“Oh, no you don’t,” Evan declared, grabbing Cal by the shoulders and standing in front of him, blocking his view of down the street. “We’re hanging out today, and I’m starving. So, we’re getting food. Right now. No calling on any lovers,” he said this last bit while shooting me a look over Cal’s shoulder, as if to say I was included in this rule too.
“Fine, fine.” Cal put up his hands in surrender, chuckling. “I should probably let her get some work done, anyway.”
“Yeah, not like she has a store to run or anything,” Evan said, letting go of Cal’s shoulders when he was sure he wouldn’t run off.
“Where do you want to eat?” Cal asked. Evan looked around, considering his options.
“That diner looks fine,” he shrugged. Cal nodded, liking that suggestion.
“I’m kind of feeling lobster,” I interjected, casting my glance down toward the fish and chip restaurant.
“Either or works for me, take your pick.” His eyes went to the bookstore again, a smile lifting his lips and softening his expression.
“Lobster sounds good.” Evan shrugged. “Just feed me, and soon.”
We started walking, leaving our vehicles parked where they were. “Fuck, fellas. Am I ever glad she’s forgiven me for all the hell I put her through. I’m lucky she’s letting me see him without making me feel like the total piece of shit I am for leaving them both. I don’t deserve her.”
“Untrue, bro-ski,” Evan said, shaking his head. “You do deserve her. You just need toletyourself deserve her.”
“I’m trying,” he admitted, giving us a sheepish smile and scratching at the back of his head. “I had to go rescue her this morning. Felt good.”
“What happened?” I asked, sensing this was the reason for his lateness.
“Asher locked the keys in the car and she ran out of gas.” He chuckled, looking through the store windows as we walked toward the harbour.
“Just as lovestruck as before,” Evan laughed, shoving him playfully. Cal pushed back, and then he laughed too.
“I don’t care, make fun of me all you want. I’m too happy to give a fuck,” he admitted, completely oblivious.
“That’s good.” The relief I felt at his peace was immeasurable, and though I wanted to tell him what Connor truly was to me, I hesitated to take this moment from him. Evan looked at me pointedly.
“It’s refreshing, this non-grumpy version of you.” Evan grinned, knocking his elbow into him.
“Gee, thanks. I didn’t realize I was such a pain to be around,” Cal said dryly as he pushed open the door to the restaurant and walked in, Evan and I trailing after him.
We approached the hostess and the woman in her early fifties grabbed three menus. “Welcome to The Codfather,” she greeted us with a smile and led the way to one of their more secluded tables. She placed the menus down as we sat. “What can I start you out on?”
“A round of beers would be perfect. A crisp lager, if you have it,” Calum said.
“Of course, coming right up.” The woman smiled and departed to grab our drinks. A trio of younger waitresses bounced on her, whispering and casting looks in our direction. “Now, girls, remain calm please. They are here to enjoy a meal in peace, not be bombarded by fans.” I overheard her scolding.
The other patrons in the restaurant had taken notice of us too. Cal tended to command the room when he entered it. The whispers had started as soon as we’d started making our way to our table.
“I haven’t been here since the day we signed,” Evan remarked, glancing around the restaurant with a whimsical smile. “It’s changed a little since then.”
“They’ve done some minor renovations,” Calum nodded, also casting a look around the restaurant. He studiously ignored the staring patrons, returning his gaze to the table. “Anyway, tell me what’s going on with you guys?”
“Oh, not much…on my end,” Evan answered, sending a pointed look my way. “What about you, Dare? Anything…new…going on with you?”
I shot him a look. Now wasn’t exactly the time to broach the subject, especially not without Connor on board.
“Not really.” I nudged his shoe, scowling at him. Just then, a young waitress approached with a bright smile and a tray of beers.
“Welcome again,” she greeted Calum, setting the tray down and placing the beers in front of us.
“Afternoon, Adella. I think we’re feeling lobster today, aren’t we fellas?” Cal said. Evan and I both nodded and she wrote our orders down on her notepad.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
