Change in Harmony (A Silver Script Novel Book 4) by Jaclyn Weist Page B

it’s a lot less intimidating.”
    The food came, and silence settled between them as they ate. It was a peaceful silence that Nate welcomed. Usually his date rambled on while he pretended to listen. He pushed those thoughts out of his mind. He didn’t need to think about anyone else when he was with her.
    When he was done, he leaned forward so she could hear him better. “Do you work tonight? If so, we should probably get back because it’s getting late.”
    “Nope. I’m free. Leah took over.” She took the last bite of her mashed potatoes. “Unless you want to get rid of me.”
    Nate laughed. “No, I’ve enjoyed today. I was actually hoping it didn’t have to end yet.”
    Allison stood and held out her hand. “Come on.”
    “Where are we going?” Nate reached for his coat.
    “No, you won’t need that. Not yet.” She took his hand and pulled him out to the dance floor.
    Nate took a step back. “Uh, I don’t dance.”
    “Come on. It’s been a long day, and I think you need the chance to relax.” She took his other hand. “Ever done an Irish dance before?”
    “I told you, I don’t dance.” Nate knew a few people were staring, and he wanted to be anywhere but on the dance floor at that moment.
    Allison laughed. “Just humor me, please?” She ran him through a few steps, and Nate attempted to do the same moves. “See? You’re not so bad.”
    “Thanks.” Nate watched Allison’s feet as they continued on, and by the time the song ended, he almost had it down. The only thing that kept him on the floor and not running for the exit was the feel of Allison’s hands in his and the excitement that lit up her eyes. The song ended and a slower song came on. When Allison stuck out her bottom lip, Nate sighed. “Fine. How do you do this one?”
    She grinned. “Watch closely. This one is a little trickier.”
    Instead of holding hands to dance like they did before, they did the Irish jig in a line. Well, Allison and everyone else did. Nate tripped over his own feet more than once. At first, he was frustrated, but when everyone continued to encourage him, he relaxed and laughed along with everyone as he kept going. When the song ended, everyone cheered and Allison threw her arms around his neck.
    “You did it.” She pulled back but didn’t let go as they stared into each other’s eyes.
    Nate swallowed hard before going back to the table to take a break. He wanted to keep holding her. He loved how she felt in his arms, and how her eyes sparkled when she looked up at him. The smell of her shampoo, and the way her hair framed her face. But he couldn’t do that right now. Not with her. She was a good friend, and relationships always messed that up.
    Allison joined him at the table, but the energy that usually burst from her was gone. She played with the straw in her drink. “Ready to go?”
    “Yeah, I have work that needs to get done, and I think I have a good idea for this commercial.” Nate pulled out some cash and dropped it on the table.
    The smile on Allison’s lips didn’t quite reach her eyes. “That’s great.”
    They left the pub and walked in silence for a block before Nate couldn’t handle it. “Thank you for helping me out today. I had a lot of fun.”
    “I did too. I’d been wanting to visit the memorial ever since I heard about it.” Allison stared off into the distance.
    “This is my stop here.” Nate took a few dollar bills from his wallet and held it out to Allison, then flagged down a cab. “The next subway to your place isn’t for another few blocks, and I’d feel bad having you walk on your own.”
    Allison smiled weakly. “I can pay for myself. But thank you.”
    Nate watched as she climbed in, the crisp bills still in his hand. He’d only wanted to protect their friendship, but he was pretty sure that he’d messed it up even more.

Chapter 8
     
    Allison wiped a tear from her eye as she climbed out of the cab and hurried up to her apartment. Things had been going