River’s eyes widened. “Did he say if his engine light has been on?”
Rose huffed. “No. All he said was that he didn’t trust anyone but you to look at it, and he was freaking out. He said he can’t even get home, let alone out here. Believe me, I tried to get him to agree to have someone tow it here, but he made a big stink about the whole thing. Guys and their cars, right?”
River was already digging in her pockets for her keys. “What you described is pretty bad. I’d say you cut him some slack when it comes to his truck. You ready?”
Rose frowned. “I can’t go with you. Dad would have my hide if I left right now. My sisters aren’t exactly much help when it comes to organizing and getting this stuff done, and my dad said Mathew…” Her voice trailed off. “Anyway, he doesn’t have as much help as he’s used to, so I have to stay. I could see if we could spare Lily.”
River shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not like I have to go to the hospital. And it’s not even the lunch rush yet. I doubt I’ll bump into him.” She didn’t have to say Mathew’s name for them to both know who she was talking about.
If she was honest with herself, she’d admit that she was getting tired of hiding. She nearly called him last night just to see if he’d be willing to talk to her. Having the unknown hanging over her head was getting to her, and all she really wanted was for things to feel normal again.
“I’ll call you if I need anything.”
Rose grimaced. “Maybe call Emerson since he’s in town right now. I don’t think he’d want to leave his date, but if it’s an emergency, then he’s your guy.”
“Got it.” River nodded. “See you later.”
River pulled into the parking lot of the café and glanced around. She didn’t see Mathew’s car. That was a good sign, even if it made her feel somewhat disappointed. Maybe this was a sign that she should reach out to him. They could have a little chat and then decide where to go from there. If she told him to leave her alone, she had little doubt he’d respect her wishes.
Did she even want that?
The time she’d spent away from Mathew had been incredibly difficult and lonely, despite the fact that Emerson and Rose had been constant companions. The way Mathew made her feel was different.
She sat in her truck staring at the café for long moments. Would Jason think it was weird if she asked him to draw Mathewhere so they could talk without distractions? What was she thinking? She couldn’t drag Jason into this mess. And she was still very much on the fence over whether or not she even wanted to see Mathew. The next time they spoke would be difficult.
Like pulling a buried splinter from her finger.
Necessary to move the healing along.
River blew out a breath and climbed out of her truck. She shut the door and moved toward Jason’s. Light glinted off the glass of the café door, and she called out, “I’m going to need your keys so I can pop the hood.”
Then she glanced over her shoulder and froze.
Mathew stood just outside the café, hands deep in his pockets, looking like he’d been running his hands through his hair all morning. A layer of scruff darkened his jaw, and that rougher version of him did things to her she didn’t want to examine too closely.
“That won’t be necessary,” he said, though he didn’t move toward her.
Her voice came out rougher than she intended. “Why not?”
“Because there’s nothing wrong with the truck.”
Her brows furrowed. “I was told there was.”
A faint, weary smile touched his mouth. “This is Jason we’re talking about. He’d never let it get bad enough to start smoking.”
Understanding hit all at once.
Of course this was a setup.
She should’ve seen through it immediately. Rose should have too.
River folded her arms and glanced toward her truck, wondering if she should just leave—prolong the inevitable for another day.
“Don’t,” Mathew said.
Her eyes snapped back to him. “Don’t what?”
He moved closer, his hands now held up like he was approaching a wild animal. “Just… can we talk?”
