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You have to stop.”
    “Stop what?”
    “Living in the past. Dale is a jerk. What he did was inexcusable, but that doesn’t mean all guys are like that.”
    “I realize that. I’m just not interested in dating right now. I’m busy.”
    “Stop lying to yourself.”
    “I figured you were here to apologize, not argue with me more.”
    “I’m here to do both. Besides, I brought you something.”
    “What?” I wasn’t going to get rid of her, so I might as well get something out of the deal.
    “I stopped by Tsunami.” She picked up a white plastic bag I’d neglected to see when I’d first walked outside.
    “You’re bribing me with sushi?”
    “Is that a bad thing?”
    “Yes, but I’m hungry.”
    “People say food is the key to a man’s heart, but I think it’s just as true for women.”
    “It is for hungry women who haven’t been grocery shopping in weeks.”
    “Why not?” There was a slight note of worry in her voice that made it hard to stay angry. As misguided as the blind date had been, at least she’d done it for the right reasons.
    “Too busy. I only have an hour before I have to leave for job number two.”
    “Why don’t you quit?”
    “Because I need the money.” Grace’s parents were helping her out, as was her boyfriend.
    “You live rent free.”
    “Don’t get me started on that.” I straightened out.
    “What? That bothers you now or something?” She slipped behind me and opened the door.
    I followed her inside. “I just don’t need to hear it again.”
    “Who said anything about it to you already?”
    “No one.” I wasn’t going to tell her about James. She’d say exactly what Rachel did. I should have called the cops.
    We walked into the kitchen, and I unpacked the sushi rolls Grace had brought. I had to give her credit for one thing; she knew what I liked.
    We sat down at the long wood table. “So what was wrong with him?”
    “With who?”
    “Brad. Who else would I be talking about?” She opened her chopsticks.
    “No one. I’d tried to trick myself into forgetting about him.”
    She rolled her eyes. “He isn’t bad. You’re just overly sensitive and hung up on a guy who treated you like crap.”
    “I’m not hung up on him. We’ve been over this way too many times.”
    “Give Brad a chance.”
    “Trust me, he isn’t interested.”
    “He is.”
    I shook my head. “He was. He isn’t now.” At least I wouldn’t stay interested in someone who stormed away from me like that.
    “He begged for your number.”
    “You didn’t give it to him, did you?”
    She looked away.
    “Grace.”
    “Sorry… I know you guys could work out.”
    “I bet that’s the missed call I have.” I patted my pocket that housed my phone.
    “Did he leave a message?” She leaned on one elbow.
    “I assumed all twenty messages were from you.” I eyed my sushi longingly.
    “Check.”
    “Fine.” I pulled out my phone. The unknown number had left a message.
    Hey, Ainsley, it’s me Brad. I’m thinking I caught you on a bad night. How about we try things again on our terms? Dinner Saturday night at Southend Brewery? Seven thirty? I’ll get us a reservation. If I don’t hear from you I’ll assume you’ll be there.
    I threw down my phone. “I knew he was a jerk.”
    “How does that make him a jerk?” Grace took a bite of her avocado roll.
    I picked up my chopsticks. “Because of how he left it. I have to tell him if I’m not going. It should be the other way around.”
    “He’s not a jerk, he’s eager to see you. He’s super interested. That’s a good thing.”
    “He’s arrogant and assumes I’ll come just because he asked.”
    “After what you pulled last night? Give the guy some credit. I’m impressed he’s still trying.” She turned the argument.
    “He shouldn’t be.”
    “But he is.” She leaned toward me. “That’s the part to focus on.”
    “The way you’re pushing this guy I’d think you were invested.”
    “I’m not.”
    “How do you know