Angels at the Table (Angels Everywhere #7)(6)

“Oh, no worries there.”

He frowned now. “Why not? You’re wonderful.”

She blushed with his praise. “No time. First, it was because I was in culinary school and working part-time to pay tuition. And now, well, now Mom and I are struggling to get our restaurant up and running. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to do all that needs to be done, let alone have much of a social life.”

The waitress returned to the table for their orders and they each chose a light breakfast. The conversation didn’t lag once.

Their plates had long since been removed and they’d each drank two or three additional cups of coffee before Lucie happened to glance at her watch and notice the time.

“My goodness, it’s almost four,” she gasped as her hand flew to her heart. The hours had simply evaporated. She found it shocking to realize they’d been sitting in the all-night diner for the better part of three and a half hours.

With a sense of panic Lucie reached for her purse, and slid out of the booth. “I have to work today.” She couldn’t believe she’d let the time get away from her like this. She’d be fortunate to get three hours’ sleep before working a twelve-hour shift. Her mother had urged her to take New Year’s Day off, but Lucie didn’t feel she could refuse the extra hours. Not when the restaurant paid time and a half for working the holiday. They could use the money.

Right now every penny counted. Their goal was to open Heavenly Delights on March first, but seeing how much time everything took, Lucie had come to realize that that was an optimistic estimate.

Aren reached for her hand. “Let me walk you to the subway.”

“Okay.” She didn’t want to leave, but she really didn’t have a choice. As it was, Lucie had already been up for the last twenty-four hours. “I don’t mean to rush away but …”

“It’s all right, I understand.”

“Oh, Aren, I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed myself more. You’re so easy to talk to.” For a good portion of their evening she’d found herself sharing with him things she hadn’t told her coworkers and friends. Her eyes had filled with tears as she spoke of her father, who had passed away eighteen months earlier of complications from what should have been a routine surgery.

Her brother lived and worked in Texas and had a young family, so it was just Lucie and her mother. And Wendy had health issues of her own. As a type 1 diabetic, Lucie’s mother had to carefully watch her diet and insulin levels.

Aren reached for his overcoat. “I was just thinking how interesting and fun you are.”

He’d already taken care of their tab, so they were free to leave.

“I’d like to see you again,” he said as they walked down the sidewalk toward the subway station.

“I’d like that, too, but …”

“But,” he said, finishing the thought for her, “you don’t know if a relationship is possible just now.”

“Yes.” She was grateful he’d put it into words for her.

“I understand, but we both just said what a good time we’ve had. I don’t think we should be so willing to simply walk away from each other. The least we could do is get to know each other a little better. I can’t speak for you, but this is the first time in two years that I’ve felt like myself. I’m starting over and I’ve met someone wonderful and I don’t want it to end after one night.” His steps slowed to match hers as they continued walking. “According to my sister I’m a great guy and—”

“You are a great guy.”

“And I happen to think you’re pretty wonderful yourself, so what do you say?”

They arrived outside the subway station and Lucie hesitated.

“Can I kiss you again?” he asked. “Maybe that will persuade you.”

“Yes, please.” She leaned toward him and automatically slipped her arms around his neck.

Their first exchange had been pleasant. The second, after coming to know each other a bit more, was several multiples better. This time she did hear music, but it was the sound of a happy heart.

As soon as they broke apart she realized how badly she didn’t want to abandon this fledgling relationship.

Aren held her gaze, awaiting her response. Bracing his forehead against hers he offered a suggestion. “Tell you what.”

“What?”

“Rather than walk away, give this some thought, okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“I think I know what you’re thinking. We’re high on emotion and caffeine, and more than a little exhausted.”

That had been exactly her thought process.

“Take a week.”

“A week,” she repeated.

“If you decide this feeling is something you’re interested in exploring then we’ll meet again on January seventh at four o’clock.”

“January seventh at four o’clock,” she repeated.

“Seven days,” he repeated, “to think this through properly.”

At the moment seven days seemed entirely too long to wait. Lucie was ready to make her decision right then and there, feeling as she did now. Still, a heavy responsibility had fallen onto her shoulders in regard to this restaurant. Now wasn’t the time to get involved with someone, even if that someone was as wonderful as Aren.