“But we’re okay. I’m still being a little crazy, but I’m working on it. We’re supposed to go to this cocktail charity thing tomorrow night, and I’m starting to wig out about that.”
“Why?”
“Uh, because I’ve worn heels a grand total of twice in my life, and I fell both times.”
She laughed. “Oh, God.”
“I have nothing to wear … I mean, I don’t even own any dresses.”
“Well, then let’s go shopping tonight.”
I waved her off. “I don’t want to bother you with that.”
She shrugged. “It’s no bother. We should see if Lily can come too. She’s the best at cocktaily-type things.”
“Really? Because I can use all the help I can get.”
“Really. We’ve got your back.”
Relief washed over me. “Teach me, oh wise one.”
But Rose snorted, rolling her eyes. “It’s like the blind leading the blind.”
The phone rang, and she picked it up.
“Wasted Words, this is Rose.” She paused, her eyes flitting to me. “Hai,” she said, and I reached for the phone, which she passed over gratefully.
“Emerson to moushimasu,” I answered in Japanese, and thus began my work day.
The next few hours were spent on the phone with a small distributor in Kyoto, arguing about a shipment that was supposed to have already made it to us. Not that they weren’t being accommodating, but frankly, most discussions in Japanese sounded like arguing, regardless of context.
I left the office at a quarter after ten bearing muffins, finding Bayleigh behind the bar, setting up for the day. She glanced at me as she sliced limes.
“Hey,” she said as I approached.
I set the muffins next to her and leaned on the ice well. “Hey. I owe you an apology for last night.”
“Yeah,” was all she said, her knife clicking on the plastic cutting board, muffins not even glanced at.
My chest ached. “I’m sorry I interfered with you and Martin. I’m sorry for making a scene and for embarrassing you in front of everyone. I knew you liked Martin, but I was so stuck on you and Greg, I couldn’t let it go. I wanted that for you, but I didn’t stop to think about what you wanted.”
She sighed and set down the knife, turning to face me, everything about her accusatory. “No, you didn’t. Cam, I seriously wanted to die after you walked out. I just couldn’t believe you would be so rude to Martin, especially knowing I liked him. I mean, you had to be able to tell, couldn’t you?”
I nodded solemnly. “I knew how you felt, but I thought I knew better. I was wrong.”
“Yeah, you were.” Her small face bent in hurt. “I mean, what’s better than a smart, sweet guy with a great job and a sense of humor? One who likes me? After all of this, I’m still not convinced Greg even was even interested in me like that. He walked me home three times and never once made a move, but you insisted he was into me, so I kept hanging on to the idea that maybe it would happen.”
I stood very still, feeling worse with every word. “I know. You’re right.”
She shook her head and sighed again, turning back to the fruit on the board. “I’m just thankful no permanent damage was done, other than Martin thinking you’re kind of a shitty human.”
“Oh, that’s all?” I joked.
She smirked at me, the tension fading slowly out of her. “Well, it’s true, even if your intentions were good. We all have our moments, Cam.”
“Does that mean you forgive me?”
She sighed. “Yes, I forgive you. And I know you won’t approve, but I went home with Martin last night. He was just so sweet, making sure I was okay — he even apologized for being rude to you. But he stood up for me. As far as I was concerned, you were the only one who needed to apologize.”
I smiled at her. “Well, you’re wrong about one thing.”
“Oh?” she asked with a brow raised in challenge.
“I do approve. You and Martin are a match well made, much better than I could do myself, and you have my full and happy blessing. Not that you need it.”
She smiled, all anger gone, her cheeks pink. “Thanks, Cam.” She embraced me, and I hugged her back, grateful for her forgiveness.
I pulled away, smiling back. “Will you pass it on to Martin? I’m not sure if he’ll ever want to see me again.”
Bayleigh picked up her knife again. “He’ll actually be in here in a bit. He’s swinging by on his lunch break.”
“Great. I’ll save some apology muffins for him.”
She snickered.
“So how did it go last night at his place?”
She sighed, her eyes all starry. “He’s so great, Cam. I don’t know how you couldn’t see it. We were up most of the night talking.”
“Oh, is that what the kids are calling it these days?”
She giggled. “No, I mean, we did that too, but he was an absolute gentleman. Lucky for him, I’m not much of a lady.”
I laughed.
“But I just …” She sighed again. “I just had the best time.”
“So my assholery was ultimately helpful?”
She snorted. “Don’t go getting ideas. We all could have done without the mess. I would have gone home with him whether you’d been an asshole or not.” She perked up. “Oh, and I wanted to tell you — he helped me come up with a nickname too.”
I perked up, curious. “What is it?”