Page 26 of The Vampire and the Barista

“Okay, thanks.” Jamie looked across the table at Gavin, who had his head down and was wiping his eyes. “Gavin, are you okay?” he asked softly.

Without looking up, Gavin shook his head.

Owen moved down a seat and put his arm around him. “It’s okay, little brother, we’ve got you.”

“Sorry, Gavin,” Dave said, jumping up and quickly walking to his side and hugging him from behind, while texting Hunter.

Jamie looked at Ivan with concern.

“I’ll tell you later.”

Jamie nodded as Thomaz stood up, holding Diablo.

“Here, Gav, have puppy snuggles,” he said, handing the puppy to him as Bruno walked over and laid his head on Gavin’s lap.

Gavin took the puppy and mouthed, ‘thank you’, rubbing his cheek on the puppy’s head, while stroking Bruno.

Tyres were heard screeching to a halt outside, and a moment later, Hunter and Taha came running back in.

Dave and Owen moved out of the way, and Hunter dropped to his knees beside Gavin.

“I’ve got you, sweetheart,” he said softly, pulling Gavin into his arms, being careful of Diablo. “Let’s go upstairs, okay?”

Gavin nodded and pulled back, giving Bruno’s head a final stroke and handing Diablo to Dave.

“Hunt, I’ll contact your clients for you and rearrange all of them,” Taha said to him.

“Thanks, Ta,” Hunter replied, standing up and holding out his hand to Gavin, who took it and stood up. He waved to everyone and let Hunter lead him out of the kitchen.

“I’m off, or I’ll be late,” Taha said, looking concerned.

“He’ll be fine with Hunter,” Louise assured him. “Dave, maybe in a bit you can message Raz and Mathis.”

Dave nodded. “I can do that.”