The Dishes

Emerson sighed, looking at me, and there was some flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. I hated doing this, turning his idea down, he probably planned a whole day, but I was being practical. I didn’t even know where this sudden idea of a date came from.

“Fine,” he said after a moment, his tone defeated. “You know what? Focus. On your revenge, focus on what you have to do. I... I just thought maybe you needed to relax, and have some fun. I thought maybe we could spend some time together. But it seems like you're not in the mood for that right now, so... whenever you change your mind, I'm here."

I smiled, feeling a bit sad inside, I did want to spend time with him…. but I had to put on a brave face.

“I understand, a lot. I just know that when I go back to work, with everything that’s been said... and knowing Eric, I have to be ready for it. We'll do it another time, maybe next weekend? After we get through this first week back at work.”

He nodded, though there was still a hint of disap