Page 40 of Boulder's Weight

I freeze mid-pour, coffee nearly spilling over the rim of the cup.

"What are you talking about?" I manage, but the words sound weak even to my own ears.

Boulder leans forward, elbows on the counter, voice dropping so only I can hear. "You told me you were just visiting—here on vacation. Astra just said you moved here. Which is it, Montana?"

The nickname that had felt intimate just days ago now sounds like an insult.

"Can we talk about this later?" I ask, glancing at the other guys in here, who've moved to a table but are watching us like hawks.

"No," Boulder says, his green eyes flashing. "I want to know now. Have you been lying to me this whole time?"

Heat rushes to my face—part embarrassment, partly furious at being cornered like this. "It's complicated."

"That seems to be your answer for everything," he snaps.

Astra appears beside me, her presence a silent show of support. "Everything okay here?"

Boulder straightens, his expression closing off. "Fine."

I finish preparing their coffees with shaking hands, setting the cups on the counter with more force than necessary.

"That'll be 150 pesos," I say, unable to meet his eyes.

Boulder slaps a 500-peso note on the counter. "Keep the damn change."

As I open the register, Astra clears her throat. "Kelsey, why don't you take your break now? I can handle things for a bit."

Before I can protest, she adds, "I insist."

The look she gives me says this isn't actually a suggestion.

I untie my apron, noticing Boulder watching my every move.

"Ten minutes," Astra says. "You two can use the patio out back. It's empty right now."

Boulder's jaw works as he considers this, then he nods curtly. "Fine."

He grabs his coffee and heads toward the back door without checking if I'm following.

I glance at Astra, who gives me an encouraging nod.

"Go on," she says quietly. "Better to deal with this now than let it fester."

With a deep breath, I follow Boulder through the café and out onto the small patio area where customers sometimes sit with their laptops or books.

It's deserted now, the afternoon heat keeping most people indoors.

Boulder stands with his back to me, shoulders tense, staring out at the small garden Astra maintains for the cats to explore.

"Why the fuck would you lie to me like that?" he asks without turning around, his voice tight with controlled anger.

I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling cold despite the heat. "I…" I hesitate. "I didn’t want to complicate anything."

He turns then, his expression a mix of hurt and frustration. "That’s such shit, Kels. Why the fuck would lie to me? You think you gotta protect my precious heart or some shit? Fuck, I don’t do this! I don’t fuckin’ care about the women whose legs I slide between."

"I didn't exactly lie," I protest weakly. "I just... didn't correct your assumption."

I don’t bother commenting about what I think he just said.

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