Page 99 of All Our Nevers

“Damn.” I fall back onto the grass, staring into the bright blue above us. “How’d you get all wise?”

He falls next to me as he says, “My brother taught me.”

24

Lia

Owen: Would you prefer a robust apology over text, phone, or in person?

Lia: in person please

Owen: Well since you asked so nicely

Owen: Got dinner plans tomorrow?

Lia: not yet

Owen: What about this place?

Owen: [link]

Lia: wow youre really trying to butter me up huh

Owen: I’ll pick you up at 6?

Lia: im actually working in the seaport tomorrow so i can meet you there around 6:30

Owen: Perfect

“I hope you know that no amount of feminism will make me split this bill with you.”

Owen laughs as he holds the door open, letting me walk into the restaurant in front of him. “I’m glad you told me. I spent all day trying to figure out whether you’d want me to cover it or not. Seemed like either option would make you mad.”

My strappy gold heels click against the hardwood floor. “You really are afraid of me, aren’t you?”

“Terrified.”

The soft sounds of strings surround us, and I try not to gawk at the ornate chandeliers twinkling in gold as the hostess shows us to our table. When we get there, Owen pulls out my chair like the stuffy try-hard he is. I secretly love it.

“Why’s this place so fancy?” I ask as I sit, scooping my silk dress so it doesn’t wrinkle. “Please don’t pull a Sophie-and-Andy and propose to me right now.”

“No way,” he replies coolly, taking his own seat and unfolding a napkin onto his lap. “I’m not even sure if I like you yet.”

“Oh, you’re not?”

“Nope. You’re too smart and pretty. I like being the smart and pretty one in the relationship.”

We order a bottle of merlot from a waiter in monochromatic black, and when he’s gone, I slide open my menu, asking casually, “Should I expect your apology before or after we eat?”

“You tell me, Grand Master Mercado. I exist at your pleasure.”

I peek at him over the appetizer list. “Now is good.”

His smile dims, and he doesn’t beat around the bush. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

He takes a deep breath. “That’s a really good question.” At the look on my face, his hands pop up in self-defense. “I’m not saying I did nothing wrong. I just mean I spent all week thinking about it and I still have complicated feelings. I know I made you feel like I wasn’t listening to you, so I’m sorry for that first of all. I’m sorry that I have this instinct to control things, but let’s be honest, you have it too.” My expression must still be incredulous because he corrects himself. “I’m off to a bad start right now.”