All They Need(47)

Flynn tried to think of something to say that didn’t have the word ass-hat in it again.

“Must have been a bit of a shock,” he finally said.

Another grim smile from her. “I thought I was in my own version of Pretty Woman. I mean, it doesn’t get much better, right? Working-class girl goes overseas, meets incredible guy, falls in love, and it turns out he’s rich as well. Cinderella, eat your heart out.”

He started the car and pulled out into traffic.

“The bit they don’t tell you in the fairy tale is all the stuff that happens after the happily ever after,” Mel continued after a short silence. “Like when Richard Gere’s friends won’t accept Julia Roberts because she doesn’t know all the rules, and how Cinderella wasn’t the type of girl King and Queen Charming wanted their son to marry.”

He flicked a look at her. She was gazing out the window, an infinitely sad expression on her face. “I’m sorry.”

She glanced at him, surprised. “For what?”

“For asking the question.”

She shrugged. “It’s not your fault that the answer is so sucky.”

They were both silent for the remainder of the drive to the burger place. He turned to face her once he’d pulled into a parking spot.

“Just so you know, this place has no ambience, unless you count graffiti gouged into the tabletops and a few old Coke posters. On the plus side, there’s no concrete and not a single waiter with an attitude. Plus the burgers are awe-inspiring. I recommend the burger with the works, but I’m a pig like that.”

Mel smiled faintly. “Are we talking egg and beet-root?”

“And pickles, and caramelized onions.”

“I’m in.”

He ordered while she slid into a booth toward the rear of the restaurant. He slid in opposite her and they immediately bumped knees. She shuffled along the seat and he did the same, and still they bumped knees.

“Okay, these booths were clearly made for midgets. I think we need some strategy here,” he suggested. “Staggered knees. It’s the only way this is going to work.”

“Staggered knees?”

He reached under the table and found her knee. He guided her left knee to the right of his, then did the same with her right knee so that they were effectively interwoven.

“Oh, staggered knees. Why didn’t you say so?” she said. Then she started laughing.

He watched her, a smile playing about his mouth, aware that she needed the tension release.

“Sorry. That just tickled my funny bone.”

“You have a great laugh,” he said.

Her gaze slid away from his and she reached for the straw dispenser. She pulled a straw free and fiddled with it, and he could almost see her casting about, looking for a safe topic of conversation.

“I didn’t get a chance to tell you—my sister has organized a working bee at my place this Saturday,” she said after a few seconds. “I showed her your plans and she got all gung ho. So, we’re going to build my cascading garden beds sooner rather than later.”

“It’s a pity it’s this Saturday, I could have helped.”

“Busy washing the cat, are we? Having a violin lesson?” she joked. “My brother tried all of those excuses before my sister nailed him.”

A part of him that he hadn’t even known was tense relaxed. She was back in form, the bleak look gone from her eyes.

“Your sister sounds scary. And my alibi is water tight—we’re having a family meeting to discuss Dad’s care.”

She immediately sobered. “Because of what happened on the weekend?”

“In part. The thing is, if we don’t take the chance to talk to him now, we may lose it forever. This way, we’ll at least know we’re doing what he wants. Small comfort at the end of the day, but it’s something.” He realized he was going on about his parents again and sat up a little straighter. “So, have you thought about what you want to grow in your veggie patch yet?”

She eyed him sympathetically. “I don’t mind talking about your parents, Flynn. You don’t have to change the subject.”

Their meals arrived before he had a chance to respond. Mel gave an appreciative whistle as she inspected hers.

“Not bad. And I’m a bit of a burger connoisseur.”

“Wait till you taste it.”

She took a big bite. “Oh. Wow. I may need a moment alone with my burger. And a cigarette for afterward.”