7. Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven
Zahir
T elling myself not to be concerned about Andre and actually not being concerned were two entirely different things, and when my houseguest stepped through the back door, a sense of relief flooded me.
“Hey.” He strode over to the cabinet with glasses, grabbed one, and headed to the sink. “Oh, is this safe to drink?” His hand was poised near the tap.
“Yes, it’s safe. Comes from a lake and is filtered.”
“Cool. I know not everywhere has safe water.” He filled his glass and then drank nearly the entire glass.
I watched his throat working as he swallowed, and a little fluttering happened low in my belly.
He looked amazing in his running shorts and tight-fitting, pale-blue T-shirt with a gym name I didn’t recognize.
Hardly surprising, though. I cleared my throat—as if I could also clear my thoughts. “Good run? ”
“Yeah.” He looked a little sheepish with his crooked grin. “Well, I was running. And then I ran into a guy and his dog—Lorcan and Mei. Man, everyone’s so friendly. He just randomly invited me to walk with him and his dog. I figured…sure. That’s what people in small towns do, right?”
A chuckle escaped me. “Well, not everyone. But yes, we have friendly folk. Lorcan’s a really good man. Mei’s adorable.”
“He said Mei and Daphne get along. Oh, has she been walked today? Because I can take her out.”
I shook my head. “She’s good. I was thinking I could take you out for breakfast. That’ll give you time to figure out what you’re going to do about Demetrius—unless you’ve already figured it out.”
Slowly, Andre nodded. “You said you were okay if we all met here?”
“Of course.”
“Then…I think that. Not public, that’s for sure. And, uh—”
“You’re not comfortable going to his house?”
Andre shook his head.
“Then we invite him here. Do you want to do that right away? Get the ball rolling?”
“It’s barely eight.” Andre squinted at his phone. “I can’t believe I was gone that long. I sort of lost track of time.” He met my gaze. “I hope you weren’t worried.”
“No. You’re an adult. I figured you’d find your way home.” Although I would’ve felt better if you’d taken the money . Ah well, money couldn’t solve all problems.
Andre tapped his phone against his thigh. “Maybe I should text Demetrius? How would eleven o’clock be? Not a mealtime, so there’s no…feeling like he has to bring something? Does that make sense?”
“That does make sense. I’d say go ahead and text him. If he wants to bring Alaina, she can go for a walk with Daphne and me. ”
Andre’s eyes widened. “I thought you’d be here.”
I rose from my chair and moved to his side. “If you want me here, then I’ll be here.”
“But I should suggest he bring his daughter?”
I considered. “Well, she’s old enough to be left alone. Just be prepared he might ask to bring her. She’s welcome. Along with their schnauzers Gizmo and Gus.”
“Two dogs?” Andre rubbed his face.
“Yes. I’m certain he’ll leave them at home—but I just want you to be prepared in case he asks.”
“Right.” He nodded. “What do I say?”
“I’d say you can make it as simple as extending an invitation to come here at eleven. Understand, though, he might not be able to make it.”
Andre shut his left eye as if he was thinking really hard. “It’s Saturday, right?”
“Sure. But people have plans on Saturdays as well as other days.”
“I used to work Saturdays. I worked any day I could.” He winced. “I didn’t mean to say that.”
“It’s okay.”
“Thanks.” He bit his lower lip. “Although I’m not certain what I’m thanking you for.”
“For being friendly and helpful?” I offered a smile. “Go ahead and text. If it’s too early, he won’t answer.” God, please be gentle, Demetrius. Andre’s a scared freaking rabbit — ready to bolt at the slightest startle.
Although I was damn curious, I didn’t ask to see the text Andre sent. He was pouring himself another glass when his phone buzzed.
He glanced at it. Slowly, he smiled. “He said he’d be here at eleven and is looking forward to it. No mention of Alaina or dogs. Should I…? ”
I shook my head. “Looks like he’s got things under control. So how about you shower, and I take you for breakfast at Fifties?”
Andre nodded. “Yeah, I need a shower first—if that’s okay.”
“No problems. I’ll play with Daphne.”
Daphne raised her head from where she lay on her bed in the kitchen—one of many beds—and eyed me. Damn. She knows I’m going out. She won’t be pleased. But she would get to see Demetrius later—one of her favorite people—so I’d likely be forgiven.
I sat on the floor with her and gave her plenty of ear rubs and scritches.
“You know you’re not hard done by. You were totally spoiled at Quinton’s house.
And we snuggled all through last night. You acted like I’d completely abandoned you for an eternity—which, for the record, I did not. You’re here. I love you.”
She licked my nose.
“Yes—all the affection you could ever want or need.” I chuckled.
“Are all dog owners so…loving?” Clear amusement rang in Andre’s question.
I gave Daphne one final ear rub before I rose.
I met Andre’s gaze. “I’m going to say not.
And not all dogs are as snuggly as my girl.
Plenty only want affection on their terms. Mine will take all attention anytime and anywhere.
I love her for it. We’re a good match.” Especially after Marty died, and I lost my puppy as well as my husband.
Then our canine died of a broken heart and— Nope.
Not going to go there. Must think of better things.
Like a healthy Daphne and a clearly nervous Andre. “You ready to go?” I smiled.
He nodded. “It really helps I don’t have any hair to wash.”
“That is true. Bald by choice or—”
A laugh burst from him. Such a refreshing sound.
“Uh…sort of? I was going bald in a really bad way and so I’ve decided to shave my head.
Bit of a pain but better than the alternative.
I just couldn’t imagine my self trying to be a personal trainer while having no hair on the top of my head but having it around my ears. Just…yuck.”
“Well, bald suits you. Sort of sexy.” Shit. Shit. Shit. I did not mean to say that out loud.
His smile was a little shy. “I would say so as well. I get way more people trying to pick me up since I started shaving my head.”
“I can see why.” I grabbed my keys off the counter.
Daphne leapt up—but stayed in her bed when I gave her the signal. She then plopped back onto her butt.
I grabbed a green treat for her.
She held out her paw. She was a quick study. The sooner she did a trick—any trick—the sooner she’d get her treat.
So I gave her the green thing and hustled Andre out the door.
He chuckled. “She’s well trained.”
I opened the door to the garage and gestured for him to go first. “Yes, she is. Or I am—totally depends on your perspective. Our dog trainer, Torah Dixon, gave us plenty of great advice. I follow it…mostly.”
“Got it.” He slid into the passenger side of the SUV.
“We could walk, but I don’t want us to feel rushed.”
He snorted. “We have almost three hours.” Then he cleared his throat. “You think that won’t be enough time?”
“It will.” I backed out of the garage, hit the remote door button, and drove toward James Street. “It’s also going to be sticky and humid. Although the walk to the restaurant is nice, it’s a pretty steep climb back up.” I hung a left onto James Street and started down said steep hill.
“Tell me about Fifties.”
I grinned. “Better just to show you. Plenty of options on the menu and oh crap. ”
“ Oh crap what?”
“Well—“ I hung a right onto the Lougheed Highway heading toward the diner. “There aren’t a ton of healthy options. I mean, I guess omelets and stuff.”
“I’m good with unhealthy food. I don’t indulge much—but I do allow myself a variety of foods.” He guffawed. “You really think I don’t eat junk? I ate Chinese food last night.”
“Well—” I turned left into the diner parking lot, nabbed one of the last spots, and thanked whomever I needed to that the line wasn’t out the door yet.
The place was often hopping busy. Early on a Saturday morning was a bit of a crapshoot.
“I thought we chose relatively healthy Chinese food. Nothing fried.” I cut the engine.
“No, but lots of stuff made with sweeteners.”
“Like sweet and sour pork.” I opened my door. “Point taken.”
He got out of the SUV as well. “I’m not complaining. I went for a long run and then a long walk this morning—it all balances out.” He shrugged. “A little bit of any food is usually okay.”
“You look like you work out and eat healthy all the time.”
Another chuckle. “I try. But I’m not perfect—and I certainly don’t expect others to be.”
I gestured toward the diner. “Be prepared for a treat.”
He stepped inside first, but I was hard on his heels and so the smell of fried food, ketchup, and something else assaulted my senses—in a good way.
“Hey, Zahir.” Sarabeth approached us. The curvy, bubbly woman had a huge smile on her face. “It’s been a while.” She cast a glance to Andre. “For two?”
He nodded.
“Great. We’ve got two double seaters near the back—grab whichever you like. ”
With that, she was off toward the kitchen.
I put my hand to the small of Andre’s back to guide him toward where we needed to head. Crap. I can’t just put my hands on a man —
He leaned back into the hand and offered a small smile. He mouthed thank you .
I returned his smile. “Back booth then?”
“Sure.” He headed that way with me just behind him—keeping my hand to direct him even though he clearly didn’t need it. This place just wasn’t that big.
He tucked himself into the seat facing the restaurant with his back to the wall.
As I slid in, he grabbed a menu. “Okay, I’m going to ask what’s good because I always value your advice. So give it to me straight—don’t pick things just because you think they’re healthy.”
I burst out laughing. “Fair enough.” I grabbed my menu as well—not that anything had changed in years. “Marty and I used to come here every Sunday morning. He enjoyed the trucker’s breakfast, but invariably we had leftovers.”
“Leftovers are the best. I can’t believe how many milkshake flavors there are.”
“Yep. I sometimes come in here just to grab one. I think, over the years, I’ve tried all the flavors.”
Andre arched an eyebrow. “Even black licorice?”
“Yum.”
He made a retching noise. Then, as if catching himself, bit his lower lip.
“Oh, no worries. It’s an acquired taste. Look, they’re open twenty-four hours and so serve everything. If you want a milkshake, go ahead and order one. Or whatever else tickles your fancy. ”
He went back to scrutinizing the menu. Then he met my gaze. “What are you having?”
“Waffles with blueberries and whipped cream.”
“And maple syrup?”
“And genuine maple syrup.” I shrugged. “Very Canadian.”
“I think I’ll have that too.” He licked his lips.
“Two glasses of water.” Sarabeth caught my gaze. “Because you always have water.”
“Guilty.” I waggled my eyebrows.
“Coffee?”
“Yes, please.” My body wanted caffeine badly. “Oh, I should introduce my friend Andre.”
Sarabeth nodded with her blonde ponytail swinging. “Nice to meet you, Andre. I’m Sarabeth—as you’ve already figured out. Coffee for you as well?”
He nodded.
“And we’re ready to order.” I shut my menu. “Two orders of waffles and blueberries—with whipped cream. Oh, and I’ll take a side order of bacon.”
Andre grinned. “Me too, if that’s okay.”
“Of course.” Sarabeth grabbed the menus. “I’ll be right back with the coffee.” Then she was off again.
“She seems…happy.” Andre cocked his head.
“I would say she is. But then everyone has concerns, right? She just can’t show it while she’s working.
” I had heard Sarabeth had a rough home life—sick mom and disabled brother.
One would never know it by the way she bounced through the day and handled everything brilliantly here. “Now, what do you think? ”
Andre gazed around the diner—with the posters from the fifties, the bopping music, and the charm the place always held. At least that’s how I saw it.
“It’s a classic. My mom sometimes took me to a place like this on Davenport Road. Very much like this. If the food is half as good, I’ll be in Seventh Heaven.”
“And if it’s better?”
“Then I’ll have you to thank and I’ll be grateful.” He offered what I thought of as his shy smile. “Tell me more about Mission City.”
And so I did.