I was protesting to save face, but in my heart, I knew he was right. I just couldn’t seem to stay on the right side of the road over here. I wasn’t the best driver back home, but over here was a nightmare for me. I had been looking forward to visiting his cabin in the Smoky Mountains for months.
“Remind me why you’re not going up there yourself? You just got married, what about a honeymoon?”
“We’re both teaching this semester and couldn’t both take off. We wanted to get married on the third of January because that was the date George’s parents were married. Since they’re not with us anymore, we wanted to honor them in some way.”
“That’s really sweet, man.”
“Yeah. It meant a lot to George. Anyway, we’re planning on a cruise after the semester is over, but for now, we’re stuck in town. I know you’ve been going through a big transition in your life right now. This is the first time you’ve been free since you left the church all those years ago. Well, even then, you weren’t free, were you?”
During the conversation, we’d walked into the new coffee place and gotten in line. At the mention of all I’d been through the last several years, I heaved a sigh and let my head fall forward. “No, I wasn’t free. But now that I can do what I want, I’m lost.”
Bruce clasped a supportive hand on my shoulder and gripped me tightly. “Seb, you just need a little time to yourself to think. That’s why I suggested you go to the cabin for a while since you’re over here. It’s a gorgeous place to relax and not feel pressured. We just need to find a way to get you to North Carolina without putting the population on the roads at risk.”
We got to the front of the line, and the young blond working there took one look at me and froze. I recognized him immediately as the guy who’d fucked around with Josiah and me the other night. He’d tried so hard to get my attention after Josiah had left, but
I hadn’t been in the mood. I pretended to be oblivious now, so I wouldn’t embarrass him at work. He already seemed to be too flustered as it was. He was silent for so long that his coworker poked him in the ribs.
“Sampson, what the hell, man, take their order.”
The cutie blinked slowly, then flushed all over in embarrassment and croaked, “What can I give you?” He flushed a deeper shade, then cleared his throat and tried again. “I mean, how can I serve you, sir.” I couldn’t help smirking at the obvious intention behind those words. In any other situation, I’d have been all over him, but my mind was still on Josiah, even though I probably would never have a chance there again.
Bruce gave the blond, Sampson, his order, and I just got a bottle of water. Coffee had never been my thing. It always tasted like bitter hot water to me.
Sampson kept trying to get my attention the whole time he was making the drink for Bruce. He would lean over a little lower than he needed to, and his ass would be in full view in his slim jeans. His tee would rise up when he reached for something, and then he’d try to catch me watching.
He finally got done and handed the drink to Bruce, who was clueless about the production Sampson had made about getting it made.
When he finally handed me my water, Sampson let his hand brush mine a little too long. I loved the attention, no doubt, so I wasn’t going to be rude.
“Thank you so much, Sampson.”
The boy looked like he was going to swoon when I said his name. As I followed Bruce to a table, I thought maybe I should forget Josiah and give this a chance. He was interested, and Josiah had made it clear the way he felt. Hadn’t he?
But just as the thought hit me, I looked up and saw where we were going to sit. Or, more specifically, who we were going to sit with. Bruce made a beeline for the table and greeted its inhabitants while I tried to get the fucking fluttering in my stomach under control. I had fucking butterflies for this guy.
“Josiah, fancy seeing you here. Presley, nice to see you again. You both remember Sebastian, don’t you?”
Josiah looked as shocked as I felt, but he recovered quickly, even though there was an obvious blush in his cheeks.
“Bruce, hi. It’s so nice to see you. Of course, we remember Sebastian. Have a seat.”
We took the two empty seats at the table, and Bruce moved around, so I’d have to sit by Josiah.Damn.Presley and Bruce started a conversation, so Josiah and I were left in silence. I wasn’t sure whether to start talking or not, so I just drank my water and listened.
“Yeah, I just openedthe place, but it’s going pretty well so far. I’m so glad you stopped in. How do you like it if you don’t mind me asking?”
Bruce took a sip from his cup, and a rapturous look came across his face. “It’s wonderful. Presley. The best latte I’ve had, ever. I’m gonna tell everyone to come over here and get their coffee fix from now on. You’ll be swamped in no time. As soon as the college students find you, you’ll be made.”
Presley smiled so big it had to hurt his cheeks. I could tell he wanted to bounce in his seat by the way he kept shifting from side to side in his seat with nervous energy.
“Awww, thank you so much! I’m doing my best to make it perfect. I’ve decided to add some goodies, too. Maybe some muffins or scones soon. Sampson says he can do them for me, so I’m going to give him a try.”
Josiah seemed to stiffen at the mention of Sampson, and I wondered if he remembered him, too. He didn’t stick around for very long the other night,certainly not long enough to be introduced, but he must recognize him. He was definitely memorable. I was startled from my thoughts by Presley speaking to me.
“So, what brings you two out this morning, Sebastian?”
Bruce started talking before I could even start. “I was taking him for a quick driving tutorial before he leaves town, but in all seriousness, he sucks.”
“Hey, that’s not true.” I had to pretend like he wasn’t right. I didn’t want to look like a fuck up in front of Josiah.
