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“Buying me breakfast the morning after?” Joey said, a teasing note in his voice. “I must be special.”
“I didn’t say anything about buying—” I laughed as he jabbed me in the ribs. “Hey, you’re the guy with the new fancy job!”
“Fine, I’ll buy you breakfast, doctor,” Joey said. “It’ll be my pleasure.”
“Anything for your pleasure,” I said, lacing my voice with innuendo.
We made it to Griddle an hour later—after showering, indulging in each other a little more, and finally dressing for the day.
I’d sent a text to Dakota to invite her and Felipe, but they were having breakfast in bed, she said. I didn’t want to think about what they’d gotten up to while I was gone. Dakota was happy, and Felipe was a good guy. That was all I needed to know about my sister’s love life.
The hostess greeted us near the front door.
“Good morning, Dr. Willis,” she said with a bright smile. “Two for breakfast?”
“Yes, thanks, Emma. How’s your sister?”
“Oh, she’s doing much better! I’ve been making sure she keeps up with her PT at home.”
“Good.”
Her gaze flicked to Joey, then seemed to get stuck there.
“This is Joey,” I said. “My boyfriend.”
“Your…oh! Yes, of course, I know your family, Joey. Well, come right this way. Let’s get you settled.”
She led us over carpeting patterned with coffee cups—it had seen better days and could do with a serious steam cleaning—and sat us at a booth.
“How is Dakota doing?” she asked.
“Good,” I said. “She’s spending time with her boyfriend.”
“I’m just so happy for her.” She glanced at Joey, smile fading. “She’s overcome so much.”
“Yep. I’ll take coffee,” I said to hurry her along. “What about you, Joey?”
“Yeah, that sounds good.”
She set the menus before us with a strained smile. “I’ll be back to take your food order.”
She hurried away.
Joey sighed. “Sorry. This is just how it is around town.”
I shook my head. “Everyone always asks me about Dakota. That wasn’t necessarily about you.”
“You saw how she looked at me.”
I reached for his hand, squeezing. “I’ll set anyone straight who gives you a hard time.”
“I don’t want you to take that on. You shouldn’t have to.” He grimaced. “This is part of living with my mistakes, and I’m okay with that. I just wish you didn’t have to live with it too, but if you stay with me…”
“There’s no if, Joey. I’m staying. And once people get used to the idea, they’ll shut up. Dakota’s happy. I’m happy. No one else matters.”
Joey tensed, eyes flicking over my shoulder.
“Well said,” a gruff voice said.
