Uhh, don’t remind me. But you’re not going to change the subject on me that fast. Who’s watching your house while you’re here?”

“I have a housesitter.”

“Oh?”

He nodded, “Traveling as much as I do, it only makes sense.”

“Do you miss it?”

“Miss what?” he asked.

“Your home...your life there. I mean, it looks fun and adventurous…not to mention relaxing.”

He nodded, “Of course, but here is more home than there.”

“That makes sense, your mom and dad are here---”

“And you’re here.”

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