Page 51 of Deep Down
Amanda left him with more questions than answers.
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Alex picked up his tray, pivoting towards his usual table by the window. The restaurant was empty except for half a dozen people, one of which was working at a laptop and had paper spread across the table in front of him. Alex smiled slowly, his teeth biting into his bottom lip as he diverted his wobbly legs to a different table within view of the laptop guy. Placing the tray on the table, he dropped into the seat, gaze locked on their profile.
Craig.
Alex’s muscles relaxed, and it amplified the tonne weight of tension he had been carrying around with him. Watching Craig flick his gaze between the paperwork and the screen, seeing him in one piece, was all Alex seemed to need to have relief flowing through his body.
He reached for his plate with trembling hands before pulling back to rub his hands over his face first. He inhaled and exhaled several times before reaching for his plate again, hands steadier the second time.
Alex didn’t want to disturb Craig when he appeared to be involved in his work, and he was content to watch. Why was Craig working at the hospital restaurant? Alex knew Craig had an office at home. Had something happened? At the thought, Alex was ready to spring out of his seat and march across to sort it out for Craig. He held himself back, the tension returning.
Alex sighed heavily, shaking his head. “You’re a fucking stalker, Alex. Get a grip.” He finished his meal quickly and clutched the tray, ready to leave without speaking to Craig. As he stood, Craig glanced over at him and did a double take.
The smile which blossomed across Craig’s face at what could only be the recognition of Alex, had Alex overwhelmed. His heart felt ten times bigger and his smile, he could tell, was radiant. Craig beckoned him over, and Alex was helpless to do anything but submit.
Craig frowned after glancing at Alex’s rubbish-filled tray. “I didn’t want to disturb your work.”
Craig’s gaze returned to his own. “It’s okay. I could do with a breather.”
Alex hesitated but placed the tray on the next table over before sitting opposite Craig. “I haven’t seen you for a while.”
“I’ve been at my parents’ house, off and on. I seem to be able to think better there than anywhere else.” Craig scanned their surroundings as if he’d overshared.
“I’ve been busy with work, too. Crazy days.” He paused. “What are you doing?” He pointed to the laptop.
Red blotches appeared across Craig’s cheekbones. “Working.”
“Don’t you work from home?”
Craig stared at the table, silent, and Alex thought he wouldn’t answer. “I do. Amanda suggested I try to work somewhere I feel comfortable…um, somewhere different, I mean.” He paused, glancing briefly up at Alex. “I’ve been struggling to concentrate at home,” he added quietly.
Alex wasn’t sure what to say to that proclamation, so he defaulted to the social niceties. “Would you like a coffee?”
Craig’s sigh was barely audible, and he nodded. Alex collected the drinks and hoped his pager would not ruin this brief interlude they had. Alex approached with two coffees and placed them on the now cleared table.
“You don’t have to stop working.” Alex sat.
“It’s all good. I need a rest.”
They sat in silence while they drank. Alex had managed a few sips before being unable to stand the quiet any longer. “What music do you like?” Social manners were a lifesaver.
Craig smiled. “I might lose my street cred here, but Bon Jovi, Nickelback, Aerosmith, that kind of thing. What about you?”
Alex grinned. “Bon Jovi is cool. I’m more of an R&B fan, John Legend, Stevie Wonder.”
“Oh, do your parents know about their trip yet?”
Warmth spread through his chest. Alex couldn’t believe Craig had remembered their conversation from weeks ago. “No. We’re telling them at the weekend when we go and visit.”
“When do they go again? I couldn’t remember when you said.” Craig lifted his mug and sipped, eyes on Alex.
“Um, I think it’s in about three months.” Alex squinted to the side, trying to figure out when their anniversary was.
“You don’t know when their anniversary is?” Craig chuckled. “Uh oh.”
“I do know. I can’t remember at this point in time.” Alex pouted and lifted his mug to hide his need to smile.
