“Teasing tourists is an Australian tradition,” Rusty said as they sat down. “I can’t help it.”
“You’rethe tourist, here,” Blake said.
“The principle remains the same.” Rusty’s chair creaked as he sat back in it, stretching his legs out under the bright yellow table.
Marcus’ bakery was a comfortable, inviting place. Blake could imagine early morning meetings with Jude here.
He’d promised to think about the offer, and hewould, but he expected to say no. It was such a big risk, and Blake had never been a big risk taker.
“You were good with Kayla,” Blake said as Marcus brought their coffee and cupcakes over. “Something I should know?”
Rusty shrugged. “I’ve got a lot of little cousins,” he said. “I like kids. Other people’s kids, anyway. I’m not sure I’d want to own one.”
Blake laughed at that, taking his coffee cup in both hands to warm them up. He was waiting eagerly for Rusty’s verdict on the coffee.
“This smells good,” Rusty said, practically pressing his nose to the rim of the cup. “And in a proper latte glass. Definitely makes a good first impression.”
“It’s not wine,” Blake pointed out.
Rusty shook his head. “Nah. Wine’s all much the same. This iscoffee, and it’s important.”
He took his first sip, humming softly and closing his eyes. “First decent cup I’ve had since I left home,” he murmured after a moment, turning to nod and raise his glass to Marcus.
Marcus smiled over at him, looking pleased with himself.
“Thanks for bringing me here,” Rusty said. “I didn’t think you were really listening when I was complaining about the coffee.”
Blake shrugged. “I listen.”
“I’ve noticed,” Rusty said. “It’s nice to have someone around who does, for once.”
Blake sipped his own coffee, not entirely certain he had a good response for that. His first instinct had been to tell Rusty he was welcome to stick around, but he knew that saying that aloud would be a bad idea.
Even if it was true. Having his company on a more permanent basis wouldn’t have been the worst thing. RustygotBlake, in a way no one had before or since.
Of course, they’d only spent a handful of days with each other so far. Maybe that was why it seemed like they got on well.
They’d recovered quickly from their first fight, though. That seemed like a good sign.
“So are you gonna take your mate up on his offer?” Rusty asked between mouthfuls of coffee.
“I don’t know,” Blake said, feeling that was the most honest answer. “It’s… generous. And tempting. But… I don’t know.”
“What’s stopping you?” Rusty asked.
“My life?” Blake shrugged. “It’d be a huge change, I’d be moving back here, I don’t know if I’m cut out to do this as a job, what if it ruins my friendship with Jude?”
He hadn’t put any of those questions into words yet. He definitely needed someone to talk to about this, and if Rusty was willing to listen, then Blake intended to take advantage of that.
Not take advantage. It didn’t feel like doing that at all. Rusty was listening eagerly, and with interest.
Blake suddenly understood what he meant about it being nice to have someone who did that.
“You seem happy here,” Rusty said. “And it’s a nice little place.”
“It is,” Blake agreed. “I guess… I just don’t know. I need time to think about it.”
“Well, if you also need to talk about it, I’m listening,” Rusty said. “I do want you to be happy.”
