How (Not) to Fall in Love(30)

She smiled at me and tossed a loopy, hand-knitted shawl around her shoulders. “I trust you completely, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I know you do, Liz. And thanks for asking Lucas to stop by. I’m sure he’ll be…helpful.”

She waved good-bye and zoomed out of the store like a whirlwind. Charlie met her out front and enveloped her in a hug. They waved to me and then disappeared into the night.

Lucas showed up about nine thirty. I glanced at the Eiffel Tower wall clock. “You’re early. We close at ten.” I was irritated that he was such a distraction, much as I tried to ignore his effect on me. I wanted to think about my Dad, and I was anxious to get home to look online for more henges. I’d already texted Sal that I wasn’t coming to the party. She was bummed, but she’d get over it.

Leaning against the counter, Lucas watched while I washed plates and cups. “I know when closing time is, Shaker Girl. But Charlie’s shop closes at nine, so I’ve got time to kill.” He grinned. “I thought I’d grace you with my company.”

I rolled my eyes. “Make yourself useful. Take out the trash. Sweep the floor. I’m still finding beads everywhere.”

His smile faded. “That sucks. You should’ve let me help clean up that day.”

“I’m kidding.” I narrowed my eyes. “But you should let Pickles come see me again for a jewelry lesson. We’d have fun.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you? You realize that little kids are terrorists in disguise? They just wait for the right opportunity, and then wham! They’ll take you right out.”

“Chicken,” I accused. “Afraid of your own sister?”

He wandered behind the counter and grabbed a dishtowel, then took a wet cup from my hand and dried it. I was surprised I wasn’t electrocuted by his fingers touching mine. He, of course, was completely unfazed.

“My sister is going to run her own army someday,” he said. “Meanwhile, she’s got me to boss around.”

I handed him another cup to dry. “You just have to know how to handle little kids,” I said. “They aren’t that complicated. The boys, especially, are easy to manage since they aren’t as smart. Even when they grow up.”

He flicked the towel at me and I jumped out of the way, laughing.

By the time ten o’clock rolled around, I’d forgiven him for not falling in love with me. Maybe it was better being friends. We probably had a lot more fun that way.

Lucas was in the alley taking out the trash when the front door swung open. Damn. I’d forgotten to flip over the closed sign and lock the door.

“Good evening.”

I looked up to see an older man in a tweed blazer and matching cap. He brushed snow off his shoulders and smiled at me. “The snow just started and I see you’re about to close. Can you make me a quick double-shot cappuccino, extra dry, and I’ll take it to go.” He looked around the café. “Where’s Liz tonight? She’s the best barista in town.”

“She left early.” I paused. He must be a regular, so I turned on the charm. “I’m Darcy. I started here a few weeks ago.”

“Ah. I’m Herbert. I’m sure you must be a fabulous barista, too, if you’re working for Liz.” He rocked back on his heels and waited for his drink, smiling like a kid at Disneyland.

Thanks to Lucas and his extra dry obsession, I wasn’t freaked out by Herbert’s order. I held the pitcher of milk under the steaming rod and cranked up the frother, releasing more steam. The milk bubbled noisily.

Would I be able to predict Dad’s route, if I mapped all the henge towns? Could I figure out where he was going based on where he’d already been?

The steamer sounded like a train whistle, jarring me back to where I was, but not before the milk boiled over, scalding my hand.

“Damn!” I dropped the pitcher, hot milk spilling all over my shoes and the floor.

“What happened?” Herbert peeked over the counter, alarmed.

Tears burned in my eyes as the hot milk burned my skin. I ran to the sink to put my hand under cold water.

“Darcy? Are you all right?” Lucas was at my side, his hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see his beautiful eyes raking over me with concern.

I shivered at his touch and closed my eyes, dying of embarrassment. “I will be.” So stupid. My first screw-up in weeks and it happened when Lucas was there to witness it.

“She burned her hand,” said Herbert. “I’m not sure what happened. I just heard her yell and then she dropped the pitcher.”

Lucas leaned over the sink to look at my bright red skin. “That’s a bad burn. You might need to see a doctor.”

“What? No. Absolutely not.” This was mortifying. “It’s not a big deal.”

Herbert cleared his throat. “Any chance I could still get my cappuccino? Already paid for it, you know.”

Lucas glanced at Herbert, then at me. He rolled his eyes. “Sure,” he said, “but then we really need to close up.”

“Double shot, extra-dry crappucino,” I muttered to Lucas. His sideways smile stopped my heart.

He zoomed around like Super Barista, cleaning up the mess I’d made, preparing and handing Tweedy his drink in a few efficient moves, then escorting him to the door. Lucas locked the door behind him and flipped the open sign to closed.