Page 38 of When You Stayed
The moment seemed to snap back into place like a tight rubber band.
“Course he did,” Ford drawled before pushing off the metal desk. He gestured at Johnson with a tilt of his chin.
“Walk her back to her bike and fire anyone who talks to her.”
“Ford that’s not—” I started, but his stern glare told me he would not budge on this.
I closed my mouth and followed Johnson out. Right as I was about to walk past Ford, he glanced over his shoulder with a smirk.
“Thanks for the basket, Rose.”
I flushed pink all the way from my head to my toes.
TEN
ROYCE
The bell chimingover the door of the Drip was incessant. So much so that I drafted a text to my Aunt Natty. Her coffee shop was too popular for her to have something as obnoxious as a bell chiming every time someone walked in.
Me: Aunt Natty, you have to remove the bell over the door. I’ve been sitting here for over ten minutes, and the bell hasn’t stopped chiming.
Typically, when I texted her, Rook, or Ryle, they’d respond the next day. Uncle Silas wasn’t the texting type. If I saw him in person, he’d side-hug me, but that and letting us play in his lemon orchard was about as much affection as he’d ever shown. Which was why I was surprised when my phone pinged with a new text.
Aunty Natty: Royce! Oh my gosh, I’ve missed you, sweetheart. You know what, I’m going to ask Ford if he’ll remove the bell because we can’t have incessant chiming.
Me: You’re the best. Also, when are you coming back this time?
Rook and Ryle had been enrolled in academies abroad, but Rook had graduated well over four years ago and Ryle was on track to finish this year. So really, there was nothing keeping them away anymore unless they were worried about Max like Dad was.
Aunt Natty: Hopefully soon. Actually, how would you feel about going to the cottage and sprucing up the place? Just dust, and air everything out, maybe put on some fresh sheets? I’d pay you, sweetie.
Me: Of course I will, no need to pay me. I’ll head over right before I go into work tomorrow.
Aunt Natty: You’re the best. Love you, see you soon!
“Hey, you’re here.” Julian slid into the chair across from me, drawing my attention.
I set my phone down, watching him check his own. “I’ve been here for nearly twenty minutes.”
We agreed to meet at one, and it was almost half past the hour.
His handsome face twisted in a wince. “Sorry, babe.”
I hated when he called me that, and I’d told him as such several times.
“You wanted to chat?” I sipped from the coffee I had to buy myself since he’d arrived so late.
He glanced over my shoulder briefly, toward the chiming door at my back. “Yeah, I wanted to ask if you’d consider getting me a spot at the Hollow for a friend of mine?”
“Uh…” Wow, he was asking me to do him a favor while also helping someone else…this felt weird. “Can you give me some more information?”
He touched his cell again, making my eye twitch. “So, it’s someone I grew up with. She’s traveling through Virginia on these small tours,playing coffee shops and smaller venues. I mentioned the Hollow, and she was wondering if there was any way to fit her in this upcoming weekend.”
Irritation bristled under my skin as I smashed my lips together. Not once had he even come down to the Hollow to see me, much less take actual notice of how incredible of a venue it was. I didn’t blame him for trying to help his friend out, but how he assumed I’d drop everything annoyed me. “I already have a band slotted for this weekend.”
Julian’s gaze trailed someone over my shoulder, and I realized a second later that Ford had walked up to the counter. He was in his club cut and white T-shirt that revealed all the ink spread out along his arms. The man across from me shifted in his seat, seemingly uncomfortable, which reminded me of his utter dislike for the Stone Riders.
“Is everything okay?” I asked, flicking my eyes to Ford and back to Julian.
