Page 19 of Falling For Us Again

“Just last week.”

Ms. McCormick’s gaze shifts to Dylan, who is attending to customers a few tables away. “Dylan! It’s so nice to see you as well.”

He approaches with a friendly smile. “Ms. McCormick, it’s always a pleasure.”

She hugs him warmly. “Look at you two, all grown up and still as close as ever.”

I feel a slight pang at her words, knowing the distance that has grown between us over the years. Dylan and I exchange a glance, and I can tell he’s thinking the same thing.

Ms. McCormick continues, oblivious to the tension. “You know, I always thought you two were meant to be. You made such a lovely couple back in school.”

Her comment hits me like a jolt. I force a smile. “Well, things change, Ms. McCormick.”

“Of course, dear,” she says, patting my arm. “It’s so good to see the two of you together. Are you staying long?”

“Probably not.” I shake my head immediately. “Just trying to get some things sorted.”

“Poor dear. The word around town is that you’re selling your parents’ property to Croft Real Estates,” she says, shaking her head. “I don’t mean to overstep, but Croft is known for his underhanded tactics. It might be wise to do a thorough investigation before making any decisions.”

It’s remarkable how quickly gossip spreads in this town. How does everyone know about my plans to sell the property when I’ve only been back a week?

“Well, thank you for the heads-up.”

She nods, glancing between Dylan and me. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. And please, don’t be strangers.”

I give her a small, appreciative smile and nod.

“We won’t,” Dylan assures her warmly.

After a few more pleasantries, Ms. McCormick finally leaves. Dylan returns to attending to customers, but I can feel his eyes on me occasionally.

I focus on my work, trying to push away the awkwardness of the encounter and the thoughts of him. It’s not long before work demands pull me back into the zone, and I lose track of time as I respond to emails and edit documents.

An hour passes by, and I am finally done with work. I wonder if Lola is okay and why she hasn't arrived yet. I pull out of my phone to send her a text.

Hey Lola. I’m still waiting at The Hartlow House Café. I’m getting worried. Call me back.

The café has quieted down, and my eyes trail to the counter, but Dylan isn't there. I hadn’t even notice him leaving. Only Maggie remained, and she’s reading a book. She glances up as if aware that she’s being stared at, and our eyes meet. She gives me a small smile.

“Are you looking for me?” Dylan says behind me, his voice deep and rich.

My heart skips a beat, but I maintain a blank face.

“Why would I do that?” I lift my cup of latte to my mouth; it has turned cold now. “Although it seems like you're stalking me.”

He scoffs as he takes a seat in the empty chair on my table. “You think too highly of yourself.”

“I thought you liked that about me.”

“That was before I knew it was only a cover for how heartless you can be.” He says without missing a beat as he leans against the chair. “I suppose some would still call it brave, though, like I naively did. God help them when you get tired of them.”

My hands clench on my knees at his sharp words. He’s never going to let me live down what I did, and this is why I’ll never allow myself to be vulnerable in his presence.

“I can't believe you're still angry over what happened a decade ago. We were teenagers.” I click my tongue.

Dylan laughs. A short, mirthless laugh that grates on my nerves.

“It’s so interesting to see how these words affect you even when you're trying not to show it.” I say.

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