Page 34 of Wants and Needs
As I begin to walk, I wonder what all of this means.
The chances of me knowing what Carter is thinking are slim to none, but what’s more baffling is that I can’t quite understand what I’m feeling right now either.
“So how have you been since the party?” he asks after only a few steps, and my shoulders relax.
All I need to do is talk.
Having a conversation with Carter proved to be a pretty enjoyable activity when we sat together at the party a couple of weeks back. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be the same this time around.
9CARTER
“I would sayI’ve been good. I haven’t been ill or had any major life events since.”
It might not be the right thing to do, but with the relief of how things turned out in the last half hour, I can’t stop myself from snorting.
“That’s a good thing,” Liam explains to me in the most endearing way.
“I know, I just laughed because I was reminded again of how much I like the way you express things.”
“You do?” he mutters the question. I turn as we keep walking and see he’s frowning into the distance.
“I really do,” I assure him. “And no major life events is definitely a good thing,” I point out.
“How about you?” he asks in a way that sounds just robotic enough to tell me he’s probably asking because someone has taught him he has to, but I don’t mind.
That doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t care.
“I’ve been busy since we got back from Malibu, getting back into the routine with the two galleries and all.”
“That’s also good, right?” he checks as we turn the corner.
“It is,” I confirm. And then just to make sure, I ask. “This is the way to the restaurant, right?”
He smiles just a little and it feels like a huge triumph.
“Yes, it’s really close, in fact...” He slows down as his words trail away, and then motions just in front of us. Only one building down, there’s a little sign that reads Rossi’s Italian Cuisine.
I think quickly and get my phone out to take a picture of it and send it off to Mike.
Carter
Have you been to this place?
He’s probably at home with his two big dogs while Theo closes the bakery, or maybe he’s just getting home, so I don’t expect him to answer right away, even if the message is related to food.
Liam’s quizzical frown has me explaining.
“Remember how I told you Mike loves food?” He nods. “I just sent him a picture of the sign and asked if he’s been here. If he has, there’s a good chance he’ll recommend a dish.”
Liam’s face relaxes just slightly, and with his eyes less narrowed I get a full view of his brilliant blue irises. They really are striking.
But then we’re walking over to the smiling woman who seems to be waiting for us. “Liam, right?” she asks us.
Liam nods, unbothered by her knowledge.
And okay, I’m not exactlybothered, but I am curious as hell.
“We have a table for you at the back, is that okay?”
