“And don’t tell anyone I’m a Sudoku master either.”
I smile. “It’s our secret.”
14
STEFAN
I’m surprised to find the kitchen light on when I get home from The Library. Perhaps it’s Quinn, unable to sleep. I go in and stop in my tracks. It isn’t Quinn sitting at the table, but Rory, drinking what smells like instant coffee.
“You’ll never be able to sleep if you drink that.”
He looks up at me. “Probably not. But I couldn’t get to sleep anyway.”
“I thought you only drink coffee when you have a hangover.”
“That’s true most of the time. Sometimes I just fancy it.”
“At least let me get you a decent cup of coffee.”
He laughs humourlessly and shakes his head. “Don’t bother. It would be wasted on me.”
I sit opposite him. “Want to talk about it?”
He sighs heavily and stares at his coffee. “I’m not sure talking would help. Besides, I’m not a big talker.”
“I’d noticed.”
His mouth quirks into the briefest of smiles. “I appreciate your attempt at levity, but I’m not good company tonight.”
I shrug. “I don’t mind.”
“Don’t you want to get some sleep?”
“I’m a little wired after work. Some wind-down time will do me some good.” I tap the table. “Did something happen at the bar?”
He shakes his head. “It’s my birthday. I’m thirty-one today.” He checks his watch. “Well, in a few hours.”
“Wow. I had no idea. Happy birthday.”
He waves his hand. “It’s no big deal. I don’t want anyone making a fuss.” He sips his coffee. “I don’t have many happy memories associated with it.”
“Is that why you can’t sleep?”
“Ay, probably.”
I stare at him for a few seconds. “Seriously, let me make you some good coffee.”
“You’re not going to let it go, are you?”
I shrug. “Well, if you don’t want someone to talk to, I can at least be your barista. Call it a birthday present.”
“If you insist.”
“I do.”
I select the only caffeine-free coffee in my selection. The El-Fogon bean is from Guatemala, and the caffeine has been removed using the Swiss Water method. I grind enough beans to make a mug for us both and then put the ground coffee into my coffee maker. Before long, the scent of good coffee fills the kitchen.
“Milk?”
