Page 15 of Love Me Like You Do
Chapter Four
Covington’s gaze bounced around the room taking in the mismatched tablecloths, the shelves covered in knickknacks and the varied photo frames hanging on the walls. In spite of the cold wind that followed them inside she felt instantly warm, as though someone had walked over and wrapped her up in a welcoming hug.
The place had so much character. So muchlife. There were plenty of places in Miami with both of those but Covington had never felt so at home before. Not even in her apartment had she felt this instantly relaxed.
Smiling, she turned to Tris. “I love it! It’s so…comfortable.”
“You want comfort? Wait until you taste the food.” Putting a hand on her lower back he steered her toward a table near the window. “Nothing and nobody beats Sue Ann’s Café for comfort food.”
She slid into the chair Tris pulled out as a grandmotherly woman with a beaming smile hurried their way. “Good to see you, Tristan. And who do we have here?” she asked when she arrived at the table and handed Covington a menu.
Tris smiled and made the introductions. “Sue Ann this is Covington. Cov, Sue Ann.”
The older woman smiled at her and said, “She’s prettier than your usual companion, Tristan.”
“I have to agree with you, Sue Ann.” Tris grinned. “Although perhaps we shouldn’t tell Dylan. Wouldn’t want to bruise his fragile ego.”
Sue Ann laughed. “That boy’s ego could do with a little bruising if you ask me.”
Tris held up his hands. “I’m not getting into that discussion.”
The door opened with a whoosh of cold air drawing Sue Ann’s gaze. “Oh. I’ll be right back. My grandson and his wife just came in.”
Covington watched as Sue Ann expertly wove her way through tables to the front door where the two people who had entered were removing their bulky jackets and scarves. They were easily recognizable in spite of their winter layers.
Karina Black and Ryan Perkins.
“Ryan Perkins is her grandson?” Cov leaned forward and whispered in disbelief.
“Yes. Do you know him?”
Her gaze swung back to Tris. “Know him? Everyone knows who Ryan Perkins is. And don’t get me started on how legendary Karina Black is.”
“Oh, right, you mean because they’re famous. I always forget that. They’re just Ryan and Karina around here.”
“They’re just…” She stared at Tris, her mouth hanging open.
To prove his point, Tris lifted his hand and waved. “Hey Ryan. Karina.”
Covington snapped her mouth closed and gripped the edges of her seat.
“Hi, Tristan. You get that furnace at Ms. Jane’s fixed yet?” Ryan asked.
“Yeah, I ripped it out. Decided not to risk another breakdown and installed a new one instead of repairing the outdated model.”
“Probably wise. I remember when Jane had that old one put in,” Sue Ann added. “Joe Pattinson did the job the year before he had his heart attack. Gosh, that must be a good twenty years ago now.”
“Do I know you from somewhere?”
Covington’s gaze zipped to the side, her eyes going wide and her stomach dipping low when she found Karina Black looking at her with interest. “I…um…”
“Karina, Ryan, this is Covington Valenti.”
Ryan smiled down at her. “Nice to meet you.”
“Covington’s an unusual name. I’d remember that if we’d met before. I could swear I know you though.” Karina offered her hand. “Welcome to Hope Falls.”
Reflexes had Covington taking the superstar singer’s hand. “T-thank you.”
