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“Now you’re just bein’ kind.”
She shakes her head, adamant. “You know you turn heads, Decker, don’t pretend like you don’t have the goods.” She blows into her mug, and my eyes catch the movement. Suddenly, I imagine her lips around me, teasing my tip as I struggle not to let go too early.
If only she knew how much I want to give her those goods.
“What if—” She presses a finger into her bottom lip, as if she really shouldn’t say what she’s about to.
Just as she’s about to go on, we both jump in surprise when Mahini calls out, “Mom! I’m home!”
We spring apart: Pearl smoothing her hair down, even though it’s perfectly in place.
The look we share is mirrored with longing and regret.
Get a damn handle on yourself!
“In here!” she shouts back.
“Whose truck is parked… Oh, hey, Mr. Sterling,” Mahini smiles when she sees me, then frowns when she sees Pearl. “Mom? What happened?”
I marvel at the love in her eyes, and also the horror when she runs to Pearl, concern etched all over her face.
“There was an accident, sweetie, but I’m fine. Decker drove me home.”
“But you have a bandage on your arm.”
“It’s nothing major. They think it’s a small fracture, honey. I’ll be as right as rain again soon.”
Mahini is the spitting image of her mom, and a sweetie to boot.
“Did it hurt?”
“No,” Pearl says honestly. “But the adrenaline kicked in, so by the time we got to the hospital, they gave me some painkillers. Decker gave me a ride.”
I know Pearl doesn’t want to tell Mahini the complete truth, and I get why. She’s just a kid, and she doesn’t need to worry.
“Well, it’s settled then,” she says, hugging her mom. “Mr. Sterling will have to stay for dinner.”
My mouth turns up. “You know you can call me Decker,” I remind her. “I’d much prefer it.”
She smiles. “Okay, Decker. Will you stay for dinner?”
My eyes shift to Pearl, whose cheeks have a slight flush to them. I want nothing more than to stay, but she needs to rest. “Would a raincheck be okay?” I ask, giving her a lopsided smile. “I think your mom has had a pretty big day, and I have to lock up the café.”
“Okay.” She clicks her fingers, as if she’s just thought of a brilliant idea. “I could cook us dinner. Mom, maybe you need to lie down?”
Now I feel like an asshole for leaving her.
She waves her daughter off. “I’m fine. I’m not an invalid. And we can have takeout tonight to make life easier.
“That’s a great idea,” I put in. “My treat.”
“Decker, you don’t have to do that,” Pearl starts.
“I want to. It’ll give you the night off, so it’s worth it in my book.” I turn to Mahini. “What do you feel like eating?”
“I’d love pizza, if that’s okay?”
“Pizza it is.” I hand her my phone since I’m useless with technology. “But you’ll have to do it because I’m old school and don’t have any apps on my phone. I could Google the number?”
