Page 30 of Between Us

Before I have to even think of a response our server drops off our sandwiches, thus putting me out of my awkward misery.

For like half a minute.

“That looks good,” Adrian leans forward looking at my Chef’s Club. His Monte Cristo sits untouched in front of him.

“Uh, thanks. Yours looks…” I grimace at the side of jelly. “Interesting.”

Leaning across to grab one of the halves of my sandwich, he takes a bite and nods appreciatively. I’m too stunned to say anything, but he’s lucky I come from a family that regularly picks off of each other’s plates. “Do you want to try mine?”

I snort. “No, thanks.”

“Come onnn,” he drags out. “It’s good.” He dips a corner into the jam and holds it out for me. “My whole day is riding on this moment.”

Rolling my eyes, I grab for the sandwich but he tsks and pulls it out of reach. “Try again,” he taunts.

He leans in closer and watches my mouth, waiting. I reach for it a second time, as he shakes his head. Dropping my hand, I wearily lean forward, and his smirk grows. My heart feels like it’s about to beat out of my chest, but I can play along in this game.

At least Iwantto play along.

Resting my elbows on the table, I place my chin into my hands and open my mouth. Taking a bite, I lean back, watching him watch me.

Doing my best to not have any reaction, I finish chewing as he takes a bite. “What did you think?” The glint in his eye makes me think he doesn’t mean the sandwich.

It doesn’t stop me from saying, “Disgusting.” Because the savory and sweet sandwichisdisgusting. And for one second I feel real, gut wrenching dread at my quick response.

But Adrian just laughs and shakes his head. “I’ll pretend to believe you.”

Yeah, he was not talking about the food.

Chapter Fifteen

Adrian

Afterlunch,BlakeandI are walking around the small shopping area, still waiting for the mechanic to call her back.

Not that I’m complaining. Not at all.

Today has been the best day I’ve had since moving out here. Months before that even. Everything we’re doing is mundane and an inconvenience to her I’m sure, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I wish I could take Blake with me on all of my errands. It doesn’t matter that she tries to hide her smiles or responds mostly with snark and sarcasm—fuck, Ilovethose things. It’s all just more fun with her.

Even though we’re just outside of Amada Beach, closer to the upper-class neighborhood Aurora Hills, she knows the area and a few of the locals so we stop in at some of the shops. It’s a surprise if we don’t leave with something that one of the shop owners insists she takes, no charge. Homemade sea salt and lavender soap. Popcorn with chocolate drizzled on top—her favorite I learned. Fresh fruit cups withchamoyandtajin. A pair of clay earrings, and a matching set for her mom. We each got an iced tea plus a small batch of leaves in the mixture her dad loves. Even the owner ofWearing Sunsets, a middle-aged Black woman with waist-length braids and a warm smile that reminds me of my mom, insists that Blake take a cute octopus onesie for her brother’s baby that’s due in just a few weeks.

I knew Blake’s family was popular around Amada Beach. It’s obvious from the interactions I’ve caught between her and some of the pet owners. Hell, even Polly loves Blake, but they have their own…thinggoing on. Who am I to interfere between two grumpy ladies? My mom definitely taught me better than that. Butthisgoes so much further than just growing up in a small community or having outgoing parents. This is Blake not only spending her life here, but her putting herself out there and being an essential part of so many people’s lives.

I’ve seen this side of her every day we work together, but I get the impression it’s another part of Blake that she underestimates about herself.

Part of me thinks that Blake’s naturally introverted and isn’t interested in meaningless socializing. Although that doesn’t feel quite accurate. She clings to conversations and key details about a person, but she never initiates those moments either. She just waits for them to find her.

It feels wrong to say for someone as resolute as Blake, except I think she’sscared.

More than anything, it was the look on Selena’s face last night when Blake said she had two flats. I didn’t understand it at first, I just couldn’t let it go either. It was fierce and protective in a way only a mom can be, even if it seemed like a bigger reaction than necessary, especially after learning how easy-going Selena is. She doesn’t take much seriously it seems, except forthat.

I consider asking Blake more about it, when I glance down, and any thoughts other than ‘pretty girl’ leave my head immediately.

She’s walking next to me with a small smile on her lips as she ties her long, raven hair up in a messy bun. I watch as she gathers the strands, trying to catch all of them with a sweep of her hands along her neck. And I can’t help but wish that it weremyhands running up her neck, tangling into her hair. How easy it would be to fist the silky locks and pull her into the perfect position to take her plump pink lips with my own.

That’s another thought that has been plaguing me over the last few weeks. One that makes a naughty appearance at the most inappropriate times… like this morning in the shower.

She ties her hair into a knot, and I notice that the scrunchie she’s using is bright pink—a total contradiction to her baby blue and white outfit—but it’s a cute quirk I’ve noticed of hers over the last few weeks. Her hair tienevermatches her outfit, almost like it’s intentional on her part.

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