Page 19 of With Us

“Oh. Well, I’m glad you noticed those guys. So, uh, thanks again.”

He scanned me one last time before lifting his chin. Turning without another word, he took a seat a few rows back and pulled out his phone.

Putting my earbuds back in, I went back to pretending to read. A small amount of tension left my body, some of the warmth and happiness resurfacing as I thought about my date.

After dinner, Theo had walked me to my subway station before promising to be in touch.

I was already looking forward to it.

Chapter Three

In the Rain

Dahlia

Sneaking a couple muffins to the side, I worked on my pre-opening tasks. The coffee was ready for me to start. Cups, stirrers, sugar, and cream were all restocked. I began transferring the baked goods from their boxes to the trays in the display case, nearly jumping out of my shoes when the bell above the door jingled. I always locked up after the pastry delivery, but I’d been elbow deep in a mess left by the weekend crew.

Safety first, dummy.

“Sorry, we’re not open ye—” I started as I turned around. “Luc?”

His clothes were wrinkled like he’d been sleeping in them. Which was at total odds with his face, since he looked as if he hadn’t slept in weeks.

His jaw was unshaven, dark circles prominent under tired eyes.

“Hey Dahlia,” he said with a smile, though it was small. “Theo sent me.”

I braced, not sure what to expect. I hadn’t heard from Theo at all over the weekend. He hadn’t struck me as the type to follow the imaginary three-day rule, but one date didn’t make me an expert on the man.

“Okay,” I drawled hesitantly.

He shook his head. “Everything’s fine. He got called out of town for work, and he’s unreachable by phone, so he sent me. He wanted me to tell you he’ll call you as soon as he has service, and he’s sorry he wasn’t able to get in touch sooner.”

There was a rush of emotion and racing thoughts at Luc’s words, but I wasn’t going to pause to evaluate in front of him.

Instead, I smiled. “And that meant coming in at,” I paused, glancing at the clock, “not even five in the morning?”

He shrugged. “Following boss’ orders.” Looking beyond me, some life came back into his eyes. “He did, however, mention there might be baked goods in it for me.”

“Deal.” I bagged up a big selection. “I don’t have coffee made yet, sorry.”

“That’s okay, the sugar from these should work.” Taking the bag, he pulled out a hundred and set it on the counter.

“Didn’t Theo tell you the new rule?” I pushed the bill back to him.

“Yeah, he did,” he said around the scone he was already inhaling. “But I’m not the one taking you out on dates.” He turned and headed for the door before adding over his shoulder, “Lock this behind me until you’re actually open.”

As soon as the door closed, I turned the lock. I bit back my smile as I thought about Theo.

Outside of employees who had to call off, I couldn’t remember the last time someone wanted me to know where they were. More importantly, I couldn’t remember the last time I wanted to know.

But Theo thought it was important enough to send Luc. Maybe he thought I was freaking out about him not calling. And maybe I had a little.

Whatever the reason, it was sweet and thoughtful.

Not for the first time, I found myself looking forward to getting to know him better.

It helped he wasn’t a total walnut.

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