“Julian.” I leaned against the counter. “Thank you. For all of this. The security system, making sure everything works, organizing help for my move.”
“You don't need to thank me.”
“Yes, I do. So thank you.”
“You hungry?” he asked. “Wanna grab something to eat?”
“Starving. You must be too. Let’s go. My treat.”
He shook his head immediately. “That's not necessary.”
I insisted. “Let me thank you for the moving help.”
“Alyssa. I don’t need you paying for it.”
I stared at him. “This really bothers you, doesn't it? The thought of me paying for your meal?”
“It doesn't make sense. I offered to take you to eat.”
“That holds for dating, Julian. Clearly you've never had a platonic female friend before.”
“Are you hungry or not?” he asked, tilting his head at me.
“I told you, I’m starving.”
“Then let’s go.”
Maple’s wasa comfortable neighborhood spot with exposed brick walls and mismatched furniture that somehow worked perfectly together. We'd been seated maybe ten minutes, just long enough to order drinks and scan the menu, when a woman approached our table.
“Julian Wade!” Her voice carried across the small restaurant. “I haven't seen you out and about in ages.”
Julian looked up, his expression shifting to polite recognition. “Mrs. Henderson. How are you?”
“Fine, fine. Just finishing dinner with my book club.” She glanced between Julian and me with curiosity, waiting for an introduction that didn't immediately come.
“This is Alyssa Carter,” Julian said after a moment. “Alyssa, Mrs. Henderson runs the community center downtown.”
“Pleasure to meet you, dear.” Mrs. Henderson's smile was warm but assessing. “Raschad's sister, right? Welcome to Lennox Falls. Are you just visiting or...?”
“I moved here,” I said. “Just got settled in today, actually.”
“How lovely. Well, I'll let you two get back to your meal.” She gave Julian a meaningful look. “Enjoy your evening.”
After she left, I noticed several other diners glancing our way with varying degrees of curiosity.
“Popular man,” I observed.
Julian's mouth quirked up. “Small town. Everyone knows everyone.”
A few minutes later a tall, broad man came toward us with a smile. There was something about his presence that reminded me of Julian,though they looked nothing alike. Julian was on his feet dapping him up before I could place why his energy felt familiar.
“Well, well. What up, cuz,” the man said.
“Didn't expect to see you here tonight,” Julian said.
“Had a meeting nearby, came to grab something to go.” The man shifted his eyes to me with polite curiosity, and I caught him giving Julian a knowing look. “Who's your friend?”
“Alyssa Carter,” I said, extending my hand.
