Closing Books

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Authors: Trisha Grace
harder than ever, both at work and at his current gym.  
    He’d thought he was succeeding in putting Evelyn out of his mind until he found himself rushing to pick up every call, hoping it was Evelyn. Of course, he was sorely disappointed.
    One of those calls, however, was from Ryan, asking him out for lunch.
    As he made his way into the restaurant for lunch with Ryan and Joseph, Dan could see the apprehension on their faces. “I’m fine. Is Kate still angry?”
    “She regretted it almost as soon as you left, but we all backed her up. You shouldn’t have vented your anger on her,” Joseph stated matter-of-factly.  
    “But we get it. This thing with you and Evelyn is eating at you,” Ryan added. “At least, it’s over.”
    Yes, at least it is over.  
    The past week had been quiet. He didn’t offer any news of himself, and neither did he receive any news of Evelyn. It was a good thing that the chapter with her had finally ended.
    “So you guys are really over?” Joseph asked.
    “Yeah,” Dan answered.
    “So anyway, we’ve signed the lease for the gym. Thanks again for helping us find the place,” Joseph said.
    “And, I’ve got a friend joining us for lunch. I’m thinking of getting her to teach some yoga classes at the gym,” Ryan said.
    Dan shrugged. “Sure.”
    Just as they were about to order, a long-legged, tanned, and extremely well-toned brunette walked toward their table.
    Ryan waved his hand to get her attention. “Hey, Chris! I’d get up to give you a hug, but it would be a long and difficult affair.”
    She waved him off, then took a quick glance at Joseph and Dan. With a broad smile, she took the guys’ hands as Ryan introduced her.
    Dan then pulled out the chair for her, bringing about a look of surprise from Christine.  
    “Thanks,” she said and sat. “Not many guys pull out the chair for women anymore.”
    “That’s because I don’t want to insult you. I’m sure you’re more than capable of pulling out your own chair,” Ryan said.
    “Yeah, right.”
    After ordering their food, Ryan immediately dove into the discussion of the plan for the new gym.
    While Ryan, Joseph, and Christine discussed work, Dan immediately saw the similarity between Christine and Evelyn. She was candid and frank, speaking things as they were. This, in turn, allowed Ryan to get straight to the point, settling their cooperation before lunch was over.  
    “So, Dan, will you be there at the gym as well?” Christine asked when her discussion with Ryan and Joseph ended.
    “Yeah, I think I’m in line to be the first customer.”
    “Good, so I’ll see you around.”  
    He smiled politely, saying nothing else.
    For the rest of lunch, Christine continued flirting with him. Though she would serve as a good distraction, the last thing Dan needed right now was another woman. So, he continued behaving like a courteous gentleman.
    When they were leaving the restaurant, Christine suddenly asked, “So, Dan, are you doing anything tonight?”
    “I think I’ll be having dinner with them,” Dan said, tilting his head toward Ryan and Joseph.
    “If you’re tired of seeing them all the time, I don’t mind accompanying you for dinner.”
    He blinked and found himself at a loss for words. “Are you asking me out?”
    Christine laughed and nodded. “You mean I’m not obvious enough?”
    “No, I’m just not used to…”
    “Being asked out? You don’t expect me to believe that.” She smiled, then continued. “So, dinner?”
    He tried to come up with an excuse to let her down gently.
    “Yes, he’s sick of seeing us, and he’ll pick you up at seven tonight,” Ryan interjected. “Dan, open the door for her before she changes her mind.”
    He smiled awkwardly at Christine and opened the door. While Christine strode through the door, he turned around and glared at Ryan.
    “It’s all right, you don’t have to—”
    “No, he’s right. I am sick of them. I’ll pick you up at seven?”
    Christine’s

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