A little while later, I switch off the shower and we get dressed in silence. I check my phone for messages to find one from Danny, telling me that Royce’s car is ready and my stomach sinks. Somewhere deep inside I’d hoped it was broken beyond repair, forcing him to stay here a little longer despite his business meeting later this afternoon, but that’s selfish of me and something I shouldn’t wish for.
Royce is greeted at the bottom of the stairs by Romeo, who wags his tail uncontrollably as Royce strokes his fur, I on the other hand, am left totally ignored by my own dog. Seems Royce didn’t make an impression on just me.
I unlock the back door and Romeo charges out into the yard, chasing off a robin that’s perched on the fence. The sky is thick with cloud, and the snow that settled yesterday has now frozen over, making it even more treacherous than before.
I pour out some coffee and slide a cup towards Royce who leans against the counter, watching me. His stare has my heart skipping a beat as it always does.
“What are staring at?” I ask with a nervous laugh.
“You.” He takes a step closer, pressing me up against the counter and smoothing a strand of hair from my face before leaning in and taking my mouth with his.
My arms lock around his neck, my fingers diving into his hair as his tongue slides into my mouth to tangle with mine. He presses into me further, not a millimetre of space between us as he deepens the kiss, holding the back of my head, cradling it as his mouth works over mine.
We’re broken apart by Romeo who jumps up on the counter top, pushing his nose between us like he feels left out. Royce and I laugh as we separate but it’s a laughter that’s tinged with something else.
Sadness.
“I have to be at the diner soon,” I say, changing the subject.
“I guess we better get going then.”
He takes a minute to say goodbye to Romeo who whines as we head out the door.
My stomach churns the whole way into town and as we turn the corner, I see Royce’s hire car parked out the front of the garage and my chin trembles but I somehow manage to hold back the waterfall of tears that threaten to break free.
“You want a coffee before you go?” I ask as I wiggle my key in the lock to the diner.
“That’d be great. I’m just gonna go settle the bill with Donny.”
“You know full well his name isDanny,” I point out with a giggle and a shake of my head. I didn’t miss the looks they exchanged yesterday when they thought I didn’t notice. Danny has been trying to take me out on a date for some time now, and he’s a nice guy and all, but I’m just not interested.
Royce shrugs, laughing as he crosses the street towards the garage, trudging his way through the snow, taking care not to slip on the ice.
These past few months, stepping inside the diner has been tough, the thought that I could lose it all has been like a dark cloud over my head, but today, the clouds have parted and the skies are clearer with the knowledge that everything will be alright after all. Thanks to Royce that is. Taking his money still isn’t sitting right with me, but then I guess I have to swallow my pride just this once and accept his help.
The door chimes just as I’m setting two coffees on the counter.
“All good?” I ask Royce as he strides towards me.
“Yeah. Should be fine getting to the city without it breaking down on me again.”
I force a smile, fidgeting with my coffee cup.
“Are you okay?” he asks, covering my hand with his.
“I’m going to miss you,” I confess. I can hear the wobble in my voice as I speak while fighting back the sting of tears in my eyes.
He smiles sadly. “I’m gonna miss you too.” He reaches up to cup my face in his palm and I lean into his touch.
Just then, the door chimes and I look up to find Maeve walking towards us, her eyes passing between Royce and I.
“Well don’t you two look cosy!” She grins smugly, and I round the counter and embrace her in a tight hug, needing the comfort of my best friends more than ever before. “Did you jump on that beautiful man like I told you to?” she whispers in my ear.
“Maybe,” I reply coyly, rolling my eyes because as always, she’s right.
“Good girl.” She pulls back and slaps a kiss to my cheek. “Did you have a good Christmas?”
“It was great. You? Did the twins have fun?” I ask.
