What Was I Thinking? by Ellen Gragg Read Free Book Online Page A

had a wreck and—”
    “I said I didn’t give a rat’s ass! Get back

here!” And he slammed down the phone.
    I stood on the stairs, blinking back tears. What

was happening to me? I wasn’t working in academia, but had I really turned into

a complete bimbo? I had a strict rule that big girls don’t cry in public and

another rule that said work wasn’t worth expending emotion on.
    I closed my eyes firmly, swallowed hard, and

addressed Bert with what little self-possession I could muster. “I’m terribly

sorry. I would love to finish our conversation, but I have to get right back to

work.”
    I looked down before my eyes could start to

leak again, and opened Google to find a taxi company. I hadn’t ever used one in

my home town before, so of course I didn’t have a number handy. Come to think

of it, I hadn’t been prepared for anything that happened this week.
    “Of course you must go back to your employment.

I will drive you.”
    “I couldn’t ask that. You’ve done so much for

me already today.”
    “Nonsense. It has been my pleasure.

Perhaps we can talk more on the ride as well.”
    “That would be very nice,” I admitted.
    We didn’t talk again as we traversed the rest

of the house, to ensure that Mrs. Peacock didn’t hear any of Bert’s secrets. As

soon as we were in the car, though, I had to ask.
    “So, time travel—is that really what you’re

working on?”
    He nodded, biting his lower lip as if admitting

it made him nervous.
    “And have you gotten to experiments? Does it

actually work? Have you tried it yourself?”
    He looked over at me and smiled a little. “Yes,

yes, and yes. Would you like to come back another time and see what you missed

today?”
    “Absolutely. When could I come?”
    “This evening, if you wouldn’t think—”
    “Bert, don’t drive me crazy with your rules of

etiquette, okay? I want to see your experiments! As soon as I can get away from

work would be perfect for me. As long as it’s convenient for you, I mean,”

suddenly realizing that I was being very demanding of a man I barely knew.
    “It would be quite convenient. What time shall

I pick you up at your office?”
    “You don’t—”
    “Don’t drive me crazy with your rules, either, okay?” The perfectly normal

sentence sounded perfectly strange coming out of his mouth. He looked as if it

sounded strange to him, too, but he looked over and grinned at me, as if he

were very proud of the accomplishment. “Your car isn’t available, and it would

be easiest for both of us if I picked you up, so what time?”
    I smiled back. I really liked this guy, and he went from handsome to gorgeous with

that grin. “Better make it six-thirty. I’ll have to stay late after taking such

a long lunch.”
    He let me out at the front door, and I walked

back into hell.
    It was pretty obvious from the way no one would

meet my eyes that Campbell had not had his door closed when he screamed at me. Great. Back in middle school again, and now I was the class pariah. It could make a person nostalgic for just not

making the cut with the popular crowd.
    I went to my desk first, figuring to pick up

any messages and appointments before I faced Campbell head on. The first thing

in my email was once again from Bert, but this time it didn’t make me smile.

 
    Dear Addie,
    Please accept my abject apology. Having returned to my computer, I have

been reminded of a meeting this evening, concerning my Chair at the University,

which I believe I mentioned to you. I had truly forgotten it when we spoke, and

in no way did I intend to mislead you. Unfortunately, I cannot postpone this,

nor can I ask you to join me.
    May I ask you to join me tomorrow evening to continue our talk? Perhaps

we could dine out, and then repair to the second laboratory for discussion.
    I will, of course, still meet you at six-thirty outside your place of

business this evening, but must convey you to your home rather than