Page 13 of Forever After All

"That's…really lovely." Her eyes soften slightly behind the frame of her glasses.

Her sexy fucking glasses.

"It is." I nod my head firmly and smile in her direction, and for once, she has nothing sarcastic to say in return. Ha.

Opening the door, I usher Alice in, to be greeted by the redolence of sweet, buttery pastry and coffee. My stomach grumbles and I place a hand over it to try and stop the noise becoming audible for all to hear. I could eat a whole fucking pie and still go back for more. Looking around, I spot an empty booth and nod to Alice so she knows where we're aiming for, and she nods in return, like she knows we’re on a mission to get there before anyone else.

"Oh my god. Hey, Carter.” A sweet, yet high-pitched voice draws my attention away from the booth I have my eye on. One more step away from me stuffing my face full of pie.

"Oh, erm, hey. How's it going, Belle?" I answer far more awkwardly than I intend. I may be retired now, but I still don't like having attention drawn to me in public, especially if I can avoid it.

Belle is a sweetheart. She is the daughter of Jim and Ange, the owners of Pie As You Feel. In her early to mid-twenties, she’s a tiny little blonde. Five-foot-fuck-all with a huge heart and would do anything to help anyone. I have watched Belle grow up, and it's funny to me, seeing her turn from teenager with afull-blown attitude, to an incredibly polite and all-round young woman.

"Good, thanks, I hope you're well too? We haven't seen you in such a long time," she replies sweetly.

"No, I know. It's been a while. I was in town for a meeting."What a lie."I'm just here to grab a slice with my friend, Alice."

"Hi, Belle, I'm Alice. The friend he's talking about." Alice shoots a beaming smile in Belle's direction and waves as she weaves through a couple of people to get to the free booth.

"I beat you, loser," she mouths triumphantly as she sits in and shuffles across the black and white leather seat.

"It was really nice to see you, Belle. I'll come in and catch up real soon, okay?"

"Okay, that'd be great. Mom and Dad would love that. I'll let Mom know you're here. Someone will come over and take your order soon." Belle heads back to the counter with her ponytail falling down her back which sways as she walks.

I slide into the booth opposite Alice and feel the worn leather creak as I make myself comfortable.

"Soo, who is Belle?" The words tumble out of Alice's mouth and it looks like she surprised herself by asking.

"She's an ex."

She bristles ever so slightly, but catches herself and regains composure straight away. My god, I love winding her up. It'stoo easy.

"Oh. That's cool. She seems sweet." There are a few seconds of silence, followed by "Isn't she…a little young?"

"She's in her early twenties." I act nonplussed and shrug.

"Nothing wrong with an age gap, I guess," Alice chirps then picks up the menu.

"My god, Alice. She's almost young enough to be my kid. She's not my ex. Her parents own this place." I try not to be offended she thinks I’d date someone so young.

"My god, Carter, you're a dumbass," she mocks.

"I really am." The easy rise I got out of her causes me to grin.

Alice picks up the menu and hits me on the arm with it.

"That's abuse!" I shout at her jokingly, but Alice's demeanour changes and she sits back as far into the seat as she can and drops her shoulders, not taking her eyes off the menu.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, loud enough for me to hear.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm only playing," I reach out to pull the menu down with my finger so I can look at her face.

"Please don't joke about that."

"Are you okay?" Something feels a little off and a look of concern grows on my face.

"I'm fine. Just hungry."

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