Page 25
Bennett chuckled. “Daddio.”
The image of Camden’s father floated through my mind—an older, less approachable version of his son, one who’d looked at me as if I was pond scum until the day I left this town at eighteen.
Bennett wiggled his eyebrows at me. “He does have quite the affinity for me.”
The bartender arrived with three fresh drinks, and the conversation turned to other topics. Bennett remained despite Xavier’s obvious attempts to banish him. I took a few tiny sips, but I still needed to drive, so I excused myself after a short time, bidding them both goodnight. I approached the bar to pay, wincing at the idea of parting with some of my precious dollars, but the bartender waved me away. “Happy hour’s free for employees.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Really?”
He threw me a smile and a nod while Bennett snuck up to my side. “Let me walk you to your car, love.”
Xavier lingered alone in the booth, eyeing us.
I nodded in his direction. “What happened to him?”
“He’s staying.” There was probably more to that simple statement than he was letting on, but who cared? “Shall we?”
I pulled my purse secure onto my shoulder. “I’m parked just outside.”
His handsome face took on a serious cast. “Humor me.”
Bolts of disquiet hammered through my bones. Was something wrong? Bewildered, I nodded, and Bennett escorted me toward the stairs.
“Can I offer a piece of advice?” he asked.
“Of course.”
He looped my arm about his, an action that would have annoyed me had it been Xavier, but Bennett’s platonic affection warmed my insides. “Be patient,” he said.
Brows lifted, I glanced at him. “Patient?”
“Things will get worse before they get better, but it’ll be worth it.”
My stomach dropped as if I had missed a step. “It will?”
A peculiar gleam appeared in his eye. We reached the landing with the fancy copper still and paused. He offered no further advice.
“This job is only temporary for me,” I said.
“Is it?” He adopted a faint air of disbelief. “You might find it difficult to leave.”
“Why’s that?”
“Call it a hunch.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You’re being very evasive.”
“That’s my calling card, darling.” With a pat on my hand, he led me down the stairs and through the store.
“Evasion?”
“Mystery,” he whispered, and fanned his fingers out before us.
I chuckled. “Can I ask you a question?”
“I’d love nothing more.”
Nibbling on my lip, I checked my surroundings before pushing through the doors and onto the dark sidewalk. Cool October air laced around us, scented of leaves, woodsmoke, and hints of the coffee shop down the street.
