Page 58 of Lorcan
As I headed back into toward the seating area, the smell of frying meat, French fries, and strong coffee assailed me—scents that comforted.
Cody grinned widely when I slid into the booth. He nudged my coffee toward me.
I grabbed a couple of creamers and a packet of sugar. I eyed his discarded packet of stevia. “Seriously?”
He grinned. “Yes. When Rainbow isn’t drowning me in her green tea.”
I cocked my head.
“Ah, right. You don’t—"
I held up my hand. “She’s the lady who answers the phone at the ranch.”
Cody nodded. “Yep. She’s—” His eyes took on a dreamy quality. “She’s the boulder at the center of the circle. Kennedy, her sister, is the psychologist and runs the place. She’s in charge of the clinical staff. Rainbow’s the glue that holds the ranch together.”
“Sounds like a good person to know.”
“For sure. I consider her a friend. Even when I was a patient, she was really good to me. I’ve never forgotten that kindness.”
“How long ago?” I waved off my question. “Never mind.”
“Almost ten years. I was one of the first patients at the ranch—just when Kennedy was starting her solo practice. She’s…inspiring. When I started my undergrad studies, Justin joined the practice. Proof to me that I could be gay and a good counselor. I knuckled down and got through my studies as quickly as I could. On to my practicum and then out in the world of practice. I’ve only been doing this for six months, but I’ve already had a few successes.” His face darkened for a moment. “It’s not always going to be positive. I don’t know someone who has been in clinical practice for any real length in time who hasn’t had things go wrong.”
I winced.
He shrugged. “That’s life. I accepted that when I chose this profession.”
“Yeah, I guess. I thought construction was fairly safe. I mean, downturns and shit happen…but we still made money most years.”And here you are, talking about your past again.
“Breakfast is here.” Sarabeth offered a huge smile as she put Cody’s plate of French toast down. Her blue eyes sparkled as she gave me the sunrise special. I usually ate more, but I didn’t want to consume so much in front of Cody.
Which is totally ridiculous—he’s not going to judge you.
But I would. That little pudge around my middle bothered me more than it should have.
So do something about it.
Well, that I could do. Another few weeks on job-sites, while eating properly, and I’d be in better shape.
“Can I get you anything else?” Sarabeth put the syrup on the table.
Cody and I shook our heads.
She gave a little wave and pivoted to the next table. She was one of three servers working today, and they all appeared to be run off their feet.
A quick glance outside showed several clusters of people.
“We were lucky to get a table.” Cody poured syrup on his food.
“Yeah.” I spread the peanut butter over my sourdough toast. “You don’t have any allergies or anything, do you?”
He eyed my peanut butter. “No peanut allergies—or anything else.” He leaned over. “How soon before I can kiss you again? I totally don’t mind peanut-butter breath.”
My cheeks flamed as heat surged to them. “Yeah, maybe on the walk home?”God, did I just say home? Like we’re sharing the place or something?
He grinned. “Yeah, on the way home.” He emphasized the word. “I was thinking, if you’re not too full, that we might get milkshakes to go.”
“Oh.”
