he actually seems interested and is following along, asking thoughtful questions. I’ve never had anyone in my life listen to me about my passion so well, except for Sara.
We talk for hours, until the bar closes. I’m not so tipsy anymore after sitting here for so long. Brendan told me about his family’s construction and real estate development business back in Brooklyn. I grew up in Brooklyn, so we talked about that for a bit too, arguing good-naturedly over the best places to go for pizza, bagels, and almost any country’s food you could possibly want. Brooklyn’s neighborhoods are a melting pot of nationalities. He grew up in a much nicer neighborhood than I did. Sara did the best she could for me with her two jobs and a piddly monthly check from our uncle after he abandoned us for Nashville dreams. He never did make it big. Serves him right. Not that I’m bitter.
“I’ll call for a car,” he says, pulling out his phone.
They’re probably still playing poker upstairs, but the bar closes to give the bartender a break when it’s slow like this.
He tucks his phone in his pocket. “You want to wait outside or in here?”
“Let’s go outside.”
We grab our coats and make our way to the exit. Brendan is quiet now and seems kind of serious. I’m suddenly swamped with concern that I talked too much.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
“Did I talk too much about my research?”
He shakes his head, giving me a small smile. “Not at all.”
I bite my lower lip. I definitely talked too much. I think I bored him silly. Way to show him a good time, Chloe. Talking his ear off about your own interests. I should’ve asked him more about himself.
He opens one of the glass front doors for me and I step out into the crisp night air. The stars are brilliant in a dark sky, the moon glowing almost full. I wait for him to join me. I’m about to ask what he likes best about his work when he surprises me.
“I’m so impressed by you, Chloe. You’re going to make your mark and help so many people. It’s…you’re extraordinary.”
My cheeks flush at the compliment and I look down, embarrassed. “I’m nothing special. There’s lots of people doing this kind of work.”
He tips my chin up. “You’re heroic in your noble cause.”
My breath stalls, my heart racing. “Thank you.”
He drops his hold and turns away. I’m surprised at how disappointed I am.
“What do you like about your work?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “It’s not the same as yours, I’ll tell you that. I was born into the family business. I never even considered doing something different.”
“Do you not like it?”
“No, I do. I like working with my brothers and the crew. I can’t complain.”
“What do you like best about it?”
“I like working with tools. More recently, I scout out properties for development.”
“That’s cool too. People always need someplace to live and work.”
He blows out a breath. “Yeah, I guess.”
Shit. I thought we were having a fun night, but now he seems down because he thinks my work is important and maybe his isn’t.
“Everyone does what they’re good at,” I say. “I’d be shit trying to use a drill or whatever it is you do with pipes, and I’d be too scared to touch a wire.”
He chuckles. “You’re sweet, but there’s lots of people who could do my job.”
“Mine too.”
He shakes his head in disbelief.
“It’s true! No one works in a vacuum. There’s a global scientific community out there just like there’s a global construction workforce. The world needs all kinds of people in all kinds of jobs.”
He grins. “Just when I was thinking you weren’t a fiery redhead, you show me some spirit.”
I stare at him, trying for a comeback and coming up short. I’m blond and there’s nothing wrong with that. He’s so hung up on redheads. Maybe an ex?
Our car pulls up, a silver Mercedes, and the driver gets out, opening the back door for us. “Thank you, Eli,” I say. I’ve been here enough to know the drivers.
“You’re welcome,” he says warmly.
Once we’re settled in the backseat, Brendan seems to perk up. “I guess you’ll be studying some more tonight, eh?” He’s teasing me again. I want to prove him wrong. I can have fun for an extended period. Or at least two days of my three-week winter break.
“Nope. Not tonight.”
“No?” he asks with a smile in his voice. “But, Chloe, it’s past midnight. Don’t