Finn rolls his eyes. Tom clamps a hand around his wrist, holding his stare. “I mean it.”
For a second I fear we’re about to have a repeat of the whole Calvin situation, right here in this little café. Tom calms down and lets go. Finn steps back, rubbing his wrist.
“Fine. Fucking cock blocker. See you at Heatherfell.”
“Yeah, love you too, Finn. Don’t tell your mother I’m here, aye?”
Finn flips the finger as he walks off.
My fingers tighten around my mug. I barely tasted the matcha, knocked it back too fast, tense from Finn’s little stunt with my palm.
Should I tell Tom? No, better not. I don’t want to stir up something that doesn’t need stirring. Hopefully Finn understands the boundary now.
Tom takes a sip of his coffee, his shoulders nowhere near relaxed.
“I’m sorry for all the disasters I dragged you into today. I just… I’m sorry.” He lifts his brows, a thin layer of cynicism before he turns to the window.
I feel for him. He’s talking about bringing me here for weeks. So many plans, all these places he wants to show me. And today has been full of surprises, let's call them like that. Most of them weren't even within his control. I need to cheer him up.
“If those were disasters, I’m disappointed. You promised me chaos, McKenna.”
The corner of his mouth lifts in a shy smile. “Careful what you wish for, love.”
My hand grips the back of his neck, kneading the tight muscles there.
“Relax. You’re not getting rid of me that easily. Besides, I think I’m starting to develop a small crush on Amsterdam.”
His eyes widen in surprise, those irresistible twinkles take over.
“Really?”
“The vibe’s amazing. There’s so much to see, I keep getting distracted. ”
And just like that, his grin is back. “Shall we carry on with the tour, then?”
We leave our mugs at the counter, and like a well-trained boyfriend, Tom holds the door open for me.
As soon as I step outside, I notice the sidewalk glistening. I rub my hands together for warmth and look at the bridge, where the frost has turned the dark green railing mint by now.
“Sapphire, wait.”
I point to the bridge, there's already a thin layer of ice forming on the water underneath. “Can you take a picture with your phone and send it to Tiffy?”
“I think it’s time to get you a smartphone. I’ve never met anyone who only has a dinosaur phone and a pager. Even worse: a work pager.”
I let out an exaggerated scoff. “I don't need a smartphone. Calling and texting is all I need.”
“Only people who don’t want to be found use burners.”
“Maybe I don’t want to be found,” I shoot back.That's the first truth about me I tell him.
He points out a spot on the bridge and I move over, leaning back against the railing.
“Move a little to the left,” I tell him. “That’s my good side. Yeah, just like that. A little more.”
“Yes, Mister Vain. I know what I'm doing.”
It makes me laugh for real, the timing perfect for the photos.
