Page 20 of His North Star
By suggesting we meet on a weeknight, our time together would definitely be kept short out of necessity.
James:Can you make it at 6:30? I work early Thursday morning.
I grinned like a fool. Oh, buddy. You have no idea how you have played into my plans.
Me:Already using the “I have to work” excuse?
James:Keeping my options open[winky face tongue out emoji]
One step ahead of you.
James:Not that it’s any of my business, but what was up with you and T-Dawg?
T-Dawg? How frat boy could these guys get? Next time Ty and I were out, I was totally going to smack his butt and call himT-Dawgin a “bro” tone like his rugby buddies. A giggle escaped my lips. I could already see Ty’s red cheeks and narrowed eyes while he threatened me to never do that again. It would be hilarious, and perfect payback for this morning.
Me:T-Dawg? And you are J-Dawg? Or is your name not as lame?
Three little dots appeared, then disappeared. Did I just insult him? Were nicknames some badge of honor and I just tore his in half? I groaned. Why did I do this? I should have said no. Twenty minutes later, my phone pinged.
James:Ty earned that name. His bite was way worse than his bark. I won’t tell you my name. Not until I deem you worthy of the privilege.
Definitely offended him.Greaaat. I ran a hand through my hair. I was making this worse and should give up. Except my fingers had a mind of their own.
Me:I’ll do my best to obtain the honor [angel emoji] And 6:30 will work.
James:I have no doubt you will.
My fingers automatically strayed to the back of my head, where James had hit it with the door, and gently prodded. I winced, sucking in a quick breath between my teeth. It only hurt if I touched it or accidentally bumped it against something like I had while serving breakfast this morning.
Me:All right. You win. See you on Wednesday.
James:Actually, 6:30 is when I usually eat dinner. Why don’t we plan on doing both?
No, no, no.Me:Dessert is plenty.
James:I’d feel better doing both. See you Wednesday!
I gave up trying to change his mind. It was one meal. One meal, and then James would see that without Ty and Lys there, I wasn’t worth his time, and I’d never see him again.
CHAPTER 6
My hand shook, and heat spread across the back of my neck. I checked my phone again—six-forty-two. James hadn’t arrived yet, but twelve minutes wasn’t too long. Still, what was keeping him? He asked for this dinner. Maybe he was stuck in traffic? Or had to use the bathroom and—like every other man—it took him a while?
Pulling up my e-book app, I tapped on the latest romantic comedy I started reading last night. If I had to wait, I’d try to enjoy it. The longer I sat, the warmer I became. Where was he? Should I leave? When the buzzer in my hand went off, I approached the hostess stand. “My party isn’t here yet. Do you want me to wait?”
She took the pager from me. “It’s up to you. I can get you seated and started with a drink if you’d prefer.”
My chest tightened. I had no idea how much longer he’d be. Was it more awkward to wait where everyone could see me, or sit alone at a table? I felt like the new kid at school. I rubbed the back of my neck. If I sat alone in the dining room, would everyone pity the woman who’d been stood up?
“I’ll wait here,” I croaked.
“No problem. You’re at the top of the list, so when your full party arrives, we’ll get you seated right away.”
“Thanks,” I muttered, going back to the bench I’d been sitting on. Should I call him? No, that would be annoying. Plus, if he were driving, he wouldn’t be able to answer anyway. Ten more minutes crawled by. Why was I still here? My face flushed with embarrassment. I should’ve left a while ago. I draped my jacket over my arm, ready to head home.
With my phone in hand, I made my way back to my car while reading. I turned the corner, and James’s voice came up behind me.
“I am so, so sorry,” James gushed. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am that I found you.”
