Page 152 of Mountain Daddy
Think this series of constant close calls is some sort of punishment from the universe.
I blow out my breath.
We’re at the point where we need to just do it.
We need to tell my dad.
I close my fingers around the door handle and pull it open.
We won’t tell him here. Not right now. Not before we have a strategy.
But soon.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I can’t stop my eyes from going straight to Luther.
The way he greeted me today…
I can still feel his hands on me.
His heat on my back as we ordered.
I can still feel the way his voice rumbled against me.
Our luck might be cursed, but it still feels like magic every time we’re together.
Squaring my shoulders, I cross the room.
Luther sees me first, and then my dad turns in his chair to watch me.
His smile seems normal.
He seems fine.
Luther shifts, and I watch him pull his phone out of his pocket.
“Sorry,” I say to my dad as I reach the table. “Had to go.”
He lifts his cup. “We really shouldn’t drink so much of this.” Then he takes a sip.
I roll my eyes as I take my seat.
Luther slides his chair back from the table. “I gotta go. Jessie’s not feeling great, so I need to take over the bar.”
Dad cocks his head. “Really?”
“Oh, that sucks.” I wrap my hands around my latte so I don’t reach for Luther.
I’m not sure if he’s telling the truth or if he’s making it up as an excuse to leave.
And I’m not sure if I should thank him or be mad.
It’ll be less awkward if it’s not all three of us. But still.
Luther stands. “Sorry for cutting this short.” His eyes meet mine. For just a moment.
“Bye,” I say quietly.
Luther nods and grabs his coffee and one of the bags of beans, then he walks away.
