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Chapter Seven: Trivia Night
Harper found it hard to sleep after she sent the email, eyes kept open in anxiety that she'd gone too far. She also felt excited.
She'd had an overwhelming day, the charged conversation with Nate, and then taking a cautious step towards friendship with Spencer. While she was flattered by Nate's confession, and admittedly the concept of a relationship with him did interest her, she felt oddly disconnected from it.
She couldn't shake the feeling that she had discovered a new level of minds-connecting with Spencer that she didn't feel was replicated with Nate. Harper wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing.
Every few minutes, she debates getting out of bed to send a follow-up email, cancelling on Trivia Night. No matter how many times the thought jumps into her head, she can't follow through. She finds herself hopeful to find some clarity on Friday.
Spencer is up late, restless and sitting up straight in bed. He didn't have a laptop at home, but Harper's response that he had read right before leaving work was now permanently etched in his mind. He was embarrassed to feel as excited as he did, but also overcome with the weight of his emotions.
From her tone, he felt as though she was being friendly. This, compared to his last interaction with Harper, confused Spencer. He felt like she was constantly switching between holding him at arm's length and connecting with him on a deeper level.
Although Spencer had been first to pull away, and he still felt his reasons for wanting distance were valid, he could feel the dynamic had shifted. He knew he had been the one to initiate all their last few conversations. He didn't mind, but he was feeling insecure in his actions.
He didn't want to make her uncomfortable or pressure her into a friendship. He was just genuinely curious to hear more from her.
For some reason, he couldn't stop replaying her interaction with Nate in his head. He had concluded that it must be professional rivalry, but it irritated him, nonetheless.
All these thoughts raced around his head in rapid succession, making it impossible to sleep. He hoped to find clarity at the Trivia Night, to get some relief from this anxiety.
Two days later, Harper is wrapping up at work and checks her watch. Already late. She doesn't have time to run home if she wants to make it to the Trivia Night before it starts. She goes to the bathroom to freshen up, using her brown lip liner as eyeshadow and blush. She's wearing pants and a tightly corseted blue button-up. Her hair is pinned back with a claw clip.
Not too casual, not too professional, she tells herself.
She grabs her bag, hailing a taxi. Fortunately, the bar is not far from her apartment, so she'll be able to walk home. On the drive, she feels a little nervous but also excited. She hasn't seen Spencer since the coffee shop run-in. She says a quick, silent prayer that things aren't too awkward but tells herself if they are, she can just leave.
