Casual Encounter: The Complete Series Box Set by M. S. Parker Page B

thoughts.
    I opened my eyes and looked over at her. “What?”
    “The waiter,” Adelle said. “He's been looking at you all night.”
    I frowned at her. Hadn't she learned her lesson? “He's probably still in high school.”
    Adelle rolled her eyes, a familiar gesture that once would've gotten an affectionate 'f- you' response from me. Now, it just annoying. It was her blatant disregard of my thoughts and feelings on things that had gotten us to this place.
    “He's serving us alcohol,” Adelle pointed out. “That means he has to be at least twenty-one.”
    “And?” I raised an eyebrow and took another drink. At this rate, I was going to end up with another bitch of a headache.
    “And you should totally ask him out.”
    “Adelle,” Mindy spoke softly as she threw me a glance.
    “I learned my lesson,” Adelle said. “I won't talk to him for you or try to give him your number. I just think you should find out if he wants to go out with you.”
    “I'm not interested in a relationship right now, Adelle,” I said. “Or a fuck and run if that’s going to be your next suggestion.”
    “I'm not saying you should move in together,” she persisted. “Just go out for coffee, see where things go.” She jerked her chin behind me. “He's cute.”
    I glanced over my shoulder as the waiter walked by. She was right. He was one of those gorgeous golden boys who looked like he'd be home on a California beach. “That's not the point,” I said.
    “It is so the point,” she replied. “Ask him for coffee and then take him for a ride.”
    She was doing it again, pushing for me to do what she thought I needed to do and not listening when I gave my opinion. I didn't want to be here anymore. I raised my hand as the waiter walked by, signaling for him to come over.
    “We're ready for our check,” I said as he approached. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Adelle open her mouth. I didn't know if she was going to protest me ending our night or if she was going interfere with my love life... again, but I didn't want to hear it. Words popped out of my mouth before I realized I was going to say them. “You have pretty eyes.”
    Oh shit. Had I really just said that? I didn't even know what the hell color his eyes were? Was that the best line I could think of? It sounded like the kind of cheesy pick-up line men like Steven Danforth used on drunk sorority girls to get them into bed.
    “Thank you, Miss Gamble.” The waiter smiled, but the expression on his face made it clear he was uncomfortable. “My boyfriend said you were a nice teacher.”
    “Excuse me?”
    The waiter shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “My boyfriend. Kyle Jamison. You had him last year for senior English. He was behind a year because of some health problems and you helped him get caught up so he didn't end up getting behind again. He's at Stanford now.”
    Right. I remembered the young man. He'd been nineteen and desperate to prove he wasn't stupid. A sweet boy.
    I forced a smile. “I'm glad to hear he's doing well. Tell him I said hello, would you?”
    “Of course, ma'am.” He glanced at Adelle and Mindy. “I'll be right back with the check.”
    I waited until he walked away, purposefully not looking at either of my friends. When he was out of sight, I stood. I felt a bit wobbly, but nothing I couldn't handle. “I think I'll be calling it a night.”
    “Wait, Bree–” Adelle began.
    “No,” I snapped. “I don't want to hear it.”
    “We just want you to be happy,” Mindy interjected.
    My mouth flattened into a line. “Right now, a long hot bath and a good night's sleep are what will make me happy.” I didn't wait for either of them to try to make more excuses. I didn't run, but I walked as fast as a graceful exit would allow.
    The cool autumn air felt nice against my overheated skin and cleared my mind. I wasn't as drunk as I'd feared and I didn't hail a cab right away. A walk sounded like just what I needed. I was too far from