Page 6 of Toy Boy

“I’m heading over to the wholesalers in a minute,” I say, turning my back to the hatch, and my thoughts away from handsome strangers, although, he was most definitely a welcome distraction from the news that Scott’s back in town. In fact, for a few moments there I’d completely forgotten all about the return of my ex. “Where’s the list of stuff we need?”

“Here it is.” Hanna hands it to me, and I slide it into my pocket. “We don’t need much, a few cans, some more burger buns, and we’re running low on coffee supplies. We hit the market first thing this morning for all the fresh food.”

“Okay. I shouldn’t be too long.”

I head outside, and stop for a moment, I just need another second. To breathe. To process. Scott’s back. And I’m fine with that, really, I am. I’m fine…

Xander

I watch her through the wall of glass that affords this bohemian little harbour-front café its incredible views; watch as she stops out there on the pavement, briefly drops her head and sighs, I can tell that because her shoulders visibly hunch up, then sag. I watch as she walks away, and then I turn my attention back to the pile of delicious pancakes that certainly do live up to the hype.

Washing them down with a mouthful of strong, hot coffee I push my almost empty plate away, settle the check with a pretty, dark-haired girl who can’t stop smiling, and then I leave. I never had any intention of staying that long, I’ve got things I need to do, just like Megan. Megan Flowers… A pretty name for a very pretty woman. Actually, that might be selling her a little short, she’s more than just pretty. Way out of my league? Maybe. Older than me? Definitely. But notthatmuch older. Ten, maybe twelve years or so, give or take, I’m guessing. The kind of age gap that doesn’t even raise an eyebrow these days. But, as far as relationships go, they’re not high on my agenda. I’m not looking for anything like that, but Iamlooking for something. Someone. You think I came here, to this small, English seaside town because Iwantedto? No. I didn’twantto come here, but circumstances have put me in this place, because I have a job to do. And, if everything goes to plan, I won’t have to stay here any longer than I have to…

Scott

“You told her I was back?”

“Yes, Scott, I told her. How didyouwant her to find out? Were you just going to drop in at the café unannounced…? Oh, no, come on. You’re not…?”

Yeah. I am. “What was her reaction? When you told her I was back?”

Tim frowns, and I get that he thinks me trying to win Megan back is a bad idea, but that’s his opinion. To me, it makes perfect sense. We were brought together in exceptional circumstances, and I still believe that we were meant to be together forever. I saved her, for Christ’s sake. I saved her fucking life. You’re telling me that isn’t fate playing a part?

“She’s moved on, Scott. I thought you had, too.”

“I’ve thought about this, Tim, it isn’t some knee-jerk reaction.”

“Like moving Lucie in less than a day after Megan walked out?”

“You’re really bringing that up?”

He just shrugs. “All I can say is I’m glad your knee-jerk reactions don’t extend to the operating theatre or we’d all be in some serious shit.”

I lean back against my desk and cross my arms. And while I’m glad Tim’s at least had the decency to stop by the hospital and let me know what he’s done, I still don’t think it was his place to tell Megan anything. She needs warning? That I’m back? Really?

“You still haven’t told me her reaction.”

“Megan’s got one of the best poker faces I know. I couldn’t tellwhather reaction was. But I doubt she’s celebrating. You treat her badly, Scott…”

I hold my hands up to silence him, I don’t need another lecture. I’ve had enough of them. “And I’m sorry, for everything, but she didn’t want to listen to me. She didn’t want to hear what I had to say, the reasons why…”

“You had reasons, for cheating on her? Seriously?”

“That’s not what I meant… Jesus! I thought at leastyouwould’ve cut me some slack.”

“I think I’ve cut you more slack than you deserve.”

I frown, dragging a hand back through my hair. “Something going on you want to tell me about here, Tim? You got your sights set on Beachcastle Bay’s newestdivorcée?”

“For Christ’s sake, Scott, grow up! You think I’d treat Greta the same way you treated Megan? Some of us have respect for the women we married.”

“Is this what it’s going to be like? Every fucker refusing to let me forget what I did?”

“I have no doubt that the majority of people in this town will be quite willing to leave the past behind and welcome you back with open arms, but if you think Megan’s going to be one of them, you might want to think again.”

“Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. She’s better than fine. The café’s going from strength to strength, she’s settled into a new home, she has a life, Scott. A life without you in it, and I’m absolutely certain that’s the way she’d like to keep it.”

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