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“Doesn’t sound like you really think that.”
“I’m sorry you think that. So, are you regretting being here?”
“I’m not regretting it. I’m looking for love. Gotta find it somewhere.”
“Maybe some would say you’re looking for love in all the wrong places.”
“What does that mean?” My voice is sharp, and his lips twitch.
“I just mean that maybe you’re looking in—”
“Look, I’m not after you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Why would I think that you’re after me?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because the first couple of times we met, I was flirting with you, but I know you’re not interested, so don’t worry about it.”
“I’m not worried about it, Rosie. I don’t even know why you brought it up.”
“I’m just …” I frown. “I don’t know why I brought it up, and I know I sound crazy. Just no need for you to be worried.”
“I’m not worried.” He shakes his head, and there’s an awkward silence between us. “I like your dress.”
“You do?” I’m surprised by his compliment.
“It’s very feminine.”
“Most dresses are.”
“I suppose that is true.”
“What do you want, Brett?”
“Can a man not be polite?”
“Yeah, he can be polite, but I feel like you’re looking at me like you have something else you want to say, and I don’t really know what that is, so I’m just curious as to—”
“I just want to make sure that you have a good time tonight.”
“I am. Thank you.”
“Well, good.” He looks at his watch, and I wonder if he’s going to walk off.
“Here’s your lemon drop, Rosie.” Jimmy the Fish places a martini glass in front of me with a sugar rim. “Enjoy the night. I hope you find true love.”
“Thanks. Me too.” I grin at him. I take a long sip of the lemon drop. “This is amazing. Thank you. This will put me in the right mood.”
Brett’s eyes narrow as he grunts, “Really?”
“What is it now?”
“I don’t want you to get too drunk while you’re—”
“You know what, Brett? I don’t really have to listen to what you want. Enjoy your night.” I take another large gulp.
“Enjoy your evening as well, Rosie,” he says in a low voice, and I walk back slowly to the table.
I can feel his eyes on me, but I don’t look back. I want to scream. That was the most awkward conversation I’d had in a long time, and I don’t even know why. Maybe it is because I still have a little crush on him. He is so gosh darn gorgeous.
