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Man, sheto her the other day like she was a goddaer

I’ll apologize for it at so witness, I don’t seeheadfirst into the fray

“Hi,” I greet, and I don’t miss the way her throat bobs when she ss “I’m here to take you to lunch”

“Y-you’re what?”

“I’ a step toward her

She takes a noticeable step back “But I-I’…”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Bruce chimes in “Go to lunch with him, Maybe You and I both knoe’re always slow on Saturdays”

Her mouth opens and closes a few times, but words don’t come out I don’t know if she’s er or if she’s still ees, or hell, maybe the two are directly related But I’ll never know if I don’t get her out of this building

“Come on” I step toward her to take the bucket of flowers she’s visibly forgotten about from her hands “It’ll be nice to catch up”

She doesn’t say anything as I set the container on the counter, but her stunned silence is in no way a deterrent

“We can catch up and talk about so contacts I think you’d be interested in”

“Look, I really appreciate your effort to help , but—”

Bruce takes it upon hiain

“Stop being so stubborn, Maybe,” he says “Let the et wet”

My eyes go wide automatically, and Maybe freaks

“Oh my God! Dad!”

“What?” Bruce questions with a shrug—like he didn’t just say so insanely inappropriate “Everyone needs a little help getting their feet wet in a new career These days, it pays to know people, if you knohat I’m sayin’”

Apparently, Evan’s dad is still in the business of putting his cos, and since he’s not et old

When ere sixteen and headed to proo too hard on her, son Treat her like the virgin she is, okay?”