I smirked. "Where's the fun in that?"
Before he could answer, someone else approached the table. I glanced up to see a smartly dressed guy carrying a couple of takeaway bags. He set them on the table, then glanced between us with a curious look. To Rowan, he said, "Friend of yours?"
Rowan looked a little flustered but managed to spit out, "Uh, yeah. This is... Elias."
Elias? Rowan never called me by my full name. It wasn't technically a big deal, but the way it rolled off his tongue felt too formal. Then again, I did catch him by surprise.
The guy raised an eyebrow as his lips curled into a smile. "Oh, so this is Elias." He extended a hand toward me, shaking mine with a firm and confident grip. "Marcus Carter. Nice to finally meet you. Rowan's mentioned you."
"Has he?" I sent Rowan a quick look, but he just gave a tight, slightly awkward shrug.
Marcus slid in next to Rowan with an easy, practised motion. Up close, I could see how put-together he was. Pressed shirt, hair styled just enough to look effortless. His watch probably cost more than my rent – I’d shot enough people with designer accessories to recognise the type.
He leaned back comfortably and draped an arm around the back of Rowan's seat. "He talks about you a lot, actually. All good things, of course."
I forced a grin and tried to ignore the knot in my stomach. "Good to know I'm not being trashed behind my back," I joked.
I wanted to ask more questions, but I couldn't figure out how to do it without sounding weird. Rowan glanced between us and fidgeted a little in his seat. Marcus didn't seem bothered, though. He just kept giving me that easy smile, and I suddenly got the feeling I'd interrupted something.
That's what I get for showing up out of nowhere.
I cleared my throat and grabbed my bag as I stood. "Actually, I should probably sort out where I'm crashing before it gets too late. I'll let you guys get back to your day."
Rowan frowned slightly. "You're not staying with me?"
"Nah, I'll grab a room somewhere. Don't want to intrude."
"You're not. You can stay at mine like you always do."
Any other day, I'd have taken the offer. But I couldn't bring myself to do that now. "It's fine, Ro. I'll hit you up later."
He seemed ready to protest, but then he just nodded. "Alright. Let me know where you end up."
"Will do." I tossed my bag over my shoulder and gave Marcus a quick nod before slipping back outside.
I wandered down the street, letting my feet carry me along the familiar paths. The town hadn't changed much, and in some ways, that was comforting. The old shops were still there with their familiar window displays. The smell of fresh bread from the bakery drifted through the air to mix with the faint scent of coffee from the café.
But as I walked, my mind kept drifting to Rowan and Marcus sitting there together. I knew Rowan had his own life here and routines that I wasn't a part of. But I hadn't heard of Marcus before. Rowan usually mentioned the people he spent time with, at least in passing.
Actually, he probably did and I just missed it.
I shook my head to clear the thought away. Rowan didn't owe me updates on every person in his life. Hell, I had a whole world in London that he wasn't a part of, either, and plenty of connections he didn't know about. That's just how it went when you grew up and moved on.
Before long, I found myself heading toward a small hotel nearby. It wasn't anything fancy. Just a cosy, comfortable place with rooms that overlooked the park. I'd stayed here several times on past visits, and it was always a quiet, familiar retreat. Exactly what I needed right now.
I pushed open the door, and a hint of polished wood and cheap coffee greeted me. The receptionist looked up and smiled when she saw me. Recognition sparked in her eyes.
"Welcome back, Mr. Knight. It's been a while. How long are you staying this time?"
I pulled out my wallet as I approached the counter. "Aweek, I think, if you've got the space."
She nodded and started to type on the computer. "Got the usual room available if you'd like it."
"That'd be great. Thanks."
As she sorted out the paperwork, I glanced around the lobby to take in the familiar framed photos on the walls and the quiet hum of the overhead lights. Once I had my room key, I headed upstairs. I'd wait for a bit to text Rowan.
I felt oddly comforted by the familiar creak of the floorboards under my feet as I made my way down the hall. The room was as I remembered it. Modest but clean, with a view of the park just beyond the window. I set my bag down on the bed and sat for a moment to take it all in.
