Page 21 of Austen, Edited

Chapter 12

Greyson had talked through the updates to the app rather quickly, and Abby had looked them over, suggesting small changes here and there for the format of the courses.

“When will you need to upload everything?” she asked, tapping her pen against her lips as she focused on the screen.

“Probably in another week or two. Jorge called me yesterday and said his dad is about the same, so it will be at least that long or maybe longer until he returns. Until then, you’re stuck with me.” His words had the desired effect, pulling her attention in his direction.

“I’ve been stuck with you a lot longer than a couple of weeks,” she said, smirking.

Greyson feigned hurt and laughed. “Ouch. You know how to wound a guy.”

Abby shrugged and worked to turn the computer system off. “I’ve been there.” She didn’t make eye contact with him, but he knew what she’d meant.

“What are you up to now? Let’s go into the city. I haven’t been around much, and I need something fried.” He smiled, hoping to sway her.

She motioned to the computer. “I still have to work, at least until four.”

“No, you don’t!” came Meg’s voice from the other room.

Greyson’s grin widened as he saw the horror on Abby’s face.

She took long strides out of the back room and stood at Meg’s office. “I have to finish putting together the rest of the course material or else it won’t be ready to upload when the app is done.”

Meg waved her off. “It’s one in the afternoon. I’ll clock you out at four, so the afternoon is on me.”

Greyson studied the emotions flickering across Abby’s face, wondering why she looked so conflicted. He was grateful to Meg for allowing her time off, and he hoped Abby would say yes.

Abby turned robotically. “Let me get my stuff.” She walked over to her office and disappeared inside.

He made a move to follow her, but Meg called out to him, “Greyson, be good to her.”

He nodded, confused. “She’s my best friend. Of course I’ll take care of her.” The sound of the words “best friend” echoed in his mind and struck a wrong chord in his chest.

Meg frowned, her lips pursed as if he’d gotten the answer wrong. She nodded and turned back to her computer. Maybe she understood the feeling he’d had, or she was rooting for him and Abby to get together.

Abby appeared outside her office with her backpack, holding on to the straps on both sides. “Ready.”

They took the train downtown and explored for the next couple of hours. Abby finally relaxed, and it almost felt like it had before he’d graduated from his undergrad. Seeing a food truck that sold baked goods, he pointed in that direction.

“That is where we are getting something fried.”

Abby’s eyebrow twitched up, and she laughed. “Okay, I’m game.”

The line was rather long for midafternoon on a weekday. By the time they made it to the window, he was ready to try it all.

“What can I get you?” a woman named Lexi asked. She tugged on some plastic gloves and waited for his response.

“Let’s try one of everything you’ve got,” Greyson said, his impulse taking over. He turned to Abby. “Was there something specific you wanted?”

She laughed, the sound warming his chest. “Well, if you’re getting one of everything, I think you’ve got it covered.”

The woman turned to a guy next to the fryer and said something before turning back and placing several pastries and donuts into a box.

Greyson handed her his credit card, swatting away Abby’s hand as she tried to stretch out her own. “This is my treat.”

Abby opened her mouth to protest but clicked it shut as Lexi took the card from him. With the box and a handful of napkins, they made their way over to a bench.

He pulled out one of the pastries he’d never seen before. “Do you remember what this one was called?” He took a bite and sighed, exaggerating the action to get a laugh out of Abby. He extended the pastry in her direction, placing it near her mouth.

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