“Oh, yes that,” Harrison said, wincing in irritation at the other man’s mealy studdering. He’d completely forgotten about arranging anything and he certainly didn’t need Jack to call and st-st-stammer at him about it. “I’m glad to hear that you two had a good time,” he said in a neutral tone.
Something about the way Harrison said it – as if it didn’t matter to him at all – left Jack irritated too. Although he wasn’t aware of it, his voice was growing steadier. “I also wondered if you’d like to meet and talk sometime, if you’re not too busy.”
“Talk about what?” Harrison asked, cocking his head in a mix of confusion and irritation even though Jack couldn’t see him. ”Your date?”
“No,” Jack replied. “Just … talk. Katelynn wants to know if you’ll still help with the wedding, and -”
The artist sighed. Even over the phone, he knew this wasn’t doing any good. He hated conflict, but if he kept avoiding the real reason he’d called, things were only going to get worse.
“Look, Mr. Drake, I know you’re not fond of me. And I don’t blame you. I’m no one special, and I haven’t exactly been pleasant to you in the past. But I want to clear the air between us, for Katelynn’s sake."
There, he’d said it.
Jack Maple 