“Sorry. Dog slobber.” Inwardly, I winced.
He laughed. “Totally fine. Another first for me. I’m having a bunch of those today.” He didn’t appear upset about that, so I let it go.
“This is delicious ice cream.” Quinton’s grin lit the room. “So, Andre, how long are you staying?”
“Uh—” Andre shifted.
“Up in the air. He’s got time, and I’m happy for the company.”
Quinton met, and held, my gaze.
Please don’t ask awkward questions.Maybe inviting him in hadn’t been such a good idea after all. I’d just thought a bit of a breather after the call to Demetrius was in order.
“I’m…connecting…with people.” Andre held Daphne a little tighter as she settled into his lap.
I arched an eyebrow at her.
She didn’t appear the least bit perturbed.
Well, at least she likes him—that’ll make things easier.
Chapter Six
Andre
Quinton seemed like a neat guy. He told a couple of cute stories about Daphne, his family’s rescue pup Puff, as well as his children. I sort of figured out they were his stepchildren, but I liked how he basically claimed them as if they were his.
Eventually, Quinton left for work, after Zahir gave him the gifts for Melodie and Trevor. Almost as soon as he was gone, Zahir yawned. He shrugged sheepishly. “Still on Toronto time. It’s almost midnight.”
“Oh?” I looked at my phone. “But it says nine.”
“Your phone adjusts the time. I need to get you the Wi-Fi password so you’re not using data. Do you have a laptop?”
I shook my head. “I sort of do everything on my phone. If not, I go to the library or an internet café. Although those are disappearing.”
“Yes, they are. Well, the library’s just a few blocks from here. If you explain you’re my guest, I’m certain the librarian can issue you a temporary card. The woman with long red hair is Loriana. The shorter woman with black hair is Marnie. I believe there are a couple of otherlibrarians—or at least people who work there—but I can’t remember their names. I’m ashamed to say I don’t go to the library often.”
“You don’t read?” This made me curious.
Zahir chuckled. “Oh, I read. But I have an e-reader and borrow digital books or audiobooks from the library. Or I just buy the books outright from an e-retailer.”
Slowly, I nodded. “I don’t read enough. I have a tough time with it…so I just don’t.”
“Are you dyslexic? Or something like that?” He closed his left eye. “Sorry. Way too personal a question.”
I shook my head. “I was never diagnosed—but I think that’s because Mom didn’t want them testing me. I believe she was afraid they would categorize me. She worried a lot.”
“As good moms do. Still, if you’ve got something going on, it might be worth knowing. I’ve heard of coping mechanisms for people with all kinds of learning disabilities. Or any other stuff that might come up.”
This time, I shrugged. “I don’t know. I just…don’t know.”
“Well, something to consider. Now, I’m going to take Daphne out for a walk, and then we’re headed for bed. She sleeps with me, so you don’t need to worry about her disturbing you. And you’ll likely have your door shut. Sleep as late as you want, okay?”
“I…uh…thanks.”
He cocked his head.
I shifted in my seat. “I’m a morning person. I like to get up and exercise.”
