Page 16 of Falling for You
“You’re welcome.” He winked at the little girl, who flushed and turned into her mother’s legs, embarrassed by her adorable crush.
Natalie tossed a few twenties on the table and took Madeline’s hand. “Keep the change, Evan. And thank you for distracting them for a few minutes.”
The mayor slid out of the booth and slapped Evan on the back, the motion so jerky it caught him off balance. “You’re a nice guy,” he said before turning and heading toward the door. Coming from Mayor Snyder, that was a hell of a compliment.
Natalie smiled sheepishly at Evan. “Thanks again—you’re a lifesaver.”
As the mayor and his family left the diner, Evan focused on clearing the table. Helen came up and took the stack of plates from him, jerking her head toward the entrance and saying, “There’s a girl to see you. I’ve got this.” Without letting Evan argue, Helen took the plates and stalked back into the kitchen.
“Ev!” Mallory called from the door, still dressed in her rumpled scrubs from the night before. Her eyes were dark and shadowed, and she looked dead on her feet.
Evan rushed to join her, giving her a quick hug before directing her to an open spot at the counter. “Mal, you look exhausted.” He snagged a coffee cup, filling it to the brim.
Mallory scoffed but took the mug and greedily took a swig. “You really need to work on your conversation skills. I think the thing you meant to say was, ‘Wow, Mal. You look amazing after a night of saving lives. Let me give you some coffee while you relax.’”
“Waffles or pancakes?” he asked, pulling his notepad out of his jeans pocket.
“Waffles, but add some fruit so I don’t feel bad about myself.”
“Be right back,” Evan said as he darted into the kitchen.
“Is that your sister? I always forget what she looks like,” Helen said as she loaded a stack of dishes into the dishwasher. Evan glanced around to see if CeCe was around, but he didn’t see her.
Max wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and beamed. “Mallory’s here? Does she want waffles or pancakes?”
Evan handed the slip to Max. “Waffles, and can we add some fruit, please?”
Max tucked the slip above the stove and stirred the bowl of batter. “For Mallory, she can have all the fruit. Why don’t you take a break and join her for a few? Judging from how well the mayor’s visit went, I think you earned an extra break.”
Even though things with the mayor had improved over the last few months, it was no secret there was still a little tension between Mayor Snyder and Max. Those tensions fortunately loosened when Natalie hired Ginny for her events business. Thinking of the business made Evan think about his proposal for their website. Every time Natalie came in, he was so close to mentioning his freelance services, but he kept chickening out. He didn’t want Natalie, or anyone, to think he was only nice to the kids so he could get her talking about work.
Lost in his musings, Evan nearly missed the plate Max handed him. “Here you go, and grab one of CeCe’s donuts for the road. Mallory will love them.”
Evan nodded and walked back to the counter.
Stepping into the dining room, he hopped onto the neighboring stool and slid his sister’s breakfast across to her. Mallory’s eyes rested on the plate and the donut, and she immediately dove in. “These waffles literally make my day. I’m surprised you don’t weigh three hundred pounds with all this good food available.”
Evan shrugged and poured himself a cup of coffee. He wasn’t hungry, too lost in his rambling thoughts. Between CeCe and his business proposal, Evan didn’t know which end was up.
Mallory devoured half her waffle. “Earth to Ev,” she said as she waved her hand in front of his face. “I asked how the movie marathon went last night. I’m sorry I had to leave you high and dry.”
For a moment, Evan pictured CeCe at his place, sprawled on the air mattress and laughing without a care in the world. His lips tugged upward, and Mallory didn’t miss the shift in his expression. She raised an eyebrow and rested her arm on the counter. “Spill it. Something’s up. You never look this happy, even after a kung fu marathon.”
Evan glanced around to make sure they were alone, and he whispered, “I had a friend come by. It was nice.”
Mallory inched closer. “Was this a lady friend?” she asked, her voice dripping with excitement, her eyes dancing.
There was no point beating around the bush. Mallory could smoke out any detail she wanted within two minutes, even going on zero hours of sleep. “CeCe came over.”
Mallory reared back like she was slapped and covered her mouth as she squealed. “CeCe came over? That’s amazing!” Evan raised his hands to quiet his sister, but she was on a roll. “Tell me everything. Did you watch movies? Did something happen?” She paused to take in a deep breath and froze. “Wait? Did she see the fort?”
Evan laughed at the look of absolute horror on Mallory’s face. “Yes, Mal. She saw the fort. Frankly, if an air mattress pillow fort is enough to scare her away, then she’s not the woman for me.” He meant the words, even though he’d obsessed over the same thing. Though judging from how the evening turned out, he wasn’t worried anymore.
Max walked out and saved Evan from his sister’s third degree. Max waved and greeted Mallory like she was his own family, which was one of the many reasons Evan respected him. He was more than Evan’s boss; Max was a true friend. “What brings you out today, other than free waffles?” Max winked and Mallory flushed.
“Just came out to see my brother before I head home to crash. It’s been a rough week at the hospital.” Yawning, Mallory stretched before she exclaimed, “Oh!” Pulling her tote bag up to her lap, she fished around and finally pulled out the newspaper article that had upset CeCe. “This sounds very exciting! Is the diner participating?”
Evan watched Max flinch as he took the paper from Mallory. “Yeah, I’m still working with CeCe on this.” He rubbed the back of his neck as the woman herself emerged from the kitchen.
