Page 20 of Unraveling Rain
“Because if we hook up, I’ll chew you up and spit you out. I can’t do that with one of my sister’s patients,” I say while whisking the eggs.
I avoid looking at him, but he barks out a laugh. When I glance over, he’s doubled over, cracking up. I can’t help but join in.
This is… fun.
“Oh man—I wasn’t expecting to laugh so much. That’s a good one, Rain,” he says, standing upright and absentmindedly rubbing his right collarbone.
“Is that where you got hurt? Your injury?” I ask.
“Yeah. I fell against the goal post. Any other day, it wouldn’t have meant anything, but in that game in particular, I fell with such force that I broke my collarbone.”
“Ouch,” I wince.
“Yeah, it was the worst pain I’ve ever felt.”
I shiver as I think about how much breaking thatbone hurts.
I plate the food, and he comes to stand beside me.
“Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help? I feel bad just standing around.”
“It’s all good, but I appreciate you asking. Maybe you can get us something to drink? I’m sure there’s lemonade and tea in that fridge,” I say, pointing to the one near the diner entrance.
He heads over, grabs two bottles of water, and the sweet tea jar.
“I had this tea earlier. It was delicious,” he says, pulling out a chair and motioning for me to sit.
What a gentleman.
I pour two glasses and pass one to him.
“This is good, thank you,” he says, taking a spoonful of his omelet.
“That’s the recipe I taught at Serene Lookout earlier. Two students made that mess you saw.”
His eyes widen as I take a bite of my meal.
“Yeah. I think next time, I’m just going to teach them how to chop and clean their stations. Then we can build from there.”
“That sounds like a good plan. I’m excited for the next class.”
I sip my tea instead of replying.
He shifts the conversation. “Does Granny read the tarot to everyone who comesin?”
I let out a laugh. “Oh gosh, she read your cards? You could say Granny is a people person—she needs interaction. Most folks don’t mind and are good sports about it.”
I shrug but don’t mention that Granny’s been deep into witchcraft since her youth.
“I thought it was cool. She definitely made me chuckle a couple of times. I think my mom would dig a tarot reading—she’s always been fascinated by that stuff.”
Huh. He brings up his family so casually. He must have a good relationship with his parents. Or at least with his mom.
“Yeah, a lot of people find it interesting,” I say, but my mind lingers on his earlier mention of his mom. “Are you close to your family?”
He chews thoughtfully, his gaze drifting somewhere far off. After a few beats, he nods.
“Yeah, we’re close. I’m an only child and have been blessed with the best parents. But I don’t see them too often. They live in Massachusetts, where I’m from, and with all the travel during the season, it’s hard to visit.”
