Birthright

I sigh heavily, head to the bathroom to wash my hands, and then come back to the phone to answer him.

How should I answer, and why is he even asking? He probably already knows that I have the job. In fact, he knew that before I even showed up for the interview. He knew before I even called about the job. I narrow my eyes a bit.

It went very well, as I’m sure you already know.

It takes only a moment for him to respond.

Nate O: Guilty as charged. I hope you aren’t upset about that.

Am I upset? Perturbed, maybe, but not really mad. How different is what he did from my Aunt Ginny’s playing bridge with the librarian who hired me? The result is the same, but those people had known my Aunt Ginny and me since I was a child, and Nate doesn’t know me at all, not really.

I type out a carefully worded reply.

A little. I did need a job, and I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so I suppose I should say thank you.

There—appreciative but not a pushover. That works.

Nate O: You are very welcome. Glad I could help out. I’d love to take you out for a celebratory dinner this weekend, if you’d allow me.

“Oh. Wow.” I lick my lips. I wasn’t expecting him to ask me out this soon or so candidly. “Or are you reading too much into it again?”

Only one way to be sure.

Are you asking me out on a date, Mr. Orso?

I hold my breath.

Nate O: Yes, Miss Bay, I am.

My heart beats faster. In my head, I’m screaming, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” but my fingers are feeling a bit coyer.

What if I say no?

As soon as I press send, I regret it. Am I trying to play hard to get? If so, why the hell am I doing that?

Nate O: Then I will be forced to drown my sorrows alone.

“Ah, shit! His brother-in-law!” I’d totally forgotten about the death in his family, and now I feel like a complete ass. I need to make up for it but still keep the mood light.

I suppose I agree then. Drowning would surely ruin your suit.

“Ugh! Why did you mention suits? It will make him think of funeral attire.” I hit myself in the forehead, debating if I should apologize, but he replies first.

Nate O: It just might. While I have other suits, I’m glad you’ve agreed to dinner. Friday at 7 work for you?

Friday night. Did we have to wait so long? I probably would agree to fifteen minutes from now. Such a pushover!

I don’t have my work schedule yet. I should get it tomorrow. I’ll have to let you know.

Nate O: Please do, Miss Bay. I’d be happy to work around your schedule.

Wait a minute—how does he know my last name? I was sure I had only given him my first name, and I hadn’t used a credit card at the club, so how does he know?

I’m about to ask him, but then I realize Melissa probably told him. Again, I’m reading too much into things and giving in to my suspicious nature. Knowing my last name doesn’t make him a stalker, and I’m just being ridiculous. Again.

I’ll let you know when I get it.

Nate O: Glorious. I look forward to talking to you again soon.