Page 5 of Into the Shadows

I shake my head, but my grin stays in place. “It’s Teddy. Well, William, but most people call me Teddy.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Teddy. I’m Charlotte, but everyone calls me Lottie.” She holds her tiny hand out, and I take it in my much larger one. Her amber eyes hold mine captive far longer than is appropriate. Add in her shiny brown hair that’s slightly messy from my helmet, and I have to force myself to look away.

“So, what are you doing in town?” A Cheshire grin stretches across Lottie’s face.

I pretend to sigh with resignation. “My grandad lived in a house out on Old Mill Road. I got a letter in the mail a while back saying he left it to me when he passed. I didn’t know him all that well, but I’m on leave for a few months and thought I’d check it out.”

“Your grandpa was Old Man Kavanagh? Sorry, Uriah Kavanagh. Just because everyone called him Old Man doesn’t mean that was his name.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Yeah. You knew him?”

“He would sit in my section whenever I worked at the diner. I barely got grunts out of him, and he always ordered the same thing for dinner—a patty melt with sweet potato fries.” Lottie gives me a sad smile. “I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to know him. He wasn’t the friendliest of men, but he always tipped me well. I once asked him why he sat in my section every time I worked. He told me my smile made his day better.” She bites the inside of her cheek. “I didn’t even know he died. I noticed he hadn’t been to the diner in a while, but I just figured he’d moved into a senior living facility or something. I’m such a shit human. I can’t believe I didn’t ask.”

I reach out to stop Lottie’s guilt spiral. “It’s not your fault. I doubt he would’ve wanted any major fanfare. If anything, I’m the one who should feel like shit. I wasn’t here to give him a funeral.”

“Were you deployed?”

“I’d just gotten back from one, yeah. I was exhausted and still trying to transition into everyday life. It’s not easy to flip the switch.”

“How long are you home?”

“Only a few more weeks. I have to be at Camp Lejeune on the twenty-first.”

“Oh…” Lottie’s shoulders slump. She visibly shakes her head and then spears me with a smile. “Then we better make today the best day you’ve ever had.”

I raise my eyebrows at her, and she smacks me on the shoulder. “I didn’t mean that.”

I laugh at how pink her cheeks are. “What exactly are you implying there, Sparkles? Nothing untoward, I hope.”

She shoves me. “You started it!”

“I did nothing of the sort. I’m a good boy.” I wink at her.

“Sure, and I’m Mary Magdalene.”

I snort. “Fair.” The time on my watch catches my attention. “Fuck, I have to go.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, I told a friend I’d meet him in Charleston tonight since I was in the area.”

Lottie’s eyebrows scrunch. “In the area? That’s like five hours from here.”

I shrug. “I didn’t have anything else to do when I agreed to it.” What I don’t say is how much I’d rather stay here and keep talking to her.

Instead, I pack the blanket and containers into her backpack and suit her up for the ride back to town. I ignore how good she looks in my jacket and helmet, as if the image won’t be burned into my memory for a while. It makes me feel like a creep. She’s practically a child, for fuck’s sake.

When she straddles my bike, she doesn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around me this time. I soak in the contact, knowing the likelihood of ever coming back here is minimal.

I take Lottie back to the diner and help her off my bike while staying astride. She pulls off my helmet and jacket, handing them to me before taking a step back. The distance between us feels like miles. It doesn’t make a bit of sense, given I’ve only known her for a few hours.

“How old-fashioned would it sound if I asked to write you letters?”

I scoff. “Pretty fucking old-fashioned.”

Lottie rolls her eyes. “Fine, then. Email? Texting? Phone calls? How can I reach you?”

I bite the inside of my cheek, contemplating my options. I shouldn’t give her anything. I’m ten years older, get deployed on dangerous missions, and only met her about five minutes ago. Yet, I find myself holding out my hand for her phone.

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