Page 20 of Enemy Kisses

They suddenly stand, pushing their chairs back abruptly and causing them to scrape loudly across the wooden floor. The remaining customers turn to see what’s happening and I just want to shrink in on myself and hide.

“As usual, you’ve wasted our time today. I don’t think you realize how little spare time we have, Harriet.” Dad snaps as he sways. Mom reaches around to grip his elbow to steady him, but he snatches it out of her grasp and stumbles. Finn stands, coming next to me, and I wish he wasn’t here to witness this. “You’re always so caught up in yourself that you never think of anyone else.” He takes a step toward me, stopping so close that I can smell the rancid alcohol on his breath. “You’ve always been a selfish child,” he snarls. Spittle coating my cheek.

The backs of my eyes prick and my nose tingles, but I refuse to break down in front of them or Finn or my customers. I need to maintain some modicum of professionalism, even though my parents are bound and determined to shatter it to smithereens. I hate how small and inconsequential they still make me feel. I’m not a child anymore, dammit. I’m an adult who lets no one make me feel small or less than. I don’t understand how my parents always make me revert to that helpless child who just wanted their love and affection.

Mom grips Dad’s arm. “Come on, Harry. Let’s go.” They exit my café as quickly as they entered. I drop my head with a heavy sigh and notice their half-eaten food. So damn wasteful.

Finn’s warm hand smooths up my back and settles at the base of my neck. I step forward and his hand falls away. I don’t need his or anyone’s comfort at this point because I’ll lose the battle to keep my tears at bay. “Are you okay?”

I quickly glance at him and paste on a smile, then load the dishes left by my parents onto a tray. “I’m fine. Do you need anything?” I brave a glance at his face. His eyebrows are drawn low over his stormy eyes that have lost their playfulness from earlier. He studies my face, and I turn away to concentrate on clearing the table.

“No. I’m good. I’m more worried about you.”

I force out a laugh, though I’m certain it sounds bitter. “I’m fine.” I spin on my heel and head straight for the kitchen, dump the dishes, and then close myself in my tiny office. Judy and Quentin can manage for a few minutes without me. I blow out a long breath and drop my head back against the door to look up at the ceiling. The ceiling I painted myself because I wanted to save money and do the stuff I could do so I could get the coffee machine I wanted for the café. I lose the battle to hold back my tears and let them run. I’ve never felt more alone than I did just now. My parents have always made me feel small and unwanted, unlike Grand-Mère. Like they had no use for me. And today was no different.

“Knock, knock.” Judy’s voice is soft.

I wipe my face with my hands, then grab a tissue for my nose. “Can I have a minute, please?”

“Sure … but uh … the guy from next door wants to see you.”

I don’t want him to see me like this; I must look a mess. “I’ll be out in a minute.” More insistent knocks sound on the door. “I’ll be out in a minute.” I huff and pull myself together the best I can, hoping I don’t look like I’ve just been bawling my eyes out like a child. I crack the door open and peer into the kitchen, which is empty except for Finn leaning against the stainless steel workbench in the middle of the space. The same one he trapped me against and kissed me until I was drunk on his kisses.

His usual smirk is nowhere to be seen and his normally clear blue eyes are full of concern. “Don’t tell me you’re okay. Because nobody would be okay after being torn down like that by their parents.”

My hackles rise at the same time my chest tightens. “It’s none of your business.” He opens his mouth to speak and I hold up my hand to stop him. “I’m not fine right now, but I will be. I need to get back out to my customers. Thank you for checking on me, but I don’t want or need your concern. I’ve managed just fine on my own and I’ll continue to do so.”

The stubborn man studies me intently for a long moment—one that feels never-ending—and I straighten under his scrutiny. He nods sharply and leaves without another word. Once he clears the doorway and I’m on my own, I blow out a long breath. My chest constricts and my stomach tightens, and I feel like a real bitch to have spoken to him like that. He was just checking on me.

CHAPTER12

–finn–

I haven’t seenHarry since the incident with her parents on Monday, but she’s all I can think about. The woman who normally has so much fire was unrecognizable in their company. Her sparkle vanished into thin air and from the snippets of conversation I overheard, I have to wonder what her childhood was like. Her dad is obviously a functioning alcoholic; I recognize the signs a mile away. Maybe that’s why she won’t give me an inch. Maybe she thinks I’m into the booze too. She couldn’t be more wrong, though.

Glancing at my watch, I wince at the time. Matthew will be here any minute and I haven’t placed the order for fish and chips for him and his family. Stepping into the busy kitchen, Miss Sylvia, Jackson, and Layla are busy prepping for tonight’s dinner service. I tuck my hands in my pockets as I prepare to be chastised for not stopping by earlier to place the order I need.

“Hey, guys.” They turn and smile at me, responding with their greetings. “Uh, I’m sorry. I forgot to stop by earlier to place Matthew’s order. He’ll be here any minute to collect. Any chan—”

Miss Sylvia clicks her tongue. “You don’t think we know the routine by now?” She points across to the fryer. “The fish is draining and the chips are almost ready.”

I breathe a sigh of relief, and my lips lift as I move closer to hug the woman. “Thanks, Miss Sylvia. What would I do without you?”

She chuckles as I squeeze her tight. “You’d survive.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

She pushes out of my arms and wraps the salted fish and chips in paper. It’s the way they did it back in Ireland when my parents were young and we try to make the experience as authentic as possible. People come from all over for our Friday night fish and chips. I grab the bottles of soda I bought, then Miss Sylvia hands me the fish and chips, and I’m on time to meet Matthew out back.

I push through the back door and find the kid waiting for me. His face lights up as soon as his eyes land on me. “Hey.” I hold up the items. “Dinner’s served.”

With his hands tucked in his pockets, he walks toward me with a chuckle. “Thanks, man. Good to see you.”

I haven’t seen him for a few days because I’ve been busy. “How have you been? Any luck finding work?”

He drops his head, stealing his eyes from me. “Nah. There’s nothing. I’ve even gone door to door asking for a job. They take one look at me and say no. I might have to take you up on your offer of a haircut and some new clothes. I’m a hard worker, you know. A haircut and new clothes won’t make me a better employee.”

I squeeze his shoulder. “I know, Matthew. If they took the time to get to know you, they’d be offering you work like that.” I click my fingers and he huffs out a deprecating laugh. “How’s your mom feeling?”

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