“Yeah. If you want me to be really honest, I kind of like having you around.”
Her face lit up but it was clouded by the sickness she was still feeling. Her hand went to her stomach as she let out a long breath. “I’m just popping to the restroom.” I nodded in acknowledgement and drained my cup.
The waitress that was walking around the diner came past and glanced at my cup, she held up her coffee pot silently asking if I wanted more, and I quickly nodded. I thanked her as sherefilled it. It wasn’t steaming hot, but it was hot enough to enjoy and drink while I waited for Karen to come back. A message flashing up on the screen of her phone caught my attention and I peered over at it. I moved the cup back to the table and saw the words‘happy birthday’.
I swiftly looked to see if she was around and when I was certain she wasn’t going to sneak up on me from anywhere, I reached over and tapped the screen. The message lit up again.
Holly: Happy birthday beautiful xxx
It’s her birthday? Today?
Why wouldn’t she tell me?
But then, that was Karen. I’d come to realise in the short time we’d been spending time together, that she didn’t like to be the centre of attention. She hated it in fact. If she could sink into the background…into the shadows, then she would. I think it was what got my attention in the first place. Then she wowed me with that massive heart of hers. I leaned my arms on the table again when I saw her coming back, weaving her way through the tables until she sat back down. “Feeling better?” I asked as she sat.
“Not really.”Her gaze met mine, “If you weren’t planning anything for today, then I think I’m going to have a lie down when we’re back.”
I watched her as she tapped the screen of her phone, she tried to hide the smile that formed on her lips and disguised it with a bright smile as she looked at me.
“So, is there something you want to tell me?” I fished.
Her head shook slowly, “Nope, don’t think so. I told you I didn’t feel too well…”
“Not that. Is there something happening today that you think I should know about?”
She shrugged. Her tongue rolled over her lips and wet them before sipping her water again. Just then my own screen lit up with a message:
Roman: Have you seen Karen? I haven’t heard from her for a few days.
I snorted as I read.
“What’s so funny?”Karen looked up.
“Roman’s just messaged and asked if I’ve heard from you.”
“Are you going to tell him?”
“Yeah, once I’m back. I’m on holiday.” I ignored his message for now, and turned my attention back to the beautiful birthday girl that I had the pleasure of sharing breakfast with. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yep.” She drank more of her water as I lifted my hand for the bill.
A waitress came over, “Can I get the bill please, darlin’?”
“Sure thing.” As she scuttled off, I drank the rest of my coffee.
“You sweet talker.” Karen stated.
I chuckled, “It comes naturally, sweetheart.” I winked at her with a smirk.
“I’m sure.” She answered, a little twinkle shone in her eye. After the waitress left the bill on a saucer, I turned the receipt over and pulled my wallet from my pocket and took some notes out. I left enough to cover the bill and a tip then pushed back my chair and stood. I moved to Karen’s side and offered her my hand. She pulled herself up to her feet, wrapped her fingers around mine, and gripped them loosely. I led her out of the dinerand tugged her closer as we reached the exit, pulling her into my side.
If we were going to come out, so to speak, I guessed now was as good as time as any. She lifted her chin and smiled up at me. A bright smile that held so many possibilities.
“So, is there really nothing you need to tell me today.”
“Absolutely nothing.” She was quick off the mark to reply, and I frowned. Why wouldn’t she tell me.
“It’s not your birthday then?” Her footsteps halted abruptly, stopping me too. “What’s wrong?” I lifted my chin knowingly.
