If At First

Part 10 - Chapter 9

"You don't need to play hard-to-get, y'know" He interrupted, his mood altering.

"She said she was busy, Fitch." A steady voice came from my elbow. Haven had just exited the store I'd been about to enter and was now standing a few feet away with the same brunette from Fitch's party. "And even if she wasn't, you probably should have noticed she was turning you down."

Fitch shot him a loathsome glare, while Haven stood completely undisturbed. Clarity dawned on Fitch's face and he looked at me. "You're going out with him, aren't you!" He accused, pointing from me to Haven.

"No," I said at the same time that Haven said "Yes."

"Alright," Fitch continued, ignoring Haven. "How about Saturday then?"

"Can't take a hint, can you, Malory?" Haven's voice remained composed.

"Do you mind, Casey?" Fitch's eyes were riveted to my face, refusing to look away until he had a satisfactory outcome. I might be here all day.

"-Fine. Saturday is fine, Fitch." I should have stayed in the house.

"Great. Then we'll make it a camping trip. You up for it?"

"Not at all," I answered, horrified by the suggestion and praying it was a joke.

"Just one night, it's not real camping. You'll love it. You don't even have to pack, just bring a toothbrush." He smiled at his achievement, and threw a triumphant look at Haven. "You won't need much else, anyway."

The scantily clad brunette that had been thus far standing quietly beside Haven gasped and spoke for the first time, excitement turning her voice into a piercing combination of shrill whininess. "Why don't we double?" All three of our heads turned to her. She cleared her throat, hopefully about to reveal the voice of a human. "Haven, we could go together with them, wouldn't that be fun?" It was far better, but still had the ring of a small child asking for something they didn't deserve.

Fitch tensed, the expression on his face evident that he did not approve. I wondered if he would actually uninvite them.

Haven sighed, and looked fleetingly between the brunette, me and Fitch. "Yes." His eyes glinted in the sunlight. "I think that's an excellent idea, actually." The smallest hint of a smile traced his lips, and I wondered if I was the only one who noticed.

Once Fitch had the answer he wanted, he kissed my cheek and darted away, calling back "Pick you up around one! Saturday!"

When he had gone around a corner, I was left facing Haven and the brunette whose name I'd yet to hear. "For someone so determined to enhance my social life, you were doing a pretty good job of helping fend him off."

He smirked. "I think it's entirely possible that you've misjudged my motives."

"Well, thanks anyway ...again."

"Always a pleasure, Tabby." He looked at me through lowered eyes, making the hair on my arms stand on end. It was the first time he called me anything but Tabitha, and it sent a surge of warmth through me. I'd never met anyone so apt to annoy, while my entire body refused to cooperate the appropriate response to dislike. I knew the sound of my own name of course, but somehow the way he said it sounded better, and I hated that I thought so.

"See you tonight." I waved casually, opening the door to the coffee shop.

"Tonight?" I heard him ask indistinctly, but by then I was already inside and brushed it off. It was only afterward that I wondered if he hadn't actually been consulted about his evening plans. Maybe dinner guests just weren't something they discussed. Did he imagine I thought he was really asking me out so I wouldn't have to go with Fitch? I wandered aimlessly through the shop, completely forgetting why I went there in the first place.