Two Last First Dates by Kate O'Keeffe

Author:Kate O'Keeffe [O'Keeffe, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Lime Books
Published: 2017-08-08T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

IT WAS SEVERAL HOURS later that day, after the usual café madness of baking, food preparation, customers, endless coffees, and lines of hungry customers, when I spotted Marcus walk through the front door. My heart leapt into my mouth. I was standing next to Bailey, balancing a tray of muffins in my hands, which I hastily stacked into the cabinet and bolted to the relative safety of the kitchen.

What is he doing here? I placed the tray quietly on the kitchen counter and smoothed my hands down my apron, my heart rate picking up a notch or ten. I wasn’t sure whether he was here on his own, had come to specifically see me, or what was going on, but I knew in that moment, I wasn’t prepared.

I drummed my fingers on the counter, trying to decide what to do. Go out there and act like nothing had happened? Like I hadn’t embarrassed myself completely, ruined any chance we’d had at making our date perfect, by choking on that piece of goat? Or stay in here, hiding like some type of fugitive?

Still mulling over my options, I heard the ping of my phone from the pocket of my apron. Welcoming the distraction, I pulled it out and saw I had an email from a recruiter about the marketing role I’d applied for. With trembling fingers, I swiped my phone open and read it, my eyes widening in surprise when I saw the words, “strong contender for the role” and “come in for an interview” on my screen.

They want to interview me for the job?

Without pausing to think, I fired off an email, using the usual platitudes, such as “thank you for the opportunity,” “fit for the role,” and “eager to discuss.” What did I have to lose?

“Paige? Oh, there you are. Someone’s here to see you,” Bailey said, her head poking around the doorframe.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and took a deep, steadying breath. Marcus. Time to face the music, Paige.

I pasted on a smile I hoped said “I’m fine whether you want to see me again or not” and stepped out of the kitchen. I was met by a vision of Marcus, standing on the other side of the counter. He was handing some cash over to Sophie, and his eyes crinkled into a smile when they met mine.

Oh, be still my beating heart.

He mouthed “Hi,” and I smiled back at him, hoping—praying—he was here for a good reason, the best reason, and not the alternative.

His change handed over by a gooey-eyed Sophie, he gestured toward a free table in the corner. I nodded at him, pressing my lips together.

“Bailey? Is it okay if I take a quick break? Five minutes?” I couldn’t help but look over at Marcus, sitting at a nearby table, watching me.

I noticed Bailey follow my gaze, and I looked down at the floor, embarrassed.

“Sure, go ahead.”

I flashed her a brilliant smile. Of course, she would let me take five minutes with Marcus.

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