Page 33 of Protecting his Heart

Evan chuckled. “I’m sure I won’t have to drag him in, but yes, I will.” He glanced at Chloe, knowing he was holding up the line. “How much do I owe you?”

“Four pounds fifty,” she said.

He raised his eyebrows. “Are you sure you’ve included everything?” It was too cheap for what he’d ordered.

“You get the family rate,” Oscar said, picking up the tray again, and winked. “See you soon.”

“But—”

He didn’t get the chance to argue anymore because Oscar disappeared again. Facing Chloe, he sighed. “I’m not going to be able to change that, am I?”

Chloe chuckled. “Not a chance.”

He sighed and paid, leaving a large tip in the jar next to the till. He studied the tables and chose on next to the start of the book shop part of the place and settled down, draping his coat on the back of the chair. Not planning to read, he still couldn’t help dragging his gaze across the nearby books and smiling at the variety he saw. He usually took a book with him to the hospital for when he had a break, but he spent most of his time chatting with his colleagues instead.

Chloe brought over his drinks and food, and he checked the messages and emails on his phone while he drank and ate. Matteo had messaged asking for them to meet up during theirdays off that week, and Evan added it to his calendar—he didn’t want to forget like he had last time. Owen had messaged, telling him to rest up and that he’d made enchiladas for their dinner that night, which Evan had already seen in the fridge. He’d reply later about him bringing dessert home. Owen would have to wait and see what dessert he meant.

The last message was from Felix, which had him sitting straighter. His finger hovered over the button to open it, and why he hesitated, he didn’t know. Pressing it, he read it.

FELIX: Tests came back negative. We have no information about who the fingerprints relate to. Yet. We’re still looking into it. I’ll keep you posted.

Evan sighed and stared at the words. It had been over a week since he’d given the prints to them, and he’d hoped for more. Maybe he was overthinking things, and the jealous beast inside him was hoping it was something more than just someone who liked Owen. Almost as if it was easier to deal with a bad guy than it was a stalker or crush.

He replied to Felix, thanking him, and put his phone down. Crossing his legs, he stared around the cafe, cupping the last of his cappuccino and inhaling the scent. His gaze lazily slipped over the customers, seeing if there was anyone he knew, when his heart began to race. He backtracked a couple of people and froze on one person’s face. Stomach souring, he jumped to his feet, knocking the table and sending his plate and knife crashing to the floor. He cursed and crouched, picking up the shards, when Oscar came rushing over.

“Mind your fingers on those. I can sweep them up.”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention,” he babbled, trying to ignore the feeling of being watched.

“It’s fine. It happens. Don’t worry about it.” Oscar crouched beside him, lowering his voice. “Everything okay? You look spooked.”

“Yeah…” He exhaled. “Not really, but it will be.”

“Do you need me to do anything?”

Evan shook his head. “I’ll leave in a minute, and it’ll be fine.”

“Go,” Oscar said. “I can clear this up.”

“No, let me—”

“Go. I understand the need to flee, so go. It’s fine. I promise.”

Evan stared at him before nodding. He squeezed his hand and rose, grabbing his coat and phone and heading for the door.

“Evan!”

He ignored the call from one of the people he never wanted to see again and dragged his coat on as he strode down the street. Wrapping himself up as tightly as he could, he walked.

What the hell had they been doing there? He hadn’t seen them for years and thought they’d moved away. Had they come back again? His stomach rolled, and he breathed through the nausea.

Evan’s stomach churned as he settled into a chair at the dinner table. He’d been working up to this conversation for weeks, and he’d finally told himself to get it over with. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but there was no way his parents wouldn’t support him in the end. They knew Dominic was gay, and they didn’t have a problem with Evan still being around him.

He watched his mother dish up the plates of shepherd’s pie—his father’s favourite—and wrung his hands in his lap. His father entered the room and sat at the head of the table, as always.

“It smells delicious, Bernadette.” He rubbed his stomach and grinned at Evan.

His mother beamed at his father and placed the plates in front of him and Evan. “I hope you enjoy it.” She grabbed her plate and sat beside his father.

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