Page 40 of Havenfall Harbor
“We got coffee,” the woman offers with an indifferent shrug.
“Water is fine. Jacob?” Quinn touches her finger to the boy’s arm.
“Can I have a soda?” His eyes are on Quinn, not the waitress.
“Sure. Coke or…?” Quinn looks back at the server, who nods in response.
“Yeah,” Jacob agrees eagerly.
“Coffee,” Evan tells her, not lifting his eyes to address her.
“And for you?”
“Nothing.” I rise from my seat. There’s a gas station on the other side of the building. I head in that direction. The only thing I want to put in my mouth isn’t on the menu right now, so I might as well see if I can find Quinn what she wants.
A few heads follow me, but I’m adept at ignoring people. There’s a long hall with a sign pointing to showers and restrooms near the back wall. I pass those and move over to the large drink station. They have about seven different machines all offering drinks, none of them hot tea, unfortunately.
“Can I help you?” an older woman calls from a few feet away.
“Hot tea.” I check one of the machines that has cocoa and six different lattes.
“Down here, it’s probably stale, not a big seller, but there’s a few.” The woman beckons me over to a coffee pot. In a small cardboard box, there are a few paper-wrapped tea bags.
“Which will help with sleeping?”
“Phew, warm milk and brandy works for me. I don’t know about tea.” She picks up the box and squints. “This one is caffeine free.” She offers me a little bag. “Hot water’s over there.” When I turn to thank her, she’s already heading back to the checkout counter.
I fill the cup and stand there with the lid in my hands. Quinn had tea in her room, but I didn’t notice any honey, nor was there milk in her fridge. I put the top on and stalk over to the counter to pay. Here I am, making tea for a human and feeling ridiculous for doing it, but I still take her the fucking cup because I want her to be happy.
I set the paper cup near Quinn’s hand and lower myself into the hard as hell metal chair. “What’s this?” Quinn picks up the cup and fiddles with the small square that says the name of the tea. Her brows furrow tightly, then her eyes jump up to meet mine. I intend to look away, but don’t make much of an effort.
“Thank you.” Her words are soft, sincere. It pisses me off that it makes me feel good. Fucking hell, I need to get away from this woman.
Chapter 13
Quinn
“Thought it might keepyou from freaking out,” Griffin snarls. It’s not even what he said, but more the way he said it, that has me holding the first swallow of bitter tea in my mouth. What I thought was a sweet gesture sours the taste even more after his comment.
I slide the cup to the side and fold my hands in my lap. Not saying a word in response. But you can bet your fucking last penny I won’t let him see an ounce of fear in me again. Especially not if he’s going to toss it in my face like that.
The waitress comes back to the table, holding my water glass and Jacob’s Coke with the tips of her fingers in the cups with one hand and Evan’s coffee with her other hand.
As soon as she sets the cups down, Jacob reaches for his. I place my hand over the top to stop him. “I’m so sorry, can I trouble you for a Coke. I changed my mind.” The server gives a slight eyeroll, but walks over to the fountain machine a few steps away and fills another plastic cup with ice and soda.
“Don’t drink that,” I say out of the side of my mouth to Jacob. “Take the one she’s bringing.” I’m not a germaphobe, but her fingers were right in the cup.
“All set to order?” she asks after placing the cup down and wiping her hands on her apron.
My mind blanks as I try to think of something that isn’t going to make me sick on the flight back. Jacob watches me, waiting. “Go ahead,” I urge him.
“I’ll have the lumberjack,” he says quickly.
“How do you want your eggs?” The server sounds bored.
“Scrambled with bacon, extra bacon.” Jacob dips his eyes in my direction, and I nod. “Toast and pancakes too.”
“It’ll be extra,” she informs us.
