Page 73 of The Accidental Nanny
“Sure. Set it up,” I agree.
Dad’s right, I need to try and move on.
By Monday afternoon, I’m sitting in the coffee shop waiting for Leon to arrive. The rain is hammering outside. Brody showed me a photo so I would recognise him when he arrived. Brody tried to sound positive about me giving Leon a chance, but honestly, he sounded more protective than anything. He made me promise to call him if Leon tries anything I don't like. I didn’t like this side of Brody; he was being too nice.
The door opens, and I see a tall, lean man take off his hood, the rain dripping down his forehead. He removes the steamed-up glasses that are sitting on his face, cleaning them.
“Gemma?” He spots me in the window seat.
“Leon.” I stand, giving him a kiss to the side of his lips. His breath smells of a mixture of tuna and mint.
“Hi,” he replies sounding nervous. “What would you like to drink?” he asks.
“I’m okay. I already bought one.” I indicate to the cup on the table.
He looks down at my coffee. “Ah, okay. I won’t be a moment.” He walks to the counter and orders.
He is handsome, but my heart isn't in it. I keep looking out the window at the tall building opposite—I chose this coffee shop and this chair on purpose.
Alex will be able to see me from his window. Why did I do it to myself? I don't even know what I would do if he came down here. I'm still so angry at him—I want him to hurt the way I am.
Leon comes back with a cup of tea and sits down. "So, you like little children? Your dad says you're interviewing to work at a nursery."
I nod, glancing out the window again. "Yeah. I have an interview next week."
"That's cool. I have little cousins that I get along with." This is so awkward.
I smile and bob my head at the right points whilst he tells me about his family, all the while thinking about the children I’ve left behind.
Alex
It is her. It's definitely Gemma. I watch her for a good fifteen minutes; she keeps glancing this way. I can't take my eyes off her. She’s seems to be laughing with the man sitting opposite her. She knows where I work, and she knows that it is my favourite coffee shop. I grab my coat and head out the door.
“I’m getting a coffee,” I tell Fern as I walk out.
I run across the road, walking to where she is. When I open the door, she’s sat right by the entrance, I lock eyes with her. Gemma’s cheeks flush pink, and her breathing speeds up. Her nostrils flare, and she purses her lips together.
“Gemma…” The young man tries to get her attention.
“I’m sorry, Leon. I’ve got to go.” She stands up and leaves without a further word, storming past me. He watches as she runs out.
Seeing her hurts more than I thought it would. I miss her.
“What…?” The man she was with calls after her, but she’s already gone.
“It’s not you,” I tell him. “She picked this place on purpose. So I could see you with her,” I explain. He looks confused. I don’t blame him. “Want some company?” I ask.
“Sure.”
Grabbing a coffee, I sit where Gemma had been, the chair still slightly warm.
“How do you know her?” He takes a sip of his tea.
“We dated but we broke up a couple of months ago. She’strying to make me jealous,” I say casually. It's immature on her part, but she’s still young.
The guy looks at me, surprised. “Aren’t you a bit old for her?”
“No.” I snort.
