Page 31 of The Bookshop of Forbidden Books

“It was another lifetime.”

“I see. You brought me to eat at your ex’s restaurant.”

“You don’t see. We were close, but not like that.”

“Whose choice was that? His or yours?”

“Both. It’s more complicated than it sounds.”

“If it’s so complicated, why are we here?”

“Can we change the subject?” Anna asked abruptly. “I know we barely know each other, but I really don’t want to lie to you.”

“You know quite a lot about me, actually, even though I haven’t managed to learn much about you. Try to think of me as a friend. Like Aomame and Fuka-Eri.”

“Do you remember every character in the books you recommend?”

“The ones that have stayed with me, yes.”

Anna gave a small nod. “José’s had some problems that I’m responsible for. He didn’t try to contact me after I left. I’ve been afraid to see him since I got back, but you’ve given me the courage I needed.”

Mitch let a few beats pass before saying anything.

“Did you ever try to reach out?”

“Like I said, it was another lifetime.”

“Do these ‘problems’ have anything to do with the long trip you won’t discuss?”

But Anna’s reaction had nothing to do with Mitch’s question. Her chin began to tremble slightly, her hand reaching clumsily for the glass in front of her. Her eyes were fixed on a broad-shouldered man who’d just entered the dining room and was heading straight toward them.

When he reached their table, José gave Mitch a curt nod – the kind that says I’ve decided not to acknowledge you – before addressing Anna.

“What are you doing here?”

“I know you’re angry with me. I’m so sorry. But I swear, I didn’t know a thing until this morning.”

“Why would I be angry with you?”

“Because of what happened to you.”

“What are you talking about, Anna? You have nothing to do with my life anymore.”

“Walter mentioned a serious incident back at the brasserie… I thought—”

José shook his head disbelievingly. “You think too much. And you should keep your thoughts to yourself,” he snapped, glancing darkly at Mitch. “I punched the head chef at Les Trois Cousins in the face. He had it coming. Took a hit professionally, but I bounced back. I run the kitchen here now. And I’m proud of every dish that leaves it.”

“It’s phenomenal,” Mitch piped up, hoping to ease the tension. They both ignored him.

José slid into the booth next to Anna and refilled her empty glass from the bottle of wine on the table. He drank it down in one swallow, then sighed heavily.

“Good lord. Why did you come back?”

“Because I had to. Why does it bother you so much?”

“You didn’t exactly leave quietly. The cops came to the brasserie, questioned everyone. And—”

He stopped, eyeing Mitch.