Page 8 of Stoney Gazes for Helpful Gorgons

"Mmm."

My screen lights up with a reply.

< Sure. But my last lecture ends at five and I'm normally starving. >

< The Red Phoenix has great chips. My treat? > I hit send, only realising after I do that it sounds kind of like I'm asking her on a date when I'm not. Then again, I'm suggesting going to the pub on campus, I doubt she thinks that's any kind of romantic.

< Sounds good. I'll meet you there. >

I sigh with relief. At least she doesn't think me asking is weird. Or certainly, not weird enough for her to say she isn't interested.

"Good news from the gorgon?" my friend guesses.

I nod. "She's agreed to meet up, I'll ask her then."

He raises an eyebrow. "I didn't realise you knew a gorgon. Have you been on dating apps or something without me knowing?"

"I met her at grief support group," I respond.

"Oh." He looks down, seeming a little embarrassed about his comment. "Sorry."

I shrug. "It's fine. You weren't to know." And he has a point, I haven't exactly been open to meeting people lately.

"Well, I hope she says yes, even if it doesn't work."

"Me too." If I can actually ask her, because I have no idea how to make that conversation happen without sounding like an idiot.

I suppose I'll find out in a few hours.

Chapter 4

RHEA

I'm a little nervous about saying yes to meeting up with Jack outside of the grief support group, but I'm also really hungry and having someone else buy me food isn't something I'm going to say no to given my limited budget.

And there's also a part of me that's kind of curious about what he wants to talk about that can't wait until next week.

I spot him hurrying towards the pub and wave in his direction, realising that even if I'm curious and a tiny bit worried, I'm also looking forward to spending some more time with him.

"Hey," he says brightly when he reaches me.

"Hi."

"So, inside and get you food before you become a grumpy gorgon?" he asks.

I laugh. "How long did it take you to come up with that one?"

"All afternoon. I went through loads of different hangry suggestions for my opener first."

"I don't get hangry," I counter. "I just don't like being hungry."

"To be fair, I don't think you're supposed to." He pushes open the door to the pub and gestures for me to head inside.

I smile at him as I pass, realising that I actually like the idea of the two of us hanging out while we're not at grief support group. I haven't been many times yet, but I can already tell that being there is helping. Or maybe time is just passing and that makes it easier. It's hard to know.

The pub is surprisingly busy considering it's only just gone five, but if they do good chips, then maybe that's why.

"We should grab a table then order. I have the app on my phone, unless you want to get the points," Jack offers.