How the Light Gets In (Cracks Duet #2)(20)
“The new Stephen King.”
“Oh, I heard that’s a real page turner.”
Dylan nodded. “I enjoyed it.”
Silence fell and I scrambled for something else to say. The waitress came with our order, and I busied myself spreading jam on my scone.
“How’s Yvonne and your gran?” Dylan asked, eyes never leaving me. I was distinctly irritated by how much more relaxed he was.
“Yvonne’s good. She’s going to New York in the summer. Gran is as good as can be expected, but I’m starting to feel like the home’s not a good fit for her anymore. I’m considering having her move in with me after Yvonne leaves, but I still need to figure out the logistics.”
Dylan’s brows furrowed. “Won’t that be a lot of work?”
“There’s a carer’s allowance I can apply for so I can care for her full-time.”
“Those allowances are notoriously low, Ev.”
“Well, I don’t mind that. So long as we have enough to get by.”
His brows furrowed even deeper and I got the sense he wanted to say something but was holding back.
“What?” I asked.
Dylan looked out the window a moment then back to me. “I just think you can do better.”
“Who’s to say caring isn’t doing better? It’s one of the most important jobs a person can commit to. It’s society’s fault for belittling it and making it so low paid.”
His expression gentled. “No, you’re right. I’m sorry for saying that.”
I frowned and clasped my hands around my teacup. “Anyway, tell me about LA. Is it everything you hoped it would be?”
He rubbed his jaw. “It’s certainly different. I knew it was going to be hard over there, but I may have underestimated just how difficult. I’m trying to start my own business, and I’m full of ideas, but getting together the start-up capital has been tricky.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll convince some banker to lend you the money.”
Dylan’s eyes crinkled in a smile. “It’s a little more complicated than that.”
“You’ll figure it out.”
“Great pep talk.”
“You’re welcome.” I grinned and ate a bite of my scone.
We were quiet for a little while, just letting the sounds of the busy café wash over us. I couldn’t stop looking at him every chance I got. I was fixated by the way his tight-fitting jumper hugged his arms, how his sandy hair curled at the temples. When he caught me looking, I flushed and fiddled with my napkin.
“Why don’t you come with me to Conor’s tomorrow night? He and some of his college roommates are having a party at their flat to celebrate graduating.”
I shook my head. “Oh, no I couldn’t—”
“Ev, I’m leaving in two days, and who knows when I’ll be back to visit again. It could be years. Just give me one night.”
Man, he was hard to resist, especially with those gorgeous eyes of his pleading with me to say yes. I exhaled. “I don’t get off work until eight tomorrow.”
“Eight is fine. I’ll pick you up outside.”
“How do you know—?”
He motioned to my name tag, which had the name of the supermarket at the top. Right. I let out another long breath. “Okay, but I can’t stay long.”
“We’ll be there three hours, tops,” he said, smiling wide because he’d won me over.
“Two hours,” I corrected and stood, pulling out some money to pay for my tea and scone. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Dylan lounged back, his expression effortlessly sexy as he watched me go. “See you tomorrow, Evelyn.”
What, oh what was I getting myself into?
*
I brought a change of clothes to work with me, hoping to have enough time to change and do my make-up before Dylan arrived to pick me up. I was about two hours into my shift when I saw him walk through the sliding glass doors. What the hell was he doing here already? It was only three o’clock.
I continued to scan items, watching him before he noticed me. He looked around, eyes skimming the newspaper headlines before they headed my direction. My breath caught, and in that moment I knew. I was in trouble. I was so determined to keep my emotions out of this unexpected reunion, but I couldn’t help it. My heart beat fast and my palms tingled just remembering how I’d linked my arm through his yesterday. How without a word he’d sheltered me from the rain with his umbrella. It was little gestures like those that were just so Dylan.
He waited until I was done with my customer to approach, his smile sheepish. “I know we agreed eight o’clock, but I just wanted to stop by and bring you this.” He held out a takeaway cup and a paper bag. I took both items shyly and opened the bag. It was tea and one of the same scones I’d had yesterday.
Flutters invaded my insides.
It was a simple gesture, but it really got to me. Maybe because my life had been devoid of any kind gestures for a while now.
“Thank you,” I said quietly.
God, was I going to cry? I needed to get my shit together.
Dylan shoved his hands in his pockets, eyes intent on mine. “Right, well, I guess I’ll see you later then.”
I nodded. “Yep, see you later.”