It wasn’t my place with Enzo. I wouldn’t ever put myself between them emotionally.
My place was to be a friend. I had to keep that reminder on a permanent loop through my mind.
By now, I should be heading back home. Instead, I was in a coffee shop, hiding away from a huge decision I had to make. One I wasn’t sure I could.
“Ryker?”
I flickered my eyes away from the window as my name was spoken from the seat across from me.
It was the last person I would have expected to see here, of all places.
“Collin.”
“Why do you look like you lost your puppy?” He took a seat, inviting himself to sit with me.
His eyes took me in. I’m sure I did look like I’d had better days.
“Life.” I shrugged.
“Hmm. Well, can I give you some advice?” Like I could stop him. He leaned back in his chair as much as he could. “Whatever you’re overthinking about, don’t. Don’t think. Just let things play out.”
“And how would you even know what I’m thinking?” I hadn’t meant for my tone to be so clipped, but thankfully he ignored that.
“Scarlett. She talks to me. I know what’s going on. She always keeps me in the loop on things that bug her. And things that she can’t fix herself.”
I blinked at him, confused. I knew Collin and Scarlett were family friends from the one time I’d been brought in to look over some numbers for the family. Trying to make a family of criminals look legit was a lot harder than it sounded.
“She has a soft spot for two people who I believe are now in your care.”
All I could do was nod.
“And that look is something I’ve seen on her face, and a few others over the years. Same look I’ve had myself when my loves came into my world. Feeling helpless? Scared?”
“You have no freaking clue.”
“But I do. So, my advice,” he repeated, leaning forward over the table slightly, “is don’t overthink. Listen to them. Watch their cues. Be there when they need you. Things will work out.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Guess that’s all I could do. “Why are you in this part of town, anyway?”
“Emily.” He nodded towards the girl who was waiting for coffee at the counter. Her back was to us. “It’s our date night. Coffee was demanded.”
“Glad things are working out for you.”
“They will for you, too.” He tapped the table, then stood. “Keep in touch. I’m a phone call away if you need anything.”
The house was quiet when I arrived back home. At first, I worried that both Emery and Enzo had left without a word. I wouldn’t have chased them if that were the case. But then, I found Emery on the couch, messing around on the tablet I had gotten him.
“Hey,” I greeted, shutting the door behind me.
“Hi.” His eyes lifted to meet mine. They seemed to be clearer now, thankfully. He tilted his head to the side.
I tried to ignore his look as I slipped off my shoes and made my way farther into the house.
“Where’s Enzo?”
“Shower.”
I wanted to ask if they’d talked, but instead, I kept my mouth shut. It wasn’t my business.
