Ami scooted over slightly to allow Leo room near the register, but didn’t leave. She almost leered at him. He nodded at her, but focused his attention on Maya. “It gives me an excuse to come and see you.” His eyes were hopeful. “What do you say, Maya? How about dinner?”
“Leo.” Maya raised an eyebrow with exaggerated patience.
“Lunch?” he pressed.
She shook her head at him.
“Coffee, then. Surely you can do a cup of coffee?” He leaned on the counter, his grin sexy and inviting. Another woman would have melted. But Maya was unmoved.
She sighed and ignored Ami’s encouraging look. “Honestly, you flatter me. But—” she handed him his box and took his money “—my answer is the same as always. I don’t date.”
Ami gawked.
Leo chuckled softly. Again, it was probably sexy to other women. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He took his change and turned to leave. At the door he turned to look at Maya. “Maybe you’ll change your mind someday.”
“Goodbye, Leo.” Maya was friendly, but firm. He opened the door and walked out.
Ami rounded on Maya. “What’s wrong withhim? Did you notseehim?” She leaned her elbows on the counter and gazed dreamily at Maya. “Have you ever seen eyesthat blue?” Her grin turned salacious. “And I swear I could see muscles through his coat.” Ami sighed and waved her hands at Maya without waiting for an answer. “Do you have something against completely hot guys—” at this she widened her eyes “—wholikeyou andask you out?”
“Aren’t you married?” Maya tried to laugh it off. Leowasquite attractive.
Ami simply shrugged. “I’m not dead,” she said. “I can certainly appreciate an attractive man—even if you can’t.”
Maya sighed. “I’m just not interested. I don’t date.” She stared back at Ami. “Don’t you remember all the disasters I’ve had over the years?” Ami had tried to set her up with various men over the years, but Maya could never bring herself to feel anything for them.
“Yes. But now Sam is back andyou knowhe’s moved on. So maybe that’s enough for you to move on, as well.”
“Sam being back has nothing to do with it.” She ignored that annoying little voice inside her head that said,Yeah, right.
“Maya, save me the denial. You and I both know I’m right. Admit it, this Leo guy is cute. I saw you blush.”
“But...okay. He’s kind of cute.”
“Yes! Yes, he is.”
“But he asks me out every time he comes in here. Isn’t that weird?”
Ami rolled her eyes. “No! That’spersistent. Go out with him. One date. What could it hurt?” She softened and placed her hand on top of Maya’s. “It’s time to move on. You deserve a life outside your daughter and this shop.”
Maya recalled another boy who had been persistent, and the memory warmed and saddened her all at once. She was living in the past and it had to stop. She locked the door and began to close up for the evening.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
SAM
Maryland, 2012
SAMTOSSEDASIDEhis covers and turned over his pillow. He lay on his back and stared up at the glow-in-the-dark stars and planets on the ceiling. Even the universe seemed intent on robbing him of sleep. He gently heaved himself out of his childhood bed, grabbed a sweatshirt against the December chill, and softly made his way downstairs past the kitchen to the bar. He poured himself two fingers of his father’s best bourbon and made his way to the sofa in the dark. He started to take his regular seat on the far end, and jumped up when he hit feet.
“Samantha?” He squinted at the form on the sofa.
“Yeah, Dad. It’s me.” She shifted her feet and sat up.
“Can’t sleep?” He sat down beside her.
“I miss Mom.”
Good thing it was dark enough that Samantha couldn’t see his face. His own lack of sleep was due to memories of Maya that continued to invade his thoughts. Same woman, keeping them both awake.
