Page 72 of How To Tackle A Crush
He nods. “Yeah.”
I tilt my head slightly. “Why?”
He gives a small shrug. “Because if he knows I’m going for dessert he’ll want to come. And then he won’t sleep. And then tomorrow is a disaster.”
That… makes complete sense.
“So, this is about sugar management.”
“This is entirely about sugar management.”
I chuckle. “You just didn’t want to deal with a five-year-old on crème brûlée.”
“Exactly. I like my sleep.”
“That’s sensible.”
“I have my moments.”
A man in his late forties with greying hair and the easy posture of someone who has spent his life in restaurants approaches, wiping his hands on a cloth. He does a brief double take when he recognises Jack.
“Jack? Bloody hell. Didn’t expect you here.”
“Last minute,” Jack says, standing to shake his hand. “Good to see you.”
“You too. Been a while.” His eyes land on me and he gives me a curious smile. “And hello.”
“This is Ava,” Jack says simply.
I smile. “Hi.”
“Luis,” he says. “Welcome.”
Jack nods toward the quieter back section. “Any chance you’ve got somewhere tucked away?”
Luis glances around, then nods. “Yeah, come on. I’ve got just the table for you.”
“This alright?” he asks with a wink when we get to a dark corner.
“Perfect,” Jack says.
Menus appear. Water appears. Luis disappears again with the efficiency of someone who knows when to leave people alone.
For a moment neither of us says anything. It is not awkward. Just different. No team. No Alfie. No noise to fill the space.
Just us.
Jack glances at the menu, then closes it after about three seconds.
“I know what I’m having,” he says.
“That sounds confident.”
“I’ve been here before.”
“That helps.”
When Luis returns, Jack places an order for both of us. I should be annoyed but I am intrigued instead.
