Page 17 of Better Watch Out
Andrew turned his lifted brow to the display case, where plates of cookies were spread out behind the glass. There were other pastries but the staff behind the counter were kept busy tucking cookies into little blue paper sleeves for the crowd of customers.
Frannie tugged her scarf loose to relieve some of the heat climbing into her face. When it was their turn to order, she picked a chocolate chip cookie and a cup of Earl Grey. Andrew ordered a black coffee—no cookie. Moving to the side to wait for their order, she pulled out her cell phone and continued the text message conversation she’d been having with Ryan on the ride over.
Ryan: Vivian just asked me if I prefer Superman or Batman underwear. She’s never going to let me live this down.
Frannie stifled a giggle and caught Andrew raising a brow in her direction again. He had to know how disarming that look was, right? She smiled shyly and returned to the text, not feeling remorseful at all about telling Vivian that Ryan used to wear his underwear over his jeans, pretending he was a superhero.
I can’t believe you told her that.
Frannie: I can’t believe you told Star-Lord about Johnny Castillo.
Star-Lord?
Never mind. Why did you send a protection agent to take me to the airport?
He’s a good guy. Wanted to make sure you got there safely.
What’s the stats on airport abductions?
You’d be surprised.
Not as surprised as Star-Lord was when I nearly pepper-sprayed him.
??????
Why do you keep calling him Star-Lord?
Her eyes slid to the man next to her. On closer inspection, Andrew didn’t look exactly like Chris Pratt. For one, Andrew’s hair was lighter and matched the close-trimmed beard covering his jaw line. Both had blue eyes. Frannie didn’t know how tall Chris Pratt was but Andrew was at least a foot taller than she was, putting her at … She tilted her chin up—yes. Putting her at that perfect position she and her friends called the kiss-me-now angle.
Andrew twisted to look around and Frannie’s eyes darted down to her phone, grateful he hadn’t just caught her looking at his lips.
Doesn’t matter. Don’t be mad but I’m staying here.
She bit her lip, readying herself for the incoming argument.
Why?
A single question and yet her trying to convey how those hotel employees made her feel probably wouldn’t be enough of an explanation for her brother.
It’s something I need to do. I’m an adult and can stay in New York City for a few days on my own. Her attention cut to Andrew. Without a protection detail.
…
Please.
When Andrew’s name was called, they walked to the counter to get their order. Frannie was surprised at the weight of the cookie in her hand. A West Side stroll was going to be necessary after eating this thing.
“Thanks.”
“Sure,” Andrew said. He looked around. “There’s not really a spot in here where you can eat that.”
“Yeah, I guess that’s why they use these handy-dandy cookie sleeves. Eat and go.”
He checked his watch. Again. And each time it made her feel like maybe he really was inconvenienced by the favor her brother had asked of him.
“I appreciate this and I’m sorry about the thing back at the hotel.” Frannie skirted around customers entering as they exited the bakery. The cold air stole her breath for a second. “And for the Uber.”
Frannie glanced down the street, unsure how far she’d make it on her stroll before calling it quits.
