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‘Yep, we’re dating. I’m sorry you’ve wasted your time and travelled so far, but I really am not interested. At all. I’m flattered though.’
‘Seriously?’ He used his thumb to point to Graham. ‘After years of having a crush on me, you’ve moved on so quickly?’
‘Yes, I’m positive.’ She nodded firmly.
‘Huh.’ Eli pushed his chair back and stood up. ‘In that case, I’ll get back to Helen.’
‘You travelled down with Helen?’
‘Yes, we’re on a road trip. We’re visiting her parents.’ Eli held his hand up in a wave. ‘Good luck with that guy over there.’
‘Thanks.’ So he hadn’t just travelled all this way to see her then? She watched him step outside before noticing his rucksack still sitting on the table where he’d dumped it. Picking it up, she knocked on the window and watched as he walked back inside.
‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome.’ She passed him the rucksack before rolling her shoulders back. Well, that had gone better than she’d hoped. Pushing her chair back, she stood and up and slipped back behind the counter.
‘Morning, could I grab a pasty please?’ A woman rummaged in her pocket and pulled out her bank card.
‘Absolutely.’ After bagging up a pasty, Layla passed it across the counter before trying and failing to catch Graham’s eye again.
‘Thank you.’ The woman tapped her card before leaving.
‘Graham, you okay?’ Layla glanced across at him, speaking quietly so that the customers couldn’t hear.
‘Yep, all good.’ Graham looked briefly at her before continuing to serve.
‘HERE YOU GO. YOU BOTH look as though you could do with these.’ Teresa placed two steaming mugs on the counter, the aroma of coffee filling the bakery. ‘Where did that flurry of customers come from?’
‘No idea, but thank you. Much appreciated.’ Graham took a mug.
‘Yes, thanks.’ Layla wrapped her hands around the remaining mug and took a deep breath in, the bittersweet smell filling her lungs.
‘Oops, I’d better get back.’ Teresa glanced towards the coffee and cake counter as a customer stood waiting.
‘Have I done something to upset you?’ Layla looked at Graham over the top of her mug.
‘Of course not. Eli turning up just threw me a little, that’s all.’ He reached out and touched her elbow.
‘Yes, sorry about that. I did try to tell him not to bother coming.’ She shook her head. ‘I still can’t quite believe that he did and that he expected me to be sitting around waiting for him.’
Graham nodded.
‘Is that all that’s bothering you? You seem quiet.’ She tilted her head and searched his face for any clues.
Lowering his mug to the counter, Graham looked at her. ‘No, it’s not. The aunt and uncle who are coming down today are the parents of my cousin.’
Layla nodded slowly. ‘The cousin who had an affair with your ex? And she’s coming down today too?’
Graham shrugged. ‘I’m guessing so.’
Layla gripped her mug a little tighter. Why was he so worried about seeing them? Unless he did have feelings for his ex still. She took a deep breath and spoke quickly before she gave herself the chance to breeze over the topic. ‘Do you still like her like that, I mean?’
‘No, not at all.’ Graham took her mug from her and set it next to his on the counter before taking her hands in his. ‘Not one bit. I’m more worried about seeing my cousin than her.’
She nodded. He had explained it all before. She understood.
‘I promise you, you’re the only one I have feelings for.’ Leaning forward, their lips touched.
