Page 37 of Speechless

“Henry, listen to me. There’s nothing wrong with how things happened for you and HAAAM. I can tell you’re uncomfortable and I’m sorry for bringing this up, but honestly, that doesn’t make me think any less of you. If anything, I like you more. I mean, I can't trust someone who’s reallythatgood of a person, it’s just not natural.”

He fidgets with his chopsticks, then his wine glass. He finally looks up and smiles at me. “I think you might be that good of a person.”

For a moment I’m not sure what to say. This feels like we’re heading into deep conversation territory and I don’t think that’s something I can handle right now. Technically, I know this isn’t a date. But when he smiles at me this way, it feels like one. Or maybe I’m clueless. The last time I went on a first date I was twenty-one.

“Aww, that’s sweet, but grossly untrue. You obviously don’t know about the time I stalked my favorite celebrity, tricked my way into his house and convinced him to take me out for sushi while I hired professionals to rob him blind.”

He looks up at me and his lips twitch. “I knew it!”

Before I get to respond, two leggy women gliding by stop directly in front of our table.

“Henryyyy. I thought that was you.” She turns back toward her friend and her eyes dance as she drops her voice, “This is the guy.”

He stares up at the woman but doesn’t say anything. I can see him trying to form a smile but it doesn’t fully appear. I’d think they didn’t know each other from his reaction, but sheclearlyknows him. Her perfect smile drops for just a second, the moment she realizes he isn’t going to say anything. She catches herself almost immediately and her pearly whites are shining again.

She actually looks familiar to me, maybe she’s an actress? Model? She must be, the way she’s towering over us makes me think she’s at least five foot ten. I can’t even imagine what the world looks like from up there. Her dark auburn hair falls down to her waist, the color being one of many things that doesn’t look quite real on her. I want to hate her but she's freaking gorgeous.

“Rebecca, but you obviously remember, right Hen?” Hen? Who the hell calls himHen? She turns back and whispers to her friend again. “I told you, strong silent type. I love when I can make a guy that nervous.”

He looks up at her and nods, but still doesn’t speak. He turns his head toward me, clearly not wanting to engage in further conversation, but she places a hand on his shoulder and bends slightly, offering a nice view of her cleavage.

“That wassucha fun night. I never do that, really, but I just couldn’t help myself. We should hang out again soon.” She leans down further when she says this part, with a very fake giggle. Okay, they definitely slept together. I could not feel more uncomfortable.

He briefly looks at her and offers a tight, half smile before turning back to me. He’s focusing on me the same way they tell dancers to focus on a single point when spinning, something to tether you to a spot so as not to get dizzy or off balance. He isn’t moving at all but I can see the muscles on his forearms go taut, the only indicator that maybe he’s feeling the same anxiety from the other night.Doesshe make him nervous?

“See you soon, Hen.” The women finally walk away with a dramatic swish of their hips and Henry still hasn’t taken his eyes off my face. I feel like an anchor, holding him in place, but I don’t understand it. After a few more beats pass, he takes a long drink of water and speaks again.

“So, want anything else or should I get the check?”

* * *

“Henry,the car’s this way, remember? We valeted.”

“Sorry Luce, need to make a quick stop. Just wait here, I’ll be right back.”

This is weird. Neither of us have mentioned the run-in with Rebecca. He seems fine now, and I don’t really feel comfortable badgering him about his love life. But now he’s acting strange, speed walking down the street and telling me to just wait around for him.

I see him stop less than two blocks away and fist bump some guy standing on the sidewalk. Henry pulls out some cash from his pocket and hands it over while the mystery man passes him a large white paper bag.

Is this some sort of weird Beverly Hills drug deal? What the hell am I getting involved in?

I wait until we’re in the car, several questions ready to slip out of my mouth. “Okay, are you going to explain any of that?”

“What?”

“What was that secret meeting about?”

He looks over at me and smirks. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Henry, come on. Since when are you so secretive? Tell me.”

“A man needs secrets.” He raises an eyebrow at me, clearly amused with my impatience. But then he clears his throat softly, his levity falling a bit. “I’m sorry about earlier. That was rude of me. I should have introduced you or something. I just, I didn’t remember her and—sometimes I have trouble.”

“It’s okay, you have nothing to apologize for. Although I thinkshewas disappointed. Who knewHenwas such a ladies man.” I keep my tone light, making sure to keep any hint of jealousy hidden well.

He scoffs, definitely not the reaction I was expecting, and doesn’t say another word. How many times am I going to kill the vibe tonight?

“So, I was thinking,” I say. “The sushi we had tonight, it’s probably jealous.” He lifts a brow, eyeing me suspiciously. “I mean, don’t you think it’s jealous of our pasta from last week? We made up a whole song for that meal. I think it’s only fair…” I trail off, hoping he gets the hint and wants to help me liven the mood.

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