Page 6 of How To Not Need You

"We'll see you again!" Tilly shouts before Jake gives me an apologetic look. “I think that's less a prediction and more a promise.” He laughs.

Apparently being enthusiastically stalked by a five-year-old is adorable now.

...Okay, maybe it is.

"I'm beginning to suspect you're right."

He smiles at my sarcasm. "It was good seeing you again."

"You too." For just a fraction of a second neither of us moves.

Then Tilly tugs on his arm. "Dad."

"Coming." He gives me a small wave before letting Tilly drag him towards the door. The bell jingles again as they disappear onto Main Street. Silence settles over our table. I take a very deliberate sip of coffee.

Across from me, Harper says absolutely nothing while drilling holes into my skull with her stare. I lower my cup.

“Don't start." Harper blinks innocently at me.

"I haven't said anything."

"Your face has."

"My face?"

“Your ‘tell me everything’ face.”

"I don't have one."

"You have one. Just like Luca has one."

"He absolutely does."

"So do you."

Harper's smile is slow enough to make me nervous. "I was just going to ask if your coffee suddenly became very interesting."

"It did."

"Remarkable."

I sigh. "Don't start."

"I haven't started."

"You're about to."

"I was merely going to point out that you smiled."

"I always smile."

"You don't."

"I smile internally." Harper laughs at that.

"I don't think that's how smiling works."

"I'll have you know I'm exceptionally expressive."