It was unlike Gideon to turn down Sally’s invitations. Hell, usually, he didn’t even need an invitation; he was a frequent visitor in their home, frequent enough to just show up at his own leisure. But he’d been busy a lot lately, enough to make her actually have to ask him over, and, curiously, here he was, saying no.
“Have I done something wrong?” she asked bluntly. Social cues were not always her precise forte, but she could hardly imagine she had ever wronged Gideon in their friendship. Her friend was a touch younger than her, and she had been a guiding force in the young man’s life over the last handful of years. Gideon was neurotic and exuberant, and sometimes he required her logic and calmness. It was a good friendship.
“What? Oh, Merlin, no!” Gideon paced as he spoke, a nervous hand rushing through dark hair. “Sally, it’s just-... I’ve been really busy lately, right? And I wanted to tell you about it, but it was never the right time, and I wasn’t sure if he-... Well, it’s just all very complicated.” He stopped abruptly and looked at her directly, taking a deep breath. “You deserve the truth. I’ve been seeing someone, and I have a date that night.” He paused, summoning all of his courage. “With your brother. Asher.”