Page 51 of Falling for You
“Thanks, Mal. That’s really helpful.”
The kids bellowed in the background and Evan’s laptop shook with Sophie’s voice. “You two better knock it off while Mommy is on a call!” she shouted over her shoulder.
Silence cut through the screen, and Emily laughed. “Goody. Another forecast of chaos to come.”
Everyone chuckled while Evan thought about his lack of communication with CeCe. “Am I a coward? Not wanting to bring up the age difference again, because I’m afraid it’ll all end before it even starts?”
Sophie leaned closer and put on her best big-sister voice. “Look, Ev. I’ve only met CeCe once, but she seems very no-nonsense. Talk it out with her and see where the chips fall. She obviously isn’t that worried about the age thing, or she wouldn’t be taking you out with her friends.”
“I’m with Sophie. You’ll never know where you stand if you don’t talk to her. I know it’s easier said than done, but there you have it.” Emily grimaced as she shifted her weight on her seat.
“Communication is key,” Mallory said sagely.
“And what makes you an expert on this, oh single sister?” Evan scoffed.
Mallory rolled her eyes as only a bratty sister could. “This might shock you, Ev, but I’ve had a few boyfriends. Remember that last guy I dated? Paul? He used to—”
Evan shuddered at the thought of Mallory doing anything remotely romantic with a man. Between that image and Emily’s flatulence, he was at highwater mark for family time. “All right, I’m going to go. I need to talk to CeCe.”
“Good!” all three sisters chimed.
“Keep us posted,” Mallory added. “And. Em, I saw on Reddit that the best thing for pregnancy gas is—”
Evan slammed his laptop shut before he heard the end of that sentence.
Pulling himself free of his pillow fort, Evan plodded over to the kitchen to brew a fresh pot of coffee. He needed to get his head together and reach out to CeCe.
But there was also the boutique website to finish, as they had moved the deadline forward. He wasn’t too worried about that, but it was still something that required more than one brain cell. Since he chickened out and called off from the diner, he needed to be productive with his time.
Just as Evan finished pouring his second cup of coffee, he heard a soft knock at the door. Knowing Mallory was too far away and Max was busy at the diner, he knew it had to be CeCe. Finger-combing his hair, he padded to the door and opened it to a sight that made his heart hurt.
CeCe was clad in her favorite hoodie, her blonde hair hanging loose to her shoulders. Her eyes looked as bleary as his did, which somehow made him feel better and worse. “Good morning,” she said, holding up a covered plate. “I brought some pancakes.” She didn’t wait for an invitation inside, barreling past him. By the time Evan joined her, she was sipping from his coffee mug and looked angry. “Why aren’t you answering my texts? Don’t you think we should talk about this?”
Although he hated being called out for his childish behavior, he was touched that she cared enough to come out—and call him out. “Yeah, actually. I do think we should talk about this. I was trying to caffeinate and build up my nerve to face the firing squad that is a pissed off CeCe.” His observation brought a small smile to her lips.
“I know you’re mad at me, but I want to—” CeCe started.
That declaration brought him up short. “Why would I be mad atyou? If anything, you should be embarrassed to be seen with a teenager at the best restaurant in Ohio.”
“First of all, our diner is the best restaurant in Ohio. And secondly, you’re not a teenager.” Evan folded his arms over his chest and frowned. “Well, right now you really look like one. What’s going on?”
That was the million-dollar question. How could he explain all his roiling emotions and fears over their age gap? After watching how in sync Anthony and Natalie were, how mature and financially stable they seemed, Evan felt he was lacking.
Sensing where his mind was wandering, CeCe stepped closer and reached out, taking his hand in hers. She squeezed it gently, and much like the night before, Evan felt bolstered by the warmth of her touch. “I can see you’re having a hell of a conversation up there,” she said, gesturing with her free hand toward his forehead. “Care to include me?”
Evan inched closer, loving how she could read him so well. Their relationship started as friendship, and he felt like it was a solid foundation for something truly special. All he had to do was be honest and take the first step. “I’m afraid you’re embarrassed to be seen with me. I’m terrified that after last night, you’re going to end things.”
“Why would you think that?” CeCe asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“Because you deserve the best, CeCe. You deserve a partner who supports you and wants nothing but the best for you. Not some goof-off trying to get started.”
CeCe let go of his hand, raising hers to cup his cheek. She was mere inches away, and Evan felt he might die if they didn’t get closer. “You’re not a goof-off.” He opened his mouth to argue, but she pressed her finger against his lips. “Don’t you think you are those things? Supportive? Caring?” she asked.
The question nearly knocked Evan back on his heels. “Maybe? But I’m just getting started, CeCe. I can’t afford to take you to those places all the time. I’m working my ass off to get there, but it’ll take time.” The unasked question Evan really wanted to ask wasWhat if I’m not worth waiting for?
CeCe stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek, lingering a moment longer to savor the feel of his skin. “Do I look like Natalie?” Evan blinked, then slowly shook his head. “Exactly. I love her, don’t get me wrong, but she and I want different things from the men in our lives. Completely different things,” she added.
“But what if—” Evan started to argue, but CeCe interjected.
