Page 24 of The Prince and the Double Shot
“I’m pretty sure that he’s not here today. I think Di came in to cover. Talk to her about the ball. I’m sure that she’s coming.”
“Alright, alright. I’ll… talk to her.”
“Maybe talk to her about all of it, Zane. After all these years, don’t you think it’s time you let people truly know you? I think you’re amazing, kid.”
“Alright… That’s cryptic and a little scary.” I backed away and felt like I was walking on quicksand. Was I sinking into the ground? Did I need a rope? What did she know?
“Not meant to be. Enjoy your day, love. I’ll pop in later for a cup.” She looked up at the tree branches and smiled. “It really is a beautiful day.”
I walked quickly back the way that I had come. I walked through the courtyard and stood in front of the door. I was flummoxed. What did she mean by that? What did she actually know? It was more than I thought. Dammit, I really was an idiot, wasn’t I? But I don’t think she truly knew. If she did know, this would have been a very different conversation. Lies, the kind of lies I told wouldn’t endure me to anyone.
Secrets were hard to keep if there was even one other person who knew them. Wasn’t that what Phil said?
My secret would ruin me. It would change everything, and to keep it, so would I.
Di waved at me through the door, and I noticed a small line inside the shop. Fuck…
I opened the door, and the coffee aroma overpowered my senses.
“It looks like you're late.” I turned to find Phil sitting on a chair and sipping a coffee. “A double espresso shot. It’s yummy.”
“Hi… I… uh… I walked around to see if I could… Here you are.” I laughed uneasily.
Gravity – it pulled me.
“Here I am. I was on my break and thought… why not?” He lifted the cup to his mouth and took a sip. “And… Well… I thought maybe I’d see you.” The way his mouth pulled up into a smirk made my cock twinge.
“You did?” I shifted, hoping to stop the wood from sprouting.
“I… Yes, I did.”
“This is awkward, huh? Sorry, I…” I ran my hands through my hair.
“No worries. I know you need to clock in or… get to work, as they say.”
“Yeah, it looks a little… busy. I better…”
“Sure. I’ll just sit here and… watch.” His chuckle was musical.
“Watch me?” I lifted my eyebrow.
“I… I only meant that I’m on a break and…”
“Do you wanna, maybe…” I shrugged as if the answer couldn’t ruin me. “When I get off?”
He sighed and twisted the cup in his hand. “I don’t think I have a reason not to. Do you?”
“I could meet you at six.”
“Why don’t I just come here then?”
“Here? Sure, if you want.”
“I’ll see you then.”
Di slapped my ass as I walked around the counter, and I couldn’t stop myself from staring at him as I helped the customers. When he left, he gave me a little wave, and I watched him walk into the distance.
“Hi… remember me?”
