Page 50 of The Perfect Melody
“This is Erin.” A woman with long mahogany hair, except for the bright blue sections framing her face, and floral tattoos on her left forearm waves. “She runs this place with Daphne. Speaking of…”
Daphne appears beside the table with a tray of drinks. “Sorry, Mrs Evans and I got chatting. Here you go.” The auburn-haired woman hands out drinks, Erin leaning forward to help her. She’s pulled the front of her hair up into victory rolls that look amazing with her blouse and high-waisted trousers. Her outfit isn’t vintage—it’s a more modern twist on forties fashion. I know better than most that appearances can be deceiving but if sense of style is anything to go by, Mei’s friends are all seriously cool.
“Cassie, you like lattes, right?”
“Good memory,” I reply in surprise when Daphne hands me a mug. “What do I owe you?” I ask, reaching for my purse.
She waves me off. “It’s on the house. Nobody pays when it’s girl time.”
“Thanks.”
“Muffins or pastries?” She asks Erin.
“You know I can never resist your apple turnovers.”
“Turnovers good with everyone?” Daphne asks, and the others nod.
“Cassie?”
“Sounds great,” I agree quickly, surprised once again that these women already care enough about my comfort to check my preferences. It’s nice. Really nice.
While Daphne goes behind the bakery counter, presumably to gather enough treats for everyone, the final member of our little group—a curvy woman with a bubblegum-pink bob and a silver septum piercing—leans forward slightly. “Sorry, we got distracted from the introductions. I’m Phoebe.”
“Nice to meet you—all of you. Thanks for including me.”
“Mei and Gem have had nothing but nice things to say about you,” Erin begins. “Plus, we’re nosy and wanted to get to know the one responsible for thawing Austin’s frosty personality.”
I choke on my latte, and Mei pats my back until I hold up a hand, letting her know she can stop. I clear my throat. “Sorry, I’ve not heard anyone talk about him that way, is all. I thought the grumpy attitude was just for me—understandably.”
Daphne rejoins us, setting a large plate of turnovers and a stack of napkins in the middle of the group before taking the last available seat. “He’s not that bad.” She gives Erin a flat look. “Austin’s a good guy, just not the most social.”
Gem reaches for a napkin and pastry. “You make it sound like the man has no friends when what you really mean is he doesn’t date.”
“Oh?” I try not to sound too intrigued by that, but there’s no denying my interest is piqued.
After a few years of avoiding anything close to a romantic relationship, Austin’s rejection on Saturday night stung. Not that I was trying to have arelationshipwith him—I’m supposed to leave at the end of the summer. Still, it took more courage than I’d like to admit for me to suggest we have some no-strings fun. It wasn’t what Liam meant when he encouraged me to explore things with Austin, but I certainly hadn’t set out intent on throwing myself at him.
My plan had been to make more of an effort to talk to him, maybe work up to us meeting outside of work for a drink or something, but the high of performing left me feeling brave. Even then, putting myself out there emotionally was too big a risk. Exploring something physical seemed like the safer option. From the way he looked at me in that moment, I could have sworn he found me attractive. It never crossed my mind that he might say no, but he did, and now I’m embarrassed and dreading our next shift together.
“OK, he dates, or he has dated, but I’ve not heard about him seeing anyone for a while. Have any of you?” Gem asks.
Daphne, Erin, and Phoebe shake their heads, not seeming too bothered either way. Unfortunately Mei’s a little too slow joining in, and Gem easily clocks her hesitation.
Mei leans back. “Don’t look at me like that. I don’t know anything.”
Phoebe hurriedly swallows her mouthful of apple turnover. “Yousodo. You’re turning bright red—you do that whenever you have a secret.”
The others hum in agreement, scrutinising Mei’s expression, meaning none of them miss the mildly panicked glance she shoots my way. I’m beginning to see the downside of having a group of friends who all know you so well.
“You can tell them,” I say. Her shoulders slump in relief. Looking around the table, I add, “Maybe keep it within this group though? I don’t want it becoming a wholething.”
Everyone nods. There’s a beat of silence then?—
“CassieandAustinkissed,” Mei blurts out so quickly the words jumble together.
It’s both amusing and a little concerning. She’s been a good friend to me so far, and she checked I didn’t mind before giving her friends the gossip, but still. It’s clear she’s not comfortable keeping secrets. Mei can never find out the truth about me.
“We didn’t kiss,” I correct, noting the range of shocked expressions on the group’s faces. “We um, almost did, but then…” I wave a hand at Mei.
