Page 109 of Callahan

“That’s true. It’s ten minutes—I timed it.” Then I realized what I’d admitted, and quickly added, “To the diner, anyway.”

He gave me a knowing smile, but said, “That’s the nice thing about Haven Springs. Everything is within walking distance if you have the time.”

****

Lainey

Over Adam’s objection, I put the folded-up playpen in my room and not his in the next room over.

“I still want to keep our schedule. I’ll take the middle of the night feeding,” he’d argued as I set it up next to my bed, where Conor was fast asleep after I nursed him.

“That’s not necessary. The bakery is closed tomorrow.”

I had no idea when it was going to be open again. I’d had to leave a message for Earl, and he hadn’t called me back yet.

“Besides,” I continued as I locked the rails in place. “You’ll be in your new place tomorrow night, anyway.”

“The only way I’ll be in my new place is if you and Conor are there with me.”

The words were nice to hear, but knowing he only wanted us there out of some sense of obligation to Shawn to keep us safe muted the sentiment.

After laying Conor on the mat in the playpen, I grabbed the baby monitor receiver and walked out.

“I think Brian would have a problem with that. Besides, the Garcias agreed to let you stay at their house. Not me and the baby.”

Adam followed me down the stairs.

“So, what, they think I’m not going to have guests? My brother’s coming Wednesday; should I tell him he can’t stay there?”

“No, of course not.”

“Exactly.”

We settled in the living room on the matching beige leather couches that faced each other across Brian’s coffee table with walnut legs and blue agate top.

This place was no bachelor pad, and I had to wonder if he’d had it professionally decorated.

“Anyway… not the point. The point is, I am going to be responsible for his feedings now. You’re starting your new job on Tuesday, I’m not going to let you interrupt your sleep.”

“Well, if my boots really get here by nine a.m. tomorrow morning, like the seller promised, I’m going in at ten tomorrow. And even if they don’t, considering the circumstances, I think Angus would let me slide with my current boots.”

I laughed. “I think Angus would let you show up in pajama pants and a t-shirt and try to say you’re undercover.”

“You’re probably right.”

Neither of us said anything for a beat as we stared at each other. It felt like a game of chicken—who was going to address the elephant in the room first.

Finally, I caved.

“So, that bridge we talked about crossing earlier… I think we’ve come to it. We need to make a decision about how we’re going to move forward.”

I still held onto a tiny bit of hope that he would insist we be together, consequences be damned.

But it quickly became obvious I’d read way too many romance novels, because he replied, “Sadly, I think you’re right. We don’t really have much of a choice, do we? I mean, we can’t dishonor Shawn’s memory by having a real relationship.”

My pride made me agree.

“Right. Of course we can’t. We knew it was just a secret fling when we started things.”

---