Cold as Ice (Willis/Carter #2)(91)

‘Oh sorry. Let me order one for you.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll get it. You were busy talking on the phone; I expect the message will come through eventually. It’ll be in a few hours and it’ll say please get me a mocha latte with extra sprinkles.’

‘Really sorry.’

‘No probs. Do you want anything?’ She shook her head. Yan went and got a drink and brought it back to the table.

‘How’s it been going with you?’ he asked. ‘I see you’ve mastered Facebook. You seem to be always on there.’

‘Do I? God, I’m addicted already. I suppose it’s because it’s on my phone, makes it easier.’

‘It does everything but give you my texts. Sorry – only joking.’

She laughed. ‘Are you getting ready for the Christmas break? Does the college close?’

‘We close for two weeks.’ He smiled but Ebony could see he was bothered by something. He looked nervous.

‘Sorry I couldn’t join you yesterday evening,’ he said. His eyes fixed on hers, watching her every expression. ‘Did you have fun?’ His face betrayed the fact he was pretty sure Christian had made a pass.

‘Yes.’ Ebony smiled and gave him a sideways glance as she sipped her coffee. ‘We just had a drink or two. We met up with a couple of women from the college: Selena and Julie?’

‘Christian’s exes.’

‘Selena gave me coffee at her place earlier and she had quite a bit to say about you and Christian.’

‘Me?’

‘Actually, mainly about Christian. He seems to have quite a reputation. She thinks highly of you.’ Ebony watched and waited as Yan took his coat off and hung it on the back of his chair. It was expensive, Urban Outfitters. Must have been at least three hundred quid, thought Ebony. Jeanie had shown her some things from there and then decided that someone on Ebony Wilson’s supposed budget wouldn’t be able to afford them. ‘Has he dated a lot of women on the course?’

Yan paused, turned his eyes skyward as he thought about the question.

‘A fair few over the couple of years I’ve known him. Not Selena though; she’s one of a rare breed.’

‘Doesn’t he have any competition? He can’t be the only single dad at uni?’

‘He’s the one that does the socializing and organizes things via social network sites. He makes an effort. You must have noticed.’ She sipped her coffee and watched him sip his. He had a plaster on his hand and she clocked dirt beneath his nails.

‘What happened?’ Ebony could see the plaster peeling, two puncture wounds beneath it. ‘Looks nasty.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ve had my tetanus booster – staple gun; been doing some DIY for a friend.’ He looked sheepish. Ebony shook her head. Inside, her stomach flipped a little as she wondered whether Selena had really wanted to know about any designs Ebony might have had on Yan rather than Christian. Had Ebony missed the point? It wouldn’t be the first time. She was rubbish at judging things like that. Christ, how did she ever expect to be a good detective when a whole part of her knowledge of life was missing? She could read a zillion books on how people behave but she couldn’t tell what it really added up to. She couldn’t put it into practice.

‘Does she always call you to help with her DIY?’ He looked surprised at the question and gave her a smile.

‘Me? No. I’m far too busy. Plus I’m not boyfriend material for her. I’m not ready for fatherhood. There’s a lot of the world I still want to see.’

‘You don’t want any responsibilities?’

He shook his head. ‘Why would I? Way too immature. I want to spend my money on myself.’

She smiled. ‘I noticed the coat – very nice.’

He looked like he’d been caught out.

‘Yeah – I’m lucky. I don’t have to worry too much. I got left a house. I rent out a couple of rooms in it to pay the bills.’ He looked apologetic. ‘You’ve had it tough, I take it? Difficult childhood?’ His eyes had hardened slightly, as if he’d heard it all before and was hoping for something different from her.

She smiled, shrugged. ‘It’s all comparative, isn’t it? If I was a child growing up in Sierra Leone I’d think my childhood over here was a piece of cake. But – yeah – it wasn’t ideal.’

He looked at her curiously; his smile was back. His eyes were focused on her and affectionate.

‘It’s how things affect you personally, isn’t it?’ he said. She nodded. ‘And . . . it looks like it didn’t do you any harm. You’re doing the best you can for Archie.’ He looked around. ‘Where is Archie?’

‘My aunt’s looking after him for me. He’s got chicken pox.’

‘Un-lucky. Does she live far from you?’

‘Not far.’

‘Will you be able to get out again? It’s just that there’s another really nice group who you didn’t meet and they’re meeting up tomorrow evening for a Christmas drink if that’s any good for you? It will start at the Pear and Peach on Upper Street. Saturday nights are always quite lively in there. Could be fun.’

‘Yeah. I should be able to get out. Shall I let you know on Facebook?’