How (Not) to Fall in Love(43)

“Hi,” said Ryan, oblivious to the tension crackling around him.

“Um, we’re just about to close,” I told Ryan, pointing to the Eiffel Tower clock that indicated 9:55.

He glanced at the clock, and then turned back to me. “Cool.” He hesitated. “Do you need a ride home?”

“She drove her truck,” Lucas said next to me, before I could reply.

I glanced at him, startled, but Ryan just shrugged again, still clueless. “Okay.” He took another drink of his mocha. “So, uh, maybe you could let me know about the tickets. The Seahawks game is coming up. It should be awesome.”

I had no words, so I just mimicked his shrug.

He took a step back. “Guess I’ll head out.” He glanced around the coffee shop. “It’s not Starbucks, but this place is all right.” He shrugged again. “Kinda run-down, but I guess it’s just this neighborhood.”

Lucas stiffened next to me, his hands clenching into fists. I bustled past him, store keys in hand, gesturing for Ryan to leave. “See you later,” I said, practically slamming the door. I locked it and flipped the sign from open to closed then took a deep breath before turning around.

Lucas stood with his arms crossed, glaring at me. I flicked off the main lights, which only made him look scarier, like a gorgeous, angry statue bathed in the soft lights behind the counter.

“Who was that?” He bit out the words.

“Just some guy from school.” I busied myself picking up empty coffee mugs and plates, but nervous energy jangled through me, making me clumsier than usual.

“Is he…” Lucas’s voice trailed away, then he cleared his throat. “Are you…dating him?”

The tray of empty mugs wobbled as I glanced at him. His hands were in his pockets now, but he still looked angry. Or maybe not angry, exactly, but…something. Something not happy.

“Uh, no. He’s just…” I could hardly say Ryan was a friend, since he only showed up when he wanted a favor. He still had never asked me how I was doing. Not even once. Not to mention, “just friends” was what I always said about Lucas, and what I had with him was special, in its own way.

“Just what?” Lucas prompted, his voice low.

I set the tray on a table and looked at him. “Just a guy who has no clue about what’s really going on in my life.”

Lucas crossed his arms again, still watching me. “So what was he doing here? Besides insulting Liz’s shop and my neighborhood?”

Ouch.

I picked up the tray and walked toward him slowly, my gazde on the floor so I didn’t trip again. “He wanted something from me.”

Lucas reached out and took the tray from me, his fingers brushing mine and zapping me like they always did. “What did he want?”

I turned away to wipe down the counter. “My dad’s company has a box suite at the football stadium. Ryan wanted tickets to the Seahawks game.” I tried to force a laugh. “At least, they used to have a box. J.J.’s probably selling it. Like he’s selling our house.”

The tray slammed down, sending cups and plates clattering. I whirled to look at him. He bent over the counter, picking up the spilled cups, his hair hiding his face.

“Are you okay, Lucas?” I didn’t know what was happening, or understand the energy rolling off of him in waves. I could practically reach out and touch it.

He ignored me as he washed dishes in the sink.

“I used to think I was in love with him,” I said, surprised by my confession. “If you can believe it.”

Lucas stilled, then straightened and turned to look at me. “I can believe it. Girls are suckers for a pretty face.”

“You would know.” Oh my God. I’d said that out loud. And I couldn’t take it back.

He watched me silently, waiting. I turned back to the counter, scrubbing hard, wishing I could erase my words the way I erased the coffee stains.

“But you’re over him,” Lucas said from behind me.

I nodded, but didn’t turn around. “There’s not much to be over,” I muttered. “He never really knew me. And he’s not very…aware of what other people are going through.”

Unlike you, I wanted to say, but this time I kept my mouth shut.

We cleaned up and avoided eye contact. After I closed out the register and hid the cashbox in Ft. Knox Fairyland, we left together. Lucas waited while I locked the alley door, Toby nudging his hand for petting.

I really wished for a light in the alley tonight, because the dark made me want to walk closer to Lucas. But I didn’t.

He held the truck door open while Toby jumped inside and I climbed in after him. I started the Reaper and Lucas closed the door, then gestured for me to roll down the window.

“Sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to be a jerk earlier. But that guy…” He shrugged and turned to look down the dark alley.

“It’s okay.” I swallowed over the lump in my throat. Where had that come from? I reached over to pet Toby. “Thanks for the walk today. For telling me about your dad.”

“I’m always here for you, Darcy.” His voice was quiet. “Whatever you need.”

I nodded, unsure of how to reply.

He stepped away from the truck, pulling up the collar of his leather jacket against the wind. “See you later, Shaker Girl.”