“Well, that’s wonderful news.” Mum’s earnest tone almost has me spitting out the truth. Until I think of Emily’s fiancé. I’ve only met him once, but I fell asleep three minutes into the conversation. While standing up. If his brother is anything like him, I’d sooner become a nun. And frankly, I don’t want to risk passing on that weak chin and overbite to my potential children.
“Is it serious?” she asks eagerly.
I can’t quite get the lie through my teeth, so I shrug and nod.
“I’ll speak to Emily about adding him to the guest list. And what’s his name? What does he do?”
Damn, I should’ve thought this through before I opened my big mouth.
“He’s a barista,” I blurt. My mother looks a little taken aback. That won’t fly with my grandmother. But that was part ofthe half-arsed, half-baked, ill-thought-through plan. There’s no backing out now. “His name is Ant.”
Chapter Three
Ant
I’m back in the car park drying myself off after my surf the morning after my altercation with Lili Gordon when I get a text from the woman herself.
Lili:This is the woman from the car park yesterday. I have a proposition for you
Hah. I have a proposition or five for her, too. Many of which ran through my mind while I was taking care of business in the shower last night.
Me:Oh, yeah?
Maybe we’re on the same wavelength. I didn’t miss the way she tried not to look yesterday.
Lili:Can we meet for coffee somewhere?
Me:Sure. Today?
Lili:That would be ideal, yes. Say 11 am?
I had planned to be working on a board this morning, but it’s still pretty early, so I can spare a little time for a coffee. I text her the address of the coffee shop opposite the factory where I shape my boards. That way I’ll get in a couple of hours’ work before shearrives. Bonus, I’ll be salty and filthy. I have a feeling she might secretly love that look, although she’ll pretend, even to herself, to loathe it.
Ten minutes before Lili is due to arrive, I turn off the sander I’ve been using to shape the blank of the surfboard I’m crafting. Despite the protective gear I always wear, foam dust always finds a way to creep into any gaps. So I strip down and shake as much of it off my clothes as I can, wash my hands and face, throw my clothes back on and cross the road.
The café is heaving and short-staffed. Since Lili isn’t here yet, I hop behind the counter and make a few coffees to help out.
“Thanks, Ant, you’re a lifesaver,” Nathan, the café manager, says with a backslap.
“No worries. Always happy to help.”
It’s at that moment the object of my shower thoughts walks in. Looking all kinds of edible in arse-hugging jeans, a white T-shirt and sneakers. She spots me immediately and edges towards the counter through the crowd waiting for their orders.
“I didn’t realise you’d be working. Are you able to take a break? I don’t want to get you in trouble with your manager.” Her tone today is far more conciliatory than yesterday.
Nathan looks confused. And well he might. It’s clear Lili has assumed I’m a server or barista, but what I am is the owner. Of this café, and the one I worked in yesterday. Plus a couple of others. I help on weekends or when we’re short staffed. And right now we’re down a couple of baristas and a shift manager. But I’m happy to let Lili carry on with her assumption and see how this plays out.
“No worries. My shift just finished.” I grin at Nathan, who is a smart guy and has already worked out the dynamic.
“Off you go then, Ant,” he says with a laugh, giving my leg a flick with the tea towel he’s holding. Fucker.
“I’ll just make us some coffees.” I glare at him. Once they’re ready, I lead her to the only free table.
“So, you have a proposition for me?” I waggle my eyebrows.
“Yes. I do.” She looks up as Nathan arrives at our table with a couple of treats. “Oh, thank you.”
Nathan puts the brownies, which he knows are my favourite, in front of us with a shit-eating grin. “On the house.”
