Page 36 of Swept Up In You

“Oh, I’m the kinda girl who’ll either hit a hole in one or smack it so far off course I’ll DNF.”

“At least that keeps it interesting.”

“True. And speaking of interesting, your favourite client, Larry, just came in and thought he’d try and set me up with his grandson.” She laughed, but it felt strained. She felt like she had to tell Taylor for some reason. “It was so random. He’s taking me out to brunch tomorrow. Not sure I’d class it as a date?—”

“Right, cool,” Taylor cut her off. “Well, all the best for tomorrow, and I’ll let you know about Tuesday. I’m just in the middle of something, so talk later!”

Sam stared at the screen. “Bye?” she said to the empty shop. Taylor had said she was keen for golf, and the next minute she’s going to let her know? If Sam didn’t know any better, she’d say Taylor was acting jealous. But that was crazy, right?

Sunday morning, the outdoor café was bustling with their regulars, dogs barking and tails wagging as they hoped for any morsels to end up on the ground. Kids chased each other across the expansive grass, half-drunk babycinos left with their onlooking parents. Sam sat watching everything with interest, enjoying being the first to arrive and having a little bit of control on an otherwise very spontaneous morning for her.

She looked up to see a flash of short brown hair heading inside to order. Was Taylor here? Her stomach swooped at the thought. She craned her neck towards the doorway as a toddler ran in, yelling behind the woman. She whirled around and picked them up, finally giving Sam a glimpse of her face.

Not Taylor.

She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t disappointed by that fact. Why was she so obsessed with her anyway?

Jason chose that moment to pop around the corner. He smiled with a quick wave and dropped himself into the chair opposite Sam.

“Ahhh, what a nice morning,” he said, looking out at the grass. “Thanks again for meeting me. For all we know, Pops is probably behind that bush over there, making sure this all goes along with his genius plan.”

She laughed. It was nice to meet someone new who seemed so warm and outgoing.

“I wouldn’t put it past him. Or Dave,” she replied.

“Oh god, I’m learning very quickly that those two are bad news!”

“A total nightmare!” Sam’s eyes flashed with amusement.

“So I hear Larry’s known you since you were little?”

“I’ve always been around the shop, in my parents’ footsteps. I’m surprised we haven’t met sooner.”

“Oh, my parents are horrible; they don’t really speak to the rest of the family,” he winced. “That, and I grew up interstate. I only recently moved here for a new job.”

“Ah, that explains a lot. Sorry about the parental situation.”

He just shrugged at that, but looked a little uncomfortable. “It is what it is. I’m just glad to have more distance between them, really. Now, coffee? Anything to eat?”

“Flat white and a ham and cheese toastie, please. Thanks.”

“Perfect, I’ll get the same.” He drummed his knuckles on the table—a habit, it seemed—as he stood up to order. She watched him walk off. He was cute; anyone in their right mind could see how attractive he was. No other feelings, though; her stomach was quiet, merely growling at the thought of toasties rather than the person dining with her.Interesting.

“Done.” Jase placed their order number on the table as he sat.

“Thanks.” They both looked out to the view again. Sam wasn’t really sure where to start with the conversation. What did people even talk about on a first date these days? It had been a while. Jason thankfully took the lead, clearing his throat.

“So, uhh, I have to be completely honest with you.” He seemed nervous now; she gave him a quizzical look.

“What’s up?” she asked.

“I’m gay.”

“Oh.” She paused, momentarily stunned. “Then why?—”

“Pops,” he said quickly, by way of explanation. “He doesn’t know. I was going to play along with his game, have a nice morning with you and leave it at that, yadda yadda, but… I can’t do it.”

She nodded along. “Well, I’m glad you told me. I’m relieved, actually.”

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