Page 47 of Daisy Chain
As a kid, I would make him sit with me and watch them whenever they were on TV. It doesn’t surprise me he’s following them. “You have good taste.”
“When you’re not running a billion-dollar business, what do you do for fun?”
Fun? I don’t have fun. Not in the normal sense of the word. “I work hard. That’s my fun.”
Evan raises an eyebrow. “Surely there’s something you do to wind down.”
I drum my fingers on the table. “Sometimes I take the Fat Boy out and ride down the coast.” Those are the days when I don’t think about anything but the road.
“You have a Fat Boy? I have one too.”
Even after so many years apart, I’m surprised we have similar interests. “What year?”
“2018. Yours?”
“1990.”
“Nice.”
“Yours too.”
“We should take them out together. Make a weekend out of it,” Evan suggests.
I couldn’t think of anything better. “Sounds good to me.”
We raise our beers and clink them. Maybe we have more in common than I thought.
seventeen
DAISY
OnMondaymorning,I’mat my desk like normal. Instead of designing this week’s newsletter, I’ve been googling nursing schools and their enrolment requirements. After spending time with Natasha and watching the midwives taking care of her and Remi, the buzz for a profession I’d only dreamed of doing ignited. Even though I’ve only watched them do the most basic nursing procedures like taking their blood pressure, listening to the baby’s heartbeat and taking their temperature. It was more exciting than anything I’ve done in my administration role at the church. I’ve asked them a million questions about their jobs. A job I could tell, even though demanding, was something they loved and found rewarding.
My father walks out of his office, and I quickly click out of the school’s website.
“How is the newsletter going? Don’t forget to include the fundraiser. The time has changed to 1pm.”
I scribble a note on the notepad next to my keyboard. “I’m almost done,” I lie. “I’ve also sent the design for the fliers to the printers.”
He takes a seat on the opposite side of my desk. “Thank you. This office would fall apart without you.”
My heart sinks. Just as I thought, he needs me. “How are things going with you and Evan? I really should invite him and his parents over for dinner.”How are things going? I feel like we’re just friends. I’m sure it’s not what my father wants to hear. “Speak of the devil. Evan, how are you?” My father says, looking over my shoulder. He rises from his chair to shake Evan’s hand.
“Nice to see you, Jude. I hope you were saying good things about me.” Evan chuckles.
“Of course.” My father laughs back.
“What brings you into the office? Or should I say, who?” My father brightens with glee. “I was hoping Daisy would like to join me for lunch. That’s if she’s not too busy.” Evan grins at me. He’s so handsome. His smile lights up his face. But it doesn’t set off butterflies in my stomach. Not like one look from Kade does. I have to forget about Kade. I haven’t seen him in days, and I’m hoping, with time, the thought of him will drift from my mind.
“I’d love to have lunch with you.” It’s the truth. I love spending time with Evan. Just not romantically. Maybe I haven’t given it a chance to move forward. I’ve filled my mind with Kade.
I pick up my bag, and we head outside. A light breeze blows through my hair, and the sky is darkening with gray clouds. Hopefully, we make it to the café before it rains.
Evan reaches for my hand, and without hesitation, I take it. When our fingers link, there’s no zap of electricity. No sparks flying up my arm. Whenever Kade touches me, I melt into a puddle at his feet. The energy between us is so hot and electric.
I mentally shake myself.Stop comparing Evan and Kade.
We stroll along until we find a small Italian restaurant tucked in a quiet street off the main road. During lunch, it’s the same as any other time we’ve spent together. We laugh, joke around and have so many things to talk about. He is the perfect guy. Why aren’t I falling madly in love with him?
