Page 83 of Trust Me

I laughed as I looked behind me to parallel park. “Sure thing, man. Should I get on my knees?”

He shifted in his seat. “I think you’d have more luck with Tilian on that front.”

Humming my agreement, I turned off the car and swung open my door. I rushed to the other side, grabbing his just as he started to open it. He narrowed his eyes when I held it for him, but he didn’t comment.

He stayed next to me as we headed toward the coffee shop. His hands were in his pockets, and his shoulders were a little tense. I thought about mentioning it, but I decided to just keep an eye on it.

“Don’t attack him this time,” I said, keeping my voice light.

His eyes found Cyrus across the street, and he chuckled. “You’re going to hold that against me, aren’t you?”

“I have the memory of an elephant.”

When Cyrus noticed us, he watched Dean cautiously. I raised my hand in a wave and started to jog, hoping he would trust me enough not to be concerned.

“Hey,” I greeted when we got close. I grabbed his hand and pulled him into my chest, taking a moment to gauge how tense he seemed. “Having a good morning?”

He pulled back with a shrug. “Less rain this week.”

“That’s always a plus. You didn’t get into any more fights, right?”

Finally, he began to relax. “Nope. Maybe word got around last time.”

He glanced at Dean again, who stepped forward like that was all the invitation he needed. Thrusting his hand out, he waited for Cyrus to take it. I offered him a smile, and even though he rolled his eyes a little, he shook Dean’s hand.

I was about to make the introduction, but Dean spoke first. “I’m Dean. Sorry I came at you last time. I thought you were mugging him.”

Cyrus’ jaw clenched. “Because I’m homeless, you think I go around mugging people?”

Dean laughed, and it seemed to crack some of Cyrus’ hardened exterior. “No, of course not. I just didn’t know Oli had so many friends.”

“Mmhmm. I’ll have you know I used to own a house over in Queen Anne. I’m not some animal people need protection from.”

“I don’t think Oli needs protection from anyone. He’s pretty good at taking care of himself.”

Cyrus nodded. “He’s got angels on his side, I think.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “That’s a cool idea. Better than what Remi likes to say about me being lucky.”

“Maybe that too.”

“I’m the sole decider of my fate, and that’s something nobody can take away from me.” Wanting to move the conversation away from me, I nodded toward the café. “Feeling a coffee today?”

His eyes brightened. “If you’re offering.”

As we headed toward the building, I felt Dean’s gaze on me. I didn’t look at him, too afraid that he would stop studying me if I did. Had I known he would run out of the house to come with me, I might have tried to look more presentable.

“Go ahead and grab a seat,” I said when we were inside. Dean hesitated for a moment before following Cyrus.

“Hey, Mandy,” I said to the woman at the register.

She immediately grinned. “Oli, I didn’t see you come in. Same as usual?”

“And two lattes for my friends, please and thank you.”

“Got it. How are classes?”

We went back and forth until another customer came up, then I people-watched while I waited for my order. Just as I was about to grab the three drinks, Dean appeared beside me and picked up the coffees. Like too many other times, I felt speechless. It wasn’t that sweet of him, yet it felt like the kind of tenderness people wrote love songs about.