He's The Boss

17

It's strange to be back at Roy's; the last time I was here was for Nicola's goodbye party. That night seems like ages ago now.

I had to work late, so I ended up coming over directly from the office – making my escape while Nate wasn't looking so he wouldn't try to offer me a ride. I kind of wish I had gone home to change and freshen up though. Not that it's a special occasion or anything, it would have been nice is all ...

"Hi," I greet the head waiter. "Reservation under Ross for three."

He checks his book. "Yup, I have a Ross for 7.30, although it's for two."

"Two? No, that's got to be a mistake – " I stop mid-sentence as the door opens behind me.

My jaw drops as Nate walks in; somehow, he had time to change into a cream suit and black tie that makes him look positively mouthwatering. "Nate?? When did you have time to change??"

"I have spare clothes in the office."

"Uh ... oh. Well, damn."

"Should I take that to mean you approve, Cait?"

I blush, ignoring his attempt to tease me. "Can you sort this out, Nate?" I ask, gesturing to the head waiter.

"What's the problem?"

"Seems like there was some mistake with the reservation."

"Don't they have it?"

"Yes, Sir, we do," the head waiter says. "For two. Will you be taking the table? Because if you don't, we're going to have to give it up in a few minutes."

"Oh, well ... "

"Let me just call my sister and clear this up," I say to both of them, digging around helplessly in my bag.

"I think we should take the table while we wait," Nate suggests, his hand finding the small of my back.

"If something opens up, you'll let us know?" I ask the head waiter as he shows us to our table.

He smiles tightly and says, "Yes, of course," in a way that doesn't fill me with confidence.

"Come on," Nate says, pulling out my chair for me.

I sit down, still fussing with my bag. "Ah, finally. Excuse me." I pull out my phone and call her, waiting a long time before she picks up.

"Hello?" Haley's voice comes on as Nate slides in across from me. It's quiet over the phone – it doesn't sound like she's on her way at all.

"Haley? Where are you?"

"I'm at home."

"Home??"

"I mean – Nate's apartment."

"You haven't left?"

"Left?"

"For our dinner??"

"Oh, that. You know what – I'm having a migraine, so why don't you guys go on ahead?"

I stop, blinking a couple of times at Nate waiting across from me with a patient expression. "Oh my God. You did this on purpose."

"What are you talking about?"

"Are you trying to matchmake the matchmaker?? Seriously?"

She makes a noise like she wants to laugh, but manages to hold back at the last second. "Seriously, I don't know what you're talking about."

"I'm going to kill you, Haley."

"Oh, don't be mad. We'll have dinner together some other night."