“What do you mean?!”
“Act like I’m not here.”
“What the hell are you—” She inhales sharply, instantly switching tones as Ryan steps up. “—Hi, Ryan.”
I hear him chuckle. “Uh… hi, Dawn.”
“What—uh, can I get you?” Dawn asks.
“Just a coffee would be great.”
Just a coffee?!His voice is so relaxed I want to scream.
“No sugar, no cream, right?” Dawn asks.
“Yeah,” he says. “I like it simple.”
“You don’t say,” Dawn murmurs.
I slap her leg. Hard.
“Ow—” she blurts.
Ryan chuckles. “You okay there?”
“Yup. Totally,” Dawn says brightly.
I press my forehead into my knees. From somewhere above me, I hear the low whirr of the coffee machine starting up, the familiar sound of coffee pulling into a cup. And I can only think about how Ryan is standing there, just ordering his coffee. And he has no idea that I’m under this bar like some lunatic. A moment later, a cup sets down on the counter.
“Here’s your coffee,” Dawn says. “On the house.”
“Oh—thanks.”
She waves at him. “Have a good day, Ryan.”
“You too, Dawn.”
The bell jingles again and footsteps fade. A second later Dawn leans down and whispers. “He’s gone.”
I slowly rise from behind the bar and peek over the counter to confirm he has, in fact, exited the cafe.
“Not. A. Word—”
“What the hell was that?” Dawn stares at me.
“Nothing,” I say too fast, brushing dust off my sweater. “I just… wasn’t in the mood for acting today.”
She narrows her eyes. “Uh-huh.”
“I’m gonna check if the back needs anything.”
I don’t wait for her answer. I speed-walk into the storage room.
What am I supposed to do now? He sounded so calm. Should I call him? Should I text him? Noooooo—what would I even say? What if he didn’t like it? What if he wants toforgetit?
36
RYAN