Page 46 of No Need to Run
I stop, searching my brain for possibilities.
“It’s a weekday morning,” she says, gesturing at my clothing. “And you don’t look like you’re on your way into an office.”
I look down at my sweatpants and sweatshirt. I was so distracted, I forgot to change before leaving the house.
Not that it matters. But I’m definitely not dressed like I’m going to work.
I nod. “I do a lot of remote work. I try to go to the office once a week.”
“You said you were an accountant. What company? Or do you freelance?”
“I’m with a firm out of Burlington,” I tell her. “Corporate accounts, mostly. Budgets, payroll, forecasting, all the exciting stuff.” A self-deprecating laugh slips out. “It’s not exactly thrilling, but it pays the bills.”
She smiles at me, then pops another piece of pastry in her mouth. Surprisingly, she doesn’t seem bored.
“I like it,” I add with a small shrug. “It’s predictable. Structured.”
“Yeah,” she says softly. “You seem like someone who would.”
I shrug. “I’ve always liked routine. Menial tasks. The ordinary.”
She nods. “That tracks.”
There’s the tone again. Quiet. Certain. Like she already knew.
I shift in my seat, something in my chest tightening again. “You seem to have me figured out,” I say, my voice tight.
She smiles, tearing off another piece of her pastry. “I watch people.”
I blink.
Did she just say?—
She laughs lightly, like she just told a joke. “I’m kidding,” she says. “I work in design and marketing, remember?”
Okay. Yeah. That makes more sense.
I let out a breath, shaking my head slightly. “You had me there for a second.”
Her eyes hold mine as she takes a slow sip of her drink. “I do enjoy observing, though.”
I clear my throat. “Yeah, well,” I say, forcing a smile, “you’re very… good at it.”
“I know.” She says it like it’s obvious.
I shift back in my chair, trying to ignore the faint prickle running down my spine.
This is fine. She’s just confident.
Across from me, she watches me for another second before her expression softens.
“So,” she says, leaning in slightly, “are you always this easy to read, or am I just special?”
I huff out a laugh.
“There it is,” I mutter. “I knew this was leading somewhere.”
Her smile widens.
