Page 12 of Embers of Torment

"I have a better idea. How about we go to the Starbucks on the next block, get something to drink, relax, and chat? I'd rather do that than go back to my apartment."

"Sure, I'll go for that." Della opened up her backpack and pulled out a garment. She unfolded it and slipped it over herhead, her curves and cleavage now covered by an oversized, loose-fitting tee shirt.

Instantly disappointed, I had to admit the view was damn good while it lasted. "Hey, do you mind waiting here for a couple of minutes while I run to the restroom and wash my hands? I've had them all over the gym equipment."

"Yeah, that's cool. I'm not in a rush."

"Thanks." I hurried to the restrooms by the resident lounge and scrubbed up. When I returned, I found Della leaning against the wall by the wellness studio. "I hope I wasn't too long."

"Nah, you're fine. I didn't have anything planned for the afternoon."

"Cool, let's go." We left our building, and Della told me about her exercise class while we walked. When we reached the coffee shop, I opened the door for her, and we got in line. "Hey, if you want, you can grab us a table while I order. It'll be my treat."

"Thanks. I'll take a Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew. Those two girls sitting by the window are getting up. I'll see if I can snag their seats." Della hurried toward them and waited while they picked up their purses and shopping bags. Once the table was empty, she plopped in one of the chairs.

Finally reaching the counter, I ordered Della's cold brew and an iced tea. I studied her while waiting for the barista to make our drinks. Della smiled as she stared out the window. Whatever captured her attention must be entertaining, or she was thinking about something that amused her. I'd only been around her twice before today and found her to be a bubbly bundle of energy each time. I got the impression she always tried to find the positive side of life. And she grew on you. Verbal, blunt, quirky, and boisterous, she was her own unapologetic and self-assured person, which I liked.

Honestly, she was a treat to be with.

Drinks in hand, I joined her at the table. I set the cups down and took a seat, surprised when Della reached for my tea. "Hey, what are you doing?"

"Yours looks interesting, and I like that it's pink. I want to try it."

"But it… Never mind. Go for it." Exasperated with her fondness for my drinks, I leaned back and rubbed my forehead. I watched her casually unwrap her straw, shove it through the hole in my lid, and take a long sip.

Finished, she smiled and retracted her straw. "Thanks for letting me share. I'm not sure what it is, but I like it."

"It's an iced tea with hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple. It has zero calories and sugar."

"You're a healthy-eating kind of guy, aren't you?"

"I try to be. Why? Is that bad?"

"No, I do the same. But I splurge every once in a while. I have a weakness for donuts and these mini cheesecakes Adam makes."

"Speaking of Adam. We had loads of fun playing Scrabble last night. You should have come." In truth, my statement was an exaggeration. I had found the evening disappointing, believing Della would be there only to be told by Adam that she was out with some guy she met on a dating website. Why that bothered me, I wasn't sure. After all, I had only recently met her.

"I was busy." Della shrugged, brushing off my comment.

Her response struck me as odd. I expected her to say something more spirited since I understood Game Time Cafe to be a place she enjoyed. Unable to contain my curiosity, I pushed my concern aside and asked, "So…how was your date?"

Della stared down at the table while she toyed with her napkin, folding it into squares. She gave me another shrug. "It was all right. I met him at a bowling alley. We played a game, and I went home."

"You don't sound very enthusiastic."

"It was just another evening out. Nothing out of the ordinary." Della snatched her drink and took a sip, her eyes still downcast.

Based on her actions and the tightening in my gut that was growing more pronounced, I was positive she was trying to sidestep the subject. I was about to ask her for details when she bent and reached into her backpack.

Della straightened with her cell phone in her hand and glanced at the screen. "Wow. Look at the time. I have to leave. I forgot I need to do my laundry." She slid her chair back and stood, still avoiding any eye contact. "I'll be at my brother's place tomorrow since it's my nephew's birthday, so I should wash my clothes now. I'll catch you later."

And just like that, she walked away. I stared at her back, wondering what the hell happened. Scrambling from my seat, I bolted after her. I caught up to her in front of the business next door and reached for her arm.

"What?" she spat as she spun around, breaking loose from my grasp. "I told you I have to go."

"Uh-uh. I don't think you do. I get the impression you're not telling me the whole story. Something went wrong last night, didn't it?"

Della's eyes met mine but quickly darted away. Her gaze fell to the ground. "It's embarrassing, and I don't want to discuss it. So drop it. Okay?"

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