She waited, wanting to know.
“Yet I do. Want to be like him. He was successful in the world. Gave me money and security. Forced me to do better all the time.” His laugh was derisive, and he pushed a hand through his hair. “I’d like the success without the numbness. He had nothing soft inside to give anyone.”
Damn him for making her heart squeeze. This was the first real thing he’d ever said. Rowan sat with the confession, sensing he didn’t need sympathy or a pep talk. He simply needed to say it to another person.
She nodded. “You’re not like that with Kelsey. She knows you love her.”
Their gazes met. Those sooty depths pulled and trapped her. Her skin prickled.
“I’m back!” Immediately, she broke the intense eye contact. Kelsey dropped back in her chair. “Churro time, right?” She glanced back and forth between them. “Did you talk about me?”
Rowan grinned. “We were absolutely silent. Stared at each other without blinking. Almost a staring contest. It was terrifying.”
“Like Bagel does?” She took a quick sip of her Shirley Temple. “I think Dad’s afraid of him.”
“Am not.”
Kelsey giggled. “Rowan, tell the truth. Do you think Dad is scared of Bagel?”
Her throat tightened. How odd. This was the perfect time to break the tentative truce and put things back where they should be. It was a silly secret, anyway. Everett’s steady stare told her he wouldn’t be surprised if she exposed him. They’d all laugh.
But she’d promised.
“I don’t think so. Your father finds him odd, but not scary. If we’re going to close this out in style, I’d suggest the affogato with the churros.”
“You’re so badass,” Kelsey said, looking at her with admiration. “I wish you could come to dinner all the time.”
The waiter arrived to save her from answering and they ordered. The churros were sugary and hot, cinnamon puffing, the chocolate thick and glossy. The affogato was creamy and bittersweet. The espresso bit through the vanilla, cold and hot melding together.
Everett took a bite and made a low sound of pleasure. Rowan looked away. Watching him eat something that pleased him was more intense than she imagined.
Finally, they surrendered. The check arrived, and she didn’t fight to pay her portion, simply offered a thank-you. She noticed his signature was precise and slanted. He wasn’t afraid to take up space.
They stood up, and Kelsey grabbed her hand. Rowan hid her surprise, but then Kelsey slipped her other hand into Everett’s grip, creating a bridge as they walked out. Her heart sped up.
They looked like a family.
“Can we give you a lift home?”
Rowan shook her head, dropping Kelsey’s hand as they reached the parking lot. The air smelled like plumeria and sunscreen and fried things. “No, I drove. Thanks so much for a lovely dinner.”
“You’re welcome,” Everett said.
Kelsey sighed. “It was the best dinner ever.”
She smiled. “Agreed. I’m proud of you for being adventurous. Three p.m. Monday?”
“Yes! Dad, you can only watch if you promise no phone.”
Everett’s mouth twisted. “That sounds ... impossible.”
“Adventurous,” Kelsey teased. “Like bone marrow.”
He laughed. The sound filled Rowan’s ears and tightened her chest. His face softened as he looked down at Kelsey, his obvious love for her evident in the moonlight.
He ruffled her hair. “I’ll try.”
It was too much. Rowan craved her safe home with Bagel and her sofa, where there was nothing to think about or feel. With a rushed goodbye, she fled to her car and drove as fast as possible, trying not to think of the consequences of the simple dinner.
