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“In a fashion.” Malcolm moved to the other side of the bar, filling a few orders.
Blake frowned as he studied Celia. “She looks the same as always to me. Does she have an eating disorder or something?”
“Not that I’ve seen,” Trenton said, though they hadn’t shared any meals together. “I asked her a few times if there was anything she wanted when I go to pick up groceries, but she never says she does.”
“She wouldn’t,” Malcolm said, leaning on the counter in front of them again. “She wouldn’t want to owe you for it. It’s probably been tough on her to even stay at your place.”
“She asked me to charge her rent,” Trenton admitted.
Blake snorted. “As if you need the money, Mr. Lawyer.”
“She was very serious.” Trenton had tried to figure out the lowest he could ask her for without ruffling her feathers.
“She gets that way. Even forced my mom and dad to take her money.” Malcolm shrugged, straightening again. “They put it in an account for her and gave it all back as part of her graduation present.”
“Sounds like your parents,” Blake said, a soft smile crossing his face.
Malcolm rolled his eyes. “You only like them because they spoil you.” He’d shared his parents with most of his friends, but especially with Blake, at least before Celia moved in. Blake’s single mom had gone through boyfriends, and not all of them had appreciated her son.
“What type of food does Celia like?” Trenton asked, glancing over at her again. “She won’t say, and I haven’t seen her eat anything besides my smoothies.”
“She actually drinks your green poison?” Blake shivered.
“I really improved them before Emily passed,” Trenton said, the usual weight pressing on him as he thought of his wife being gone.
Blake shook his head. “Celia might be as nice as you if she forces down that shit.”
Trenton sighed, knowing he’d never convince his friend. He’d made the mistake of using him as a guinea pig before the smoothies were halfway decent.
Malcolm just laughed. “Celia has never been picky. She likes anything quick and easy. She actually did all the cooking before she moved in with us as a kid, but her family never had much, not with all the medical bills.”
Trenton stored this snippet that his friend had shared. Back then, he hadn’t paid much attention to Malcolm’s quiet cousin. Being a couple of years older, and his mom getting sick, had kept him distant during that time. He and Malcolm had even drifted apart until a few years later. He’d run into his friend again around the time he’d met Emily, when Malcolm had opened the tavern.
“A couple of light beers, Malcolm,” Celia said from over his shoulder, sending his friend to the drafts. When Trenton turned, Celia was looking at him. “Sorry, I’m going to be a couple of hours still. I hate to make you wait.”
Trenton shook his head. “It’s not your fault. I came a little early to hang out with Blake.”
“Oh, is that why?” Blake asked, grinning.
Celia’s eyebrows drew together.
“Just ignore him,” Trenton said. “I often do.”
The tension drained from her face as she shook her head. “I doubt you ignore anyone.” She reached out, taking the tray that Malcolm held. “Thanks.”
Trenton watched her walk away.
“You’re checking out her ass, aren’t you?” Blake asked.
Malcolm smacked his head even as he slid a beer in front of their ridiculous friend. “Stop that. Not everyone is like you.” He returned to work, grabbing another drink for a customer.
Trenton’s fingers clenched around the glass in his hand. Blake wasn’t completely wrong. More than once he’d had to adjust himself after thinking about her, despite his best intentions.
“Hmmm.” Blake shifted closer, poking Trenton in the cheek. “Do I see a blush?”
Trenton jerked his face away. “You’re imagining things.”
“Keep telling yourself that.” Blake took a gulp of his beer, wiping a hand across his lips. “But there’s no way in hell you came here tonight to spend time with me.”
