Page 31 of Geordie

I know Stephen has a driving service, so I don't have to worry about him driving in the state he's in. I don't believe he was eating his dinner; more likely he was drinking it.

“Thank you,” I say, pulling my coat tighter, then shoving my hands into my pockets.

Geordie tenses beside me, protective. I don't need him to save me. This is my battle.

Stephen's car arrives before my vehicle, and the headlight briefly illuminates where we're standing at the curb. His driver pushes out of the car, coming around to the passenger side, opening the door. “It was nice seeing you again, Lily,” is all he says.

I sigh inwardly, grateful our contact was minimal.

Stephen glances at Geordie. My ex's icy demeanor cracks a bit as the muscles in his jaw tighten. “If you're waiting for a ride, I can drop you both off.”

“No need. I drove my car,” I say.

“As you wish.” He places his hand on the door handle, about to climb inside. Instead, he hesitates, then inclines his head toward us.

“Geordie,” Stephen says, as an afterthought.

“Aye?”

“I hope you'll give a restaurant space to Lily. She shouldn't be wining and dining you under the pretense that you'll have a relationship with her. I think you know that won't happen. She's only making nice because she needs you. Dalliance's reputation should be enough to secure a spot anywhere she chooses to open a restaurant. If you need a reference, I would be happy to provide it.” He looks at us both. “I hope you have a good night.”

We're silent, watching the taillights of Stephen's car make the circle around the fountain, heading out to the main road.

Chapter fifteen

Chocolate and Marshmallows

Geordie

Lilywon'tlookatme while we wait for the valet to return. Finally, the SUV rolls into sight. A tall, lanky kid gets out and heads toward us.

Lily snatches the keys from him while I pull out a folded twenty and hand it to the grinning kid. It's the least I can do since she drove us to the party. He opens the door for her while I store my crutches in the back seat and climb into the passenger side.

She makes the circle around the fountain and pulls onto the main road, and I'm wondering if I should ask her now about what Stephen said or wait until I've gotten to my apartment. I'd hate to provoke an argument and end up trying to hitchhike a ride home.

Her red-tipped fingers click on the radio, pushing a few buttons and cueing up a playlist. This is not the eclectic music from the ’90s. It's a contemporary, soothing instrumental blend that you'd hear at a bookstore or somewhere trendy. The sound is almost ambient. I imagine she turns this on after a hard day at work to relax. I'm silent to give her time to quiet her mind, because she knows before the evening is done, I'm going to ask the question.

We pull into the parking lot of my apartment. It's an awkward few minutes while I decide if I want to invite her upstairs or talk to her here.

I keep my focus looking forward, to make sure she doesn't feel pressured when I ask if she wants to come upstairs. “I don't know about you, but I'm still wound up from the party. Are you up for a hot chocolate, tea, or coffee? We can chat a little before you go home.” I climb out of the car, opening the back to retrieve my crutches; it should give her time to consider.

“Yeah, I'm wound up, too. A hot chocolate sounds about right.”

We go through the entrance of the apartment lobby. The elevator car comes within seconds. I glance at her briefly, noticing that she's still in her head, biting her lip, mulling over something.

We finally reach my door, where I pull the key out of my pocket and lean on my crutches, trying to push the key in.

She holds out her hand. “Let me have the key.”

I shrug. Why not? I hand it to her. She hikes her purse higher onto her shoulder and lets us in. I hobble along, turning on lights as I head for the kitchen.

“I can make something for us,” she offers. “It's no trouble.”

“No, I'll do the honors,” I say. “What would you like?”

“Do you have hot chocolate and marshmallows?”

“What self-respecting home wouldn't have chocolate and marshmallows?”

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