The memory of a voice

Chapter 3: Surprise me!

"So now that you know the man behind the messages, maybe if you're done here, we could go out and have a coffee nearby to make up for your bad memory?"

I noticed I was still holding his hand and retracted mine while averting my gaze with shame. Why did I exchange numbers with this man in the first place... I wouldn't be in so much trouble if I hadn't been so drunk... Guess I had it coming for hiding the truth so far.

"Hey, don't worry too much, I didn't mean to make you feel so bad... okay maybe just a smitch, but I should have known this might have happened. You were so drunk that night. So let's start with a clean slate, what do you think?"

I stared for a few seconds at the corner of the table in between us, still wondering if it was a good idea. A rapid glance at his honest smile was all it took to throw away the bad thoughts and agree to his offer.

"Hmm, yeah I suppose I owe you a coffee at least, and an apology for not telling you I had no recollection from that evening."

His smile changed into a victorious one.

"I like the sound of that! And it looks like you are in desperate need of a whole bucket of coffee and a good meal! When can you leave? I don't mind waiting a bit until you're done working."

Right... work, I turned around and tried to spot Jenny. She wasn't a tall woman but her fair blonde hair helped me find her in the crowded place. She was actively discussing with the owner of the library. No doubt she was plotting another event for me to partake in or maybe something even worse... Jenny had a real passion for marketing and books. Which made her a great editor! Although I wouldn't mind her cutting me some slack. She could be a real pain sometimes... Realizing I would have to cross the ocean of human beings to get to her, I turned back to Julian.

"Let me check if I can leave now, I'll be back in a minute."

Julian nodded and I took a deep breath before diving into the crowd. Navigating through the busy customers to make it to the corner where Jenny was standing, wasn't a piece of cake. But I eventually made it.

"Ah, Ethan!" She said, acknowledging my presence.

"Good you came to us, I just wanted to discuss another event planned next month! James already approved the idea. all we need is your presence at the said event."

I had to bite the bullet and I hated being cornered, but this was also my chance to leave the rest of my tasks to her in exchange.

"All right, I'll keep the date and make sure to be there next month. Do you mind if I leave early today? I have a friend that came over to surprise me and I'd hate to make him wait too long."

She must have realized the silent deal as she flashed a dangerous smile before agreeing to it.

"Fine, I'll take care of the clean-up, scatter away now and enjoy your afternoon. Oh and don't forget the next event on Wednesday, I'll pick you up at 9 am."

I forced a smile back and hurried my victorious self to where Julian was now waiting. I grinned widely when I reached him.

"I managed to cut a deal with the devil, I can leave right now. All it took was the promise of doing another of these events here next month."

"What a noble sacrifice for my humble person." He said jokingly.

"Don't make it go to waste then!"

The mischievous grin plastered on his handsome face, made me slightly regret my answer. My cheeks turned red and I urged him to get outside.

"Never mind, let's go before I change my mind!"

He lifted his hands in surrender as he walked towards the exit of the library.