Chasing Shadows (Shadows 2)

"Obviously, Simon likes music. How about something music related?"

"Like what?"

Neal thought for a moment before speaking. "Do you play any instruments?"

"The piano. Simon is always trying to get me to play for him, but I'm pretty rusty so I always make excuses."

"How about if you write him a song and sing it for him along with playing the piano? Simon doesn't strike me as the type of guy who wants material things."

I was surprised by Neal's suggestion on many levels. I didn't think he was so perceptive as to realize what type of guy Simon was from just a couple of encounters. I knew he was right when he said that Simon didn't want material things. But I was also surprised by the romance of his idea. It didn't sound like something a typical guy would suggest.

"That's actually a pretty good idea. But Simon's the songwriter, not me."

Neal gave me an easy grin. "I could help you out. I'm no songwriter, but I've dabbled a little in poetry."

The thought of writing a love song with Neal, even if it was about Simon, seemed a little too intimate, but it was a perfect excuse to spend more time with him. "That's a great idea. I know Sarah would want to help too. You both can help me." I patted myself on the back for including Sarah. It would be much safer to hang out with Neal with Sarah along.

I told myself that I imagined the corners of Neal's mouth turning down. It was gone so quickly that I was sure it hadn't really happened. He gave me an agreeable smile. "Sure, sounds good."

I was concentrating on my salad when Neal spoke again.

"Caitlin, are you interested in me?"

I choked, spluttering as I dropped my fork and grabbed my water, taking a large swallow. The last thing I had expected was for Neal to be so up front in asking about my intentions. I took a

deep breath before answering. Maybe it was a good thing he was laying everything out in the open.

"I think you're a great guy, Neal," I said slowly, choosing my words with care. "But I'm with Simon."

Neal's gaze was disconcerting. It nowhere near matched the intensity of Simon's gaze, but it was piercing nonetheless.

"Your attention has just been a little confusing. I wasn't sure what the relationship was between you and Simon when you first approached me, but I could have sworn you asked me over for dinner because you were interested in me. But then when I got to your place, it was obvious you and Simon were together." Neal rubbed his chin contemplatively. "And I don't know what to make of this lunch."

I gave Neal a weak smile and tried to salvage my train wreck of an attempt to befriend Neal. "I'm sorry if I've been giving you mixed signals. I didn't mean to. I guess I'm a little clumsy socially." I took a deep breath before forging ahead. "I know you don't remember our conversation at the East End, but you just seemed like a really nice guy and I don't make friends easily."

"But it seems like you already have great friends."

I nodded. "I do. But outside of my boyfriend, Grant and Sarah, and a couple of other friends you haven't met yet, I rarely interact with anyone else." I shrugged, feeling foolish. "I just felt like it was time to make some new friends. I'm sorry if that seems a little weird to you."

I held my breath as Neal processed my explanation. I was relieved when he seemed to accept it with a smile. "Hey, I'm not one to refuse the offer of friendship."

I smiled widely, a genuine smile this time. "Now that that's out of the way, I really did want to continue our conversation about surfing."

I listened to Neal talk enthusiastically about surfing. Even though I had no interest in the sport, Neal was obviously passionate about it and he made it interesting. I was engrossed in his description about various trips he had taken to different countries to go surfing when I felt someone standing beside the table. I looked up and saw Marcus standing there awkwardly.

"Hi, Marcus!"

"Hey, Caitlin." His eyes slid over to Neal who had stopped talking at my greeting.

"Neal, this is my friend Marcus." Marcus and Neal exchanged nods and then Marcus looked back at me, almost with a frown. It was an expression I rarely saw on Marcus' normally agreeable face.

"Why don't you join us?" I asked.

Marcus shook his head. "I already ate. I just saw you as I was leaving." He glanced at Neal again before speaking. "I have to get to class. I'll see you later."

"Well, that was a little uncomfortable," Neal said when Marcus left. I wondered at Marcus' reaction, hoping that he didn't think there was anything going on between Neal and me. None of my friends were used to seeing me with guys outside of our group, so it didn't really surprise me that Marcus had been surprised, but I thought he knew me better than that. I inwardly groaned at the thought of Marcus telling Simon that he had seen Neal and me together.

I pushed the thought aside, focusing back on Neal. "Don't worry about it. I think Marcus was just in a hurry."