Page 22 of Primal God

An hour later, I’m deep in thought when a shadow settles over me.

“Is this seat taken?”

Glancing up, I find an attractive man looking down at me with a smile on his face. He’s tall, with short, dark hair and light grey eyes that pop against his brown skin. Holy moly, he’sreallygood looking. Like, he could be a model.

He gestures to the chair, making my cheeks flame. Right! He asked if the seat was taken.

“It’s free.”

He sits across from me. “I’m Adam.”

“Nice to meet you, Adam. I’m Lilith, but you can call me Lili.”

“Like from the bible. Rock on.”

I snort. “I don’t think Lilith technically made the bible, but it’s cool that you know about her.”

“So, Lilith-not-from-the-bible, why haven’t I seen you around?”

“I’ve been around,” I say with a grin. “But I usually work on Thursdays.”

“And where do you work?”

“Which job?”

“Damn. An entrepreneur. I like it.”

“More like a broke student who’s trying to make rent.”

And pay for diapers and formula.

“I feel it.”

“To answer your question, I usually work at the bookstore off fifth and then at a coffee shop around the corner from here. Original, I know.”

“Very original. I, on the other hand, am an anomaly.”

“Oh?”

“I’m a spoiled rich kid who is living with his folks for free while I go to college.”

“Ah, I see. Let me guess. You’re also an only child.”

He winces. “Wrong. I have two older brothers.”

“The baby.” I nod. “It’s all making sense.”

“What about you?”

My chest is tight. “I had a younger sister, but she passed away.”

“Oh, damn. I’m sorry.”

There’s a beat of awkward silence, where I’m sure I’m supposed to reassure him it’s fine.

So, I say, “It was a long time ago.”

“Still doesn’t make it any easier, I’m sure.” He reaches across the table, grasping my hand for a moment. “I’m truly sorry for your loss.”

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