Page 12 of In Too Deep

“I suppose that does sound better than the alternative,” I relent, holding up my bag of junk food.

He rubs his hands together in victory. “That’s my girl.”

My stomach does a somersault at his words.

I’m making a big mistake.

8

My leg bounces under the table, my eyes wandering around the restaurant to avoid the man sitting across from me. But there’s not much to keep me distracted. The twenty-four-hour business is nearly empty because people don’t get drunk on Sundays in the heart of the Bible Belt, and the bland cream-colored walls are void of any artwork.

As I followed behind him in his car, I contemplated driving home instead. Being here with him isn’t good for me. My feelings for him are too mixed up. But Lawrence has always had a way of making me ignore my better judgment. So, here I am, about to share a meal with my first love, and my nerves are through the roof.

Things were awkward as we were seated, and only a few words were spoken during the ordering process. Neither of us have said a word since our drinks arrived, the silence doing nothing to help with my unease.

“So…tell me about this guy you’re seeing.” My heart beats erratically as I meet his stare, and I decide I prefer the quiet to an inquisition.

“Spencer?” My voice squeaks, and Lawrence’s eyebrows lift in amusement as I clear my throat. “Well, he’s a police officer. One of the kindest human beings I’ve ever met.”

“Wow…” He rubs his chin, pressing his lips together. “And how did you meet this perfect guy?”

It would be hard to miss the slight clip in his tone, but I choose to ignore it.

“We originally met the night Lizzy’s husband was in an accident. Spencer was the officer who delivered the news. He escorted her to the hospital and waited with her until I arrived.”

His eyebrows lift with surprise as he hums. “Caroline wasn’t kidding about him being a good guy. How did you end up reconnecting?”

“We ran into each other at a coffee shop and just hit it off.” My eyes are drawn to his soft, full lips as he takes a sip of water, a thoughtful expression on his face. “What about you? Are you seeing anyone special?”

He shakes his head. “I’ve had a couple relationships over the years I thought could be something, but they never felt quite right. You know?” I nod. That’s a feeling I know very well. “There hasn’t been anyone serious for the past few years. I’ve kept my focus on starting my business.”

“I didn’t know you started your own business,” I admit, feeling a little guilty that he seems to know so much about my life when I know nothing of his. It isn’t because I don’t care or I’m not interested, though. Before the days of internet snooping, the only way to get information on Lawrence was from Caroline, and she always acted annoyed when I asked about him. After a while, I gave up, believing it was better I didn’t know. “What kind of business is it?”

“Grier’s Custom Woodwork. We offer flooring, built-ins, fencing, and decks.”

“That’s so cool. What made you decide to open your own business?”

“I worked for years installing floors and stuff for someone else. When he shut down, I just went for it. I already had a client base of customers I worked with in the past, and everything fell into place easily. It’s not glamorous. I mean, I’m not saving lives or anything, but I’m proud of what I’ve built.”

His disgruntled comment feels like a dig at Spencer, but I overlook it.

“You should be proud. I think it’s incredible.”

“Thanks.” There’s a shyness in his tone, and this time, it’s him who diverts his eyes.

Our food arrives as the table goes quiet again, and we both eagerly dive in. I’m surprised my anxious stomach is allowing me to eat. But if my mouth is full, I don’t have to worry about making conversation. We’re about halfway through our meal when Lawrence begins to chuckle.

His gaze lands on me, and my eyes narrow, a smile tugging at my lips. “You want to clue me in on what’s so funny, or is this a private joke?”

“This is all so surreal,” he answers, gesturing between us with his fork. “Being here with you. It’s been so long. I was trying to remember the last time we’d done something as simple as eat together. Then an image of you at fifteen with your braces popped into my head.”

I drop my fork on my plate, putting my elbow on the table as I cover my eyes with my hand. “Oh god…”

“You were so worried about getting food in them, and I remember watching you tear a burger into pieces so you could chew with your back teeth.”

“That’s embarrassing. Thank you for that.” I sit back in the booth, glaring at him as my arms cross.

“Why?” He tilts his head, his eyes feeling a little too invasive as he grins. “I thought you were so damn adorable.”

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