Chapter 16

Craig smiled and looked down at the table.

Lifting his head to peek at her, he said, “If I was, would you say yes?”

Eve took a deep breath and pursed her lips before saying, “Craig, I really enjoy our lunches together, but I’ve had a rough week, what with starting this new job. I’m going to take the time this weekend to just relax and not do anything. I’m sorry.”

The smile left Craig’s face, and he nodded.

“I get it,” he told her, sitting back in his chair.

Eve shook her head and said, “It’s not like that, Craig. I’ve just had a rougher than normal week and want to relax this weekend.”

He stared at her for a moment before smiling.

“I get it,” he said again. “New job, new stresses. Maybe next weekend?”

She nodded, unsure, and said, “Maybe.”

Pausing, she glanced around before looking back at him and adding, “We can meet up for lunch again during the week at least.”

He smiled, not as big as before, and said, “That’d be nice. I’d like that.”

“Me, too,” Eve told him.

The se