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I look at him, making sure my expression is neutral and refuse to take in the shape of his eyes, the stubble over his chin, or the fit of his jumper. My indifference has been enough to make him question his move the last few times we’ve met, but I watch as he leans in towards me this time, closing the distance between us.
“Wow, what do you think you’re doing?” I back off.
“I thought this might get your attention as you’ve been trying to ignore me every chance you get. And after the other night…” he steps back.
“You thought because we fucked, that what, you could kiss me? That the next date would be a given?”
“Well, maybe, yeah.” He shrugs as if that was what he assumed was the obvious next step between us.
“Sorry. That’s not what I’m looking for.” I walk past him and head for the road.
“Wait, hold on.” He catches my wrist, but I pull it away.
“Jayce, come on, take a hint. We’re both adults.” My voice is clear, and I need to get through to him.
“Yeah. I thought so too, but-”
“No buts. See you around.” I march off, angry and frustrated. I half expect him to come after me, and a pang of guilt at my behaviour hits, but then I remember how he ran off and didn’t bother to spend our last few hours together.
It might be petty, but I don’t care.
I owe him nothing, and if I’m going to have a chance at building a profitable business here, I have to make Jayce Roberts hate me. After all, that’s how I feel about him, and it will be easier if we’re on the same page. So, I stick to the plan, and it will all work out.
It will all work out.
I’m in no hurry to fill him in on my past, or why I’m acting like I am, but maybe now he’ll get the message.
My words seem to have hit the mark as my morning visits to Molly’s and even my more unscheduled stops over the next few days are all Jayce free.
“It’s nice to see you, young lady.”
I turn around in my seat and see an older lady standing with my coffee. “Molly?”
“In person.” She places the mug on the table and takes a seat in the empty chair across the table from me.
“Oh my gosh, I didn’t know if you still owned the place.” I smile.
“It has my name.”
“Names don’t have to change with businesses.” I look at the woman who was my friend a long time ago. “How come this is the first time I’ve seen you.”
“Well, I’m hardly old. But I certainly don’t have to work like I did when you worked for me. Got to say, I didn’t expect you to be back here, Zennor.”
“Just gathering my thoughts. I’ve taken a bit of a knock and need time to get my footing.” It’s as honest as I’ve been to anyone since being back, and I pick up the hot coffee, feeling open and exposed. Molly’s staring like she’s trying to see under the surface. She was more of a friend than anyone when I was working here.
When Jayce left.
“Is it a coincidence that Jayce Roberts is back in town, too?”
“An unfortunate one. Have you spoken to him?” I can’t help but ask.
“A little. His shop opened last week. The surf school will be running at the start of the summer. It’s a smart move.”
“Good for him.” My eye roll accompanies my less than pleased tone.
“You sound bitter.”
“This is my hometown. He left. Why is he back?” I snap and immediately wish I could take it back. I wasn’t mad at Molly.
