“What’s wrong? What are you doing here?” My arms open, and when I pull her into me, she sobs harder.
Her appearance and emotional greeting catch me by surprise. This isn’t her at all. My bright and usually happy friend isn’t here. My eyes dart to Seth who’s standing there looking as worried as I feel. Deep down, I secretly wish Janie didn’t show up. I know it’s selfish of me, but I could never turn down a friend. She was there for me when I needed her and now the roles have been reversed. But how did she find me? I hadn’t got around to giving her my new address yet.
“Janie, how did you know where I was?”
“Trent told me.” She hiccups after each word.
“What’s going on?” I beg her to tell me as I continue to hold her.
“I’ll turn the pot on for some coffee, shall I?” Seth enquires. I respond with a nod.
“Come on, come sit down.” I usher her to the couch, where we sit. “What’s happened, Janie?”
“I can’t talk about it right now. I just need a friend.” Her words are soft, the hiccupping has stopped, but her tears continue to slide down her rosy pink cheeks. I wonder what has happened, so many different scenarios are flashing through my head. Has someone close to her died? Did someone hurt her? Gosh, I wish she’d talk to me.
“You know you can trust me, right? Whatever has happened will never be spoken about outside this house.” There’s force behind my words because I want her to know I truly mean each word. I pull her tighter to me, wrapping her in my arms.
Seth brings in some steaming cups of coffee, handing them over. Janie notices him for the first time. I guess when I opened the door she was too distraught to notice him, but now she’s calmed down; her eyes widen slightly as she takes her cup.
“I can see why you don’t want to come back now.” She inhales a deep breath.
My cheeks blush. “Ah yeah, if you say so.”
Seth watches me and gives me one of his devilish grins that make my heart go crazy.
Turning back to Janie, I ask. “How are you feeling now?”
Janie nods. “Much better.”
“I’m glad. Is there anything you need?”
“No, not right now. Thanks though. I should tell you I’ve lost my job.” Her face scrunches up and it looks like she’s fighting back more tears.
“What? Why?” I asked, astonished at what she revealed. Why would she lose her job?
“I don’t want to discuss it.” Gah! She’s a hard head, one determined girl, and when she doesn’t want to talk about something she shuts down, and this is what she’s doing.
“Don’t think you’ll get away with it that easily,” I say back.
“The one thing I’ll tell you is that I met someone after you left, and we’ve been seeing each other, and things didn’t end so well.”
“Please tell me it wasn’t Chad?”
“What? Heck no!” I sag in relief. I know she wouldn’t, but I had to ask. She did lose her job like I did, which is strange.
I can tell she won’t tell me more, especially not with Seth here.
“Fine, but I want more answers soon.”
Her answer is a nod before she takes a sip of her coffee.
“Perhaps I should get going.” Seth’s voice pulls my attention from Janie, who’s now calmed down. When her gaze falls on Seth, she looks as if she could devour him. Yes, he’s divine and very easy on the eyes; she’d better watch herself, I saw him first. My jealous streak comes out full force. I clear my throat to get her attention, she doesn’t miss it either. Seth catches the exchange as well, and gives a slight chuckle.
“Okay, was there anything else you needed? Did you want to stay for dinner?” I know what I need, but it’s not going to happen now.
His stare turns hungry, causing me to swallow hard, and I know exactly what he’s thinking. “Ah . . . I think I’ll leave you two to catch up.”
“Thanks, Seth, and please thank Sherri for the meal.” I give him a soft smile, which he returns with a wide knowing grin which indicates that maybe our previous conversation isn’t over. I couldn’t wait to finish it.
He turns to leave, but stops, swinging back to me. “Oh, there was one thing. Sherri asked me if I had any work for you at the garage, just until the café opened.”
“Oh yeah, we did speak about finding me a job. I didn’t get around to handing out my resume, I’ve been too busy with the café renovations,” I reply.
“Well, I have some bookwork I could use your help sorting out and just general admin stuff, if you’re interested.” He shrugs.
“That would be amazing!” I say, jumping up and throwing my arms around him.
“Geez, calm down, Chloe,” Janie says.
“Oh, shut it, you. Drink ya coffee.”
“Okay, great. Well, I’ll call you later about days and stuff. It looks like you’ve got your hands full.” He gestures toward Janie, who doesn’t seem to notice because she’s busy taking in her new surroundings.
“Sounds good. I’ll walk you to the door.” We turn, heading towards the door.
I open it and step out with him. “I’m sorry about earlier. Things got a little heated. Not that I minded.” My lips curve up into a seductive grin.
He steps into my space, placing his hands on my hips, pulling me closer. The warmth of his body makes mine shiver with anticipation. “I’m not, but I do wish it went further. Not to worry—our time will come. I’m taking you out next week, so don’t make plans with anyone. Your friend needs you right now so I’ll leave you to help her.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, our faces so close I can feel his breath.
He closes the space between us, pressing his lips against mine. Pulling away, he whispers, “Until next time, my lady.” He gently glides the back of his hand down my cheek. My body breaks out in goosebumps at his touch.
With one more feather-light kiss to my lips, he turns and leaves, and I’m left once again, wanting more.