Page 28 of Love Resurrected
“Uh, sure, that’s fine,” I say to the two of them.
“The mayor was clear she wanted Tenley to take the lead, Bradley,” Nessa says.
“I know. But I’m not keen on taking orders from Tenley.” Brad scowls at me as he says this, then turns to Nessa with a smile. “But I would have no issues taking orders from you.”
“I wasn’t planning on giving orders to anyone,” I say, trying my best to give Brad a dirty look without Nessa seeing.
“Sounds like you’re giving an order right there,” Brad says.
“I’m not—” I start.
“I take it the two of you knew each other before today?” Nessa says.
“Sort of,” I answer.
“That’s convenient. Are you friends?” she asks.
“Absolutely not,” Brad says.
“Wow. Okay,” I say. “Are you sure you don’t need me forpractice?” I throw Brad’s word from last night back in his face.
“Are you sure you don’t need me for practice?” Brad mimics.
“Real mature.”
“Practice for what, dear?” Nessa asks us both.
Brad blanks his face, so I respond to Nessa’s question.
“He asked me out last night.” I glare at Brad as I tell Nessa what happened. “But only because he’d promised a friend he would. Also, and I quote, ‘since we don’t really care for one another and I’m not attracted to you, you’re perfect to practice on,’end quote.”
“Well, he’s quite the charmer, isn’t he?” Nessa asks.
“That’s what I said.”
“Sitting right here,” Brad interjects.
“I also called him Mr. Darcy,” I add.
Nessa laughs. “That’s very accurate, dear.”
“He didn’t get it,” I tell her.
“No, I suppose he might not.” Nessa stifles her laughter, which does not amuse Brad.
“If you ladies are finished, we have a job to do here.”
“Yes, sir,” I say with a mock salute.
Nessa raises her pen in the air to get our attention. “If I may make a suggestion, that we start with selecting a date.” It gets us started and we work together for the next couple hours and accomplish a lot. By late afternoon, we’ve exchanged phone numbers, and each leave the meeting with a small to-do list and the promise to meet at the fire station in a couple days’ time to regroup.
The entire walk back to my car I’m tempted to text Brad, but I have no idea what I want to say. Part of me wants to call a truce, except I’m not sure if we’re fighting. I know we don’t like one another, but I also couldn’t tell you why. I get that sometimes people just don’t mesh together, and my guess is maybe that’s Brad and me. But I’ve also nevernotmeshed with someone before. So, it bugs me I’m not meshing with him. If that’s the case with he and I, it makes me a little sad because he’s in my same group of friends and life would be much easier if we got along.
Sigh.
I reach my car, finally, and get in to head home. I enjoyed meeting Nessa today. She’s smart, calm, and nice. But mostly calm. Or at least she seems to have a calming effect on Brad. It’s clear he respects her and listens to what she has to say, which makes me wonder if they knew one another prior to this.
Sadie calls me when I’m almost home.
