Page 60 of The Christmas Holiday
‘Yeah.’
‘Is there something going on between you two? I mean, I didn’t step in the middle of something, did I? I kinda got the feeling he wasn’t thrilled when I asked you out.’
‘No. Really. There’s nothing at all. And he doesn’t carewhat I do. Even if he did, it’s none of his business. And if you got that feeling, believe me, it was just because he was still pissed off at me for whacking him with the paddle.’
‘You did manage to get him a few times,’ Marty laughed. ‘Poor guy.’
‘I know. And I do feel bad. Well. Sort of.’
The rest of the evening passed quickly and enjoyably. Our desserts were served by a pretty womanaround my age who smiled at us both, but I sensed something a little unsure in the one she gave me.
‘That’s Sally. We used to go to school together. Real nice girl. She moved back here about a year or so ago after her divorce. Got a little boy. Great kid.’
‘So she’s single then?’
‘Mmmhmm,’ Marty replied, distractedly.
I let the words sink in and he looked up from his dessert atme.
‘Oh no! We’re not… like that. We’re just friends.’
‘She’s pretty.’
‘She really is! But she’s already been through it with her ex. I don’t think she’d be interested in… why? Do you think she’d be interested?’ His voice had lowered now and he leaned in a little.
I leant in too. To anyone else, it might have looked romantic. Which I suppose it kind of was. Just not in the wayyou’d expect.
‘I’ve lost count of the times she’s glanced your way since she came on duty. And that smile she gave you?’
‘She always smiles like that.’
‘Not to everyone.’
He chuckled and blushed a little. ‘I had the biggest crush on her all through high school. But she was always with this other guy. The guy she married. I knew he wasn’t good enough for her. I tried to tell herone day but just ended up upsetting her and then she moved away and I joined the army. We kind of lost touch.’
‘But you’re friends again now.’
‘Oh yeah. She said she knows now I was just looking out for her.’ He sat back in his chair and studied me for a moment.
‘What is it?’
‘I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever been on a date before where my date was trying to set me upwith someone else.’
I screwed my face up. ‘Now you know why I’m single. I’m really not good at this dating lark.’
He laughed. ‘I’m glad you agreed to come tonight anyway. Even though it’s not exactly what I thought – or hoped – it might be. I’ve really enjoyed it.’
‘Me too,’ I said, honestly. ‘Thank you for asking me.’
‘You’re welcome. I guess you’ll be wanting to get back to yourhotel.’
I pulled my phone from my bag and checked the time. ‘Yes. I ought to really. Do you know a good taxi firm?’
‘I do. But I’d be happy to drive you. I can even get my aunt to sit in the back if you want?’
‘I don’t think that’ll be necessary. But I think I’d prefer it if you stayed here and maybe helped out the waiting staff.’ I gave him a meaningful look and he grinned and droppedhis gaze, shaking his head. ‘You are quite different from any woman I’ve ever met.’
‘Some might say “thank goodness” to that.’ One man in particular sprang to mind.
