Page 36 of The One That I Want

‘But we didn’t order these,’ I say. I’m especially confused because there’s no table service here.

She hooks a thumb over her shoulder. ‘They’re from him.’ She turns and I follow her line of sight. Ewan is standing near the counter and smiling at me. I lift a hand to wave and he waves back.

‘Enjoy,’ says the young woman. Before I can thank her, she turns and goes back behind the counter.

‘Do you know him?’ asks Poppy.

‘Er, yes.’

‘Then invite him over,’ she says, that familiar lilt of laughter in her voice.

I catch Ewan’s eye and wave him over.

‘Hello, you,’ I say, my mouth stretching into an involuntary smile as he approaches.

‘Hello.’ We stare at each other for several seconds.

‘Oh, sorry,’ I say, realising, ‘where are my manners? This is Poppy Dean, my… er, colleague. And this is Ewan— Actually, I don’t know your last name.’

‘Wilder,’ he says to Poppy. ‘And did I get your order correct?’ he asks, motioning to the cup in front of Poppy. ‘Strong tea, white, no sugar? That’s what Harry behind the counter said.’

Poppy’s eyes widen slightly and she shoots me a look, then her eyes swing back to Ewan. ‘You have got that right and thank you, Ewan. That’s very thoughtful.’

‘A pleasure. I guessed you might be Greta’s colleague. You seemed to be working quite hard and I thought you might like another round, so to speak.’ Ewan seems shy suddenly – or perhaps embarrassed. It’s hard to tell, as I don’t know him that well. ‘I’ve overstepped, haven’t I?’ He shakes his head. ‘Or worse,intruded.’

‘No, not at all,’ says Poppy. ‘And how do you two know each other?’ she asks.

‘From here, actually,’ Ewan replies.

‘How nice,’ she says with a smile. Then she glances at her watch. ‘So sorry, but I’ll need to take this to go. Greta, I’ll be in touch later so we can get started on our project.’

‘Right, yes.’ And then she’s gone.

‘I didn’t mean to chase her off,’ Ewan says as he watches Poppy leave.

‘No, no, you didn’t. We were done anyway.’

‘Oh good,’ he says, seeming relieved. ‘So, an interesting project you’re working on?’ His eyes, filled with interest, land on the folder.

‘Er, yes.’

Interesting, but also horrific, I think but don’t say. ‘Did you want to sit?’

I should probably be getting back toNouveau, but what’s another ten minutes away from the office? Especially when I need some respite after my meeting with Poppy.

‘I’d love to, but I’ve got to get back to work myself,’ he replies.

Oh.

‘How about tomorrow? Ten-ish?’

‘Perfect,’ I say, my disappointment dissipating instantly.

Ewan flashes me a grin, then heads towards the counter just as the barista calls out his name.

10

POPPY

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