Page 11 of Time To Live Again

“We’re being rude, Leo. Who is this lovely lady?” he purrs. “New girlfriend? I haven’t seen her here before.”

If my face wasn’t already bright red, I’m sure it is now. I want to crawl out of the room. Where’s the closest emergency exit when I need one?

We both respond, “No.” But, without a second passing, Leo continues. “Louis, this is Olive. She’s a guest. Her room isn’t ready, and I thought I’d introduce her to some of your specialties.”

“Ooh. That’s very nice of you to accompany your guests. Is that a new service?” He elbows Leo playfully. Leo’s cheeks turn a sweet shade of pink. Is he really blushing? I don’t see him as the type to be easily embarrassed.

A customer approaches the counter we’re partially blocking. I tap Leo’s arm and point behind him. Leo apologizes to the person, then maneuvers us to the side, away from traffic.

Louis isn’t deterred. “Hi, Olive,” he says. “It’s nice to meet you. Welcome to the Café Charmant. I hope you have a sweet tooth.” If I were into older men, I’d be putty in his hands because of his accent and ocean-blue eyes. He offers me his hand, and I shake it gently. So this is what happens when I’m around cheerful people in a unique setting. I should’ve tried this sooner.

“Leo can’t seem to stop talking about your tarts,” I inform him.

“You’re already on a first-name basis. Interesting.” There’s an undeniable twinkle in his eye.

“Louis,” Leo warns with a light growl.

Louis ignores him. “He sure does love it here. That’s why he spends hours at the gym.”

Leo slaps him in the gut with the back of his hand. “Speak for yourself, old man. You’re there just as much as I am.”

Nodding with a grin, he grasps Leo’s shoulder. “This guy’s the reason I work here. He’s the best man I know. After spending a couple days here, you’ll understand why.”

I’m catching on, and it’s only been, what, an hour? I’ve lost track of time.

“All right. If you are trying to embarrass me, it’s not working,” Leo jokes, pushing Louis toward the end of the counter. “Don’t you have some cakes to bake back there for the party tonight or something?”

“Okay. I’m going.” Then he stops and turns around. “But first—how long will you be here this time?”

“You’ll see me plenty. I have two more weeks to annoy you and steal food. Now let us order something.”

Louis lets out a hearty laugh again.

Two more weeks. Interesting. I wonder what else he does.

“He’s funny,” I say.

“He’s always like that.” Leo takes a deep breath and places his hands on the counter. “Olive, I’m sorry about the constant interruptions. Your room is probably ready, and I’ve taken up too much of your time. Do you still want to order something? You can take it to your room if you want, and I’ll get out of your staticky hair.” He plays with me, but I know he’s serious too. Not about my hair, of course.

I should go to my room, but why? What’s there waiting for me? Nothing and nobody. And I don’t want the time with him to end, and I’m starving. I don’t feel lonely either, not having the chance to be since Leo appeared.

“I really do need to eat something, and there’s no time pressure.”

“Cool. Then let’s finally order so we can take a sea?—”

“Leo, there you are,” someone else calls out behind us. Jeez, he’s popular.

“Or not. It’s never ending,” he mumbles, pinching the bridge of his nose.

I turn to find perhaps the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Tall and thin, with big green eyes and curly auburn hair. It’s pulled up in a messy bun with a pencil sticking out of it. Loosened ringlets dangle around her face and neck. Basically the opposite of me. “I finally tracked you down. I haven’t seen you all day. Have you been hiding from me?”

She waves to Louis behind the counter, then calls out to him, “Everything ready for tonight?”

“Oui. What kind of question is that? I have a rep to protect.”

She blows him a kiss. “Thanks. Just double-checking.” He winks at her, then turns away.

The redhead glances at me, then back to Leo. I can’t read her expression. “Sorry to interrupt,” she says.

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