Kisses Between the Lines: An Echo Ridge Anthology (Echo Ridge Romance Book 2)

by Lucy McConnell

  Bret waved at the two men as they looked over. “Fay’s dad, Sam, and his brother Jeremy. I didn’t know Sam was in town again. He must be a glutton for punishment, coming in here.”

  Austin had heard a few things about Fay’s wayward father, now and then, but though he’d recognized the man a week earlier, they had never met. There were two empty stools beside Austin— pretty much the only empty seats in the café at this point, and the two men made their way over.

  “It’s good to see you again, Bret.” Sam greeted him. “How are things coming for your new store?”

  “We’re making progress. This is my partner, Austin. He’s been here working like a dog on the shop while I’ve been finishing up some projects at my old job.”

  The uncle extended a hand to Austin. “I’m Jeremy, and this is my brother, Sam. He’s Fay’s dad.”

  “That’s what I hear. It’s good to meet both of you.” Austin approved of Jeremy’s firm grip. “You live in town, right?”

  “Yes. All my life. This was our mother’s place since we were little kids.” He looked around as if he could imagine all the changes. “I sure like the way Fay spruced it up.”

  “She did a great job,” Austin agreed. He especially loved the 50’s themed sketches she had framed and spread around the room.

  “Hi, honey,” Dad said when Fay came over.

  Fay shot him a disapproving look, but leaned in and kissed her uncles’ cheek, leaving Austin to wonder again why she couldn’t let go of the past.

  “It’s great to see you.” She slid menus in front of both men, but only looked at Jeremy. “Sorry, but I already ran out of apple pie. I know how much you like it. If you let me know in advance, next time, I’ll make sure to save you a slice.”

  Austin was glad he’d ordered his shake as soon as they came in, if that was the end of it.

  Fay headed back into the melee with a water pitcher and coffee carafe, promising to be back soon. She still hadn’t said a word to her father.

  Austin saw a glance pass between the brothers— there was definitely pain on Sam’s face, and Austin couldn’t help but sympathize— he’d been on the receiving end of her glares and unhappy words too many times not to know how it felt.

  “It’s okay,” Sam said, looking determined, when Jeremy suggested they go. “I deserve it.” He put on a look of nonchalance, but disappointment crowded around his eyes.

  When Fay returned a few minute later with pitcher and carafe both empty, she restarted the coffee, then came over to take their order. She treated her uncle with warmth and her father— not unfriendly, exactly, but not as friendly as she did all of her other customers.

  When she returned with their orders, she set them in front of the men and really looked at her father for the first time. “So what brings you to town again so soon? Aren’t you coming back again next weekend for the Dutch oven competition?”

  “Yes, but we needed to practice our recipes and routine. Plus it’s nice to be back in town,” He hesitated slightly, but then powered through, “I hoped you’d be willing to talk to me this time.”

  She lifted her brows at him. “As you can see, I’m busy.” She grabbed a rag from the sanitizing bucket and took it to the tables to wipe down a couple that had cleared off.

  “Don’t give up on her,” Bret said. “Eventually she’ll forgive you.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.” Sam frowned as he picked at his fries.

  Austin shot Bret a questioning look, but Bret shrugged. It wasn’t like he could explain it here anyway, so Austin told himself to wait until they left the café. Somehow, the enjoyment of watching Fay move from customer to customer had disappeared with the stiffness of her posture and the cool way she treated her father. She wasn’t nearly as flirty with him, either, which was a shame.

  When they left the café, Austin waited until they were in Bret’s car before asking, “What’s the deal with Fay and her dad? I knew there were some issues, but I didn’t know it was so tense. What did he do?”

  Bret pulled onto the main road and turned toward their shop again. “I think you should ask her that, since you’re getting so close, apparently.” He narrowed his gaze on Austin. “You didn’t have one unpleasant word between you— in fact, you were flirting. What happened while I was out of town?”

  Austin wasn’t ready to tell Bret he’d been dating and kissing Fay during the week. “I told you we’ve come to an understanding. I’m honestly not sure exactly what that means right now.”

  Fay didn’t handle forgiveness easily— as he should know— but she had a huge heart, and he knew there must be a good reason for her to still be angry.

  He hoped there was, anyway, otherwise it didn’t bode well for a future for them.

  THERE HADN’T BEEN MUCH TIME to talk with Austin privately on Sunday between church and meeting with their families for lunch. Before she knew it, Monday had arrived and she was on the run again.

  Though they had sent text messages back and forth, with Bret in town, Austin came by the café less often than before.

  Tuesday night after closing up the café and retreating to her apartment for the night, Fay considered her schedule the next day. Lilith, a refugee, and the new cook, had started training that morning. She arrived having memorized every item on the menu and the list of toppings Fay had jotted down for her after their interview late the previous week.

  When the microburst had whipped up in the afternoon, tossing garbage and tearing at the trees, Lilith had appeared nervous for a while, but then calmed down, adjusted her hajib and smiled. The woman didn’t smile nearly often enough and when she did, it revealed that she was younger than anticipated— possibly early thirties, even.

  Someone who was working with the refugees had helped her through the online Food Protection Course already and she was picking up the steps to make all of the dishes quickly. Fay thought it was going to work out well and was pleased to have such a conscientious employee.

  Hank was relieved that he was going to get more time off, so everyone was happy.

  Fay set aside the laptop after entering the day’s receipts and deposit and looked at the next day’s schedule. The gallery next door was having a big night to showcase the work of two local artists— including herself. Though he had never said so, Fay suspected Jonah chose the date hoping to draw in some of the extra people coming to town for the Harvest Hurrah.

  Fay had spent as much time as she could spare working on new drawings since Jonah had asked her about the show back in January, but now she was terrified that no one would come. Or that they would come and scoff at the amateurishness of her drawings, or that none of it would sell.

  Her parents said they would come, but she hadn’t said anything to Austin about it— where were they in the relationship, anyway? She wasn’t sure if they were just kissing friends, or if he was thinking of her as a girlfriend. She couldn’t help but feel like it was going somewhere fast— somewhere she hadn’t expected.

  When was the last time she was this head-over-heels for someone? She couldn’t remember anyone since Liam, the cute musician she dated for a year in New York when she was nineteen. He had been older and wise and foreign— seriously, she could have melted under that Irish accent— but it had come to a bad ending. It turned out Liam wasn’t great with the monogamy thing. Finding out he was dating someone else almost the whole time she was falling deeper in love with him had nearly destroyed her.

  Her art the next year had been anything but bright odes to the Fonz. It had taken a long time to dig herself out of that funk, as well as a rebound relationship which hadn’t lasted long, but had ended on her terms with friendship on both sides.

  Now she stared at her phone and considered whether she should ask Austin to join another facet of her life. It felt like all the aspects of their lives were merging together— their parents had always been friends, he was partners with her brother, and he had wriggled his way into things at the café often enough. But her art? Ever since Liam, tha
t had been something she saved only for herself. She hadn’t shown her work to most of the guys she dated after that, even those she had told about it.

  But Austin... he wasn’t just sliding into her life, but into her heart. It scared her, excited her, and made her wonder if she could handle a real relationship. The only reason Liam had stayed with her for so long was because he felt free to have other interests of his own, apparently. So could she trust Austin to get how important this show was— her first show, even if it was shared with another artist?

  She pulled up his number, the picture of him she had snapped on Sunday afternoon smiling back at her as his avatar.

  Her thumbs hesitated on the keys as her anxiety rose.

  Should I, shouldn’t I? She had no idea.

  Finally, she started to type. If he didn’t want to come, then that would tell her something about their relationship, anyway. And if she was going to give him a chance, to trust him, then she had to open up more and make herself vulnerable. She hit send before she could talk herself out of it.

  The gallery is having a show tomorrow night and some of my drawings are in it. Would you be interested in coming with me?

  She stared at the phone for a long moment, willing him to respond in the affirmative. And now, please.

  It only took thirty or so agonizing seconds for him to message her back. I was already planning to be there, but I love the thought of being your date. You ready to announce us to everyone?

  Moment of truth, even though it terrified her. Yes, I think I need to get over myself and admit to my family that I like you now.

  Lol. I’m glad. I wanted to shout it to everyone on Sunday so I could snuggle up next to you and hold your hand over dinner.

  She laughed. I wasn’t sure if you still wanted to admit that you liked me after I beat you three hands in a row at Rook.

  I did think about breaking up with you after that, but decided the goodnight kisses were far too good to give up. What time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?

  It officially starts at seven, so maybe a quarter til. It’s not going to be black tie or anything, but a decent shirt and slacks might not be amiss.

  It only took a moment for him to respond. Man, and I was thinking about wearing my board shorts— it’ll be too cold for them soon.

  She sent back an icon of a face sticking their tongue out.

  He sent back one with a halo over the head.

  You wish.

  Nah, an angel probably wouldn’t get to kiss you nearly so much.

  She couldn’t help but dissolve into girlish giggles at that, and was glad he couldn’t see her. I’m going to bed now. I have to bake in the morning.

  Sleep well. I’ll be in for breakfast.

  She sent back a smiley face icon and got up to brush her teeth and change for bed. Who knew dating Austin could be so much fun?

  Fay kept herself as busy as possible during the day, baking, cleaning, serving customers. During the slow time she found out more about Lilith, who was a Syrian refugee, and seeing how quickly she was picking up the dishes, they talked about Lilith taking over some of the early morning baking in the future.

  After she was totally on top of the regular everyday fare, that was.

  Fay reworked the schedule for the rest of the month to fit Lilith in as the only cook on shift starting the following week. Then she interviewed three people for the waitressing position. If only Lilith could clone herself with better English-language skills. One thing at a time.

  It was all Fay could do to make herself eat a late lunch, her stomach was so knotted up by the time the lunch rush died down.

  Her art was going on display tonight. Her parents would be there. Austin would be there. People in town, her customers, would be there. She hoped.

  What would she do if it tanked and everyone said it was awful?

  She wiped down the last of the tables and looked at the round, black and white clock on the wall. Maria should walk in any moment and then Fay would head upstairs to shower and dress for the night.

  Her dress— was it nice enough? Was it too fancy? Jonah had said anything from boho-causal to white tie would be fine, to do what made her comfortable and made her feel confident.

  Yeah, like anything she put on could make her feel like that tonight.

  Maria walked in the front door and Fay straightened. Time to go.

  “Are you excited about your show?” Maria asked.

  “So much. And scared.” Fay put a hand over her quivering stomach. “Terrified, actually.”

  Lilith joined them, worry filling her eyes. “Terror, why you scared?”

  Fay shifted her hand from her stomach to Lilith’s arm, reassuring her. “Not that kind of terrified.” She had seen the haunted look in the woman’s eyes several times, but supposed it was only to be expected. She would have to ask Lilith more about her background once they were more comfortable together. “I’m nervous, but a good kind of nervous. Because I drew some pictures and the gallery next door is showing them tonight. There’s going to be a big party and my parents will be there and some other people, and it makes me nervous. Like maybe I’ll throw up.” She acted it out to make sure Lilith understood, though Fay wasn’t the type to get a nervous stomach.

  “Drew pictures?” Lilith seemed uncertain about the words.

  Maria pointed to an ink sketch on the wall that Fay had done. “She draws like this. Very well. The ones in the gallery are better. So beautiful.”

  Lilith’s eyes widened as she walked over and lifted a hand to touch the frame. “It’s beautiful work.”

  Fay’s nervousness faded a little at the compliment. “Thank you. Hank will be here in a few minutes so you can leave. I need to go upstairs and change clothes before the show.” And mess with her hair, and play with the new eye shadow she’d splurged on, and test out some of the jewelry in her box. It had been a busy week and she hadn’t had time to figure it all out before.

  “Have fun,” Maria said, waving her off. “We’re fine. I can help Lilith if she needs it before Hank gets back.”

  “She won’t need it. She’s doing great,” Fay said.

  Lilith looked pleased, which made Fay happy.

  Apparently, Lilith’s mother hadn’t liked the idea of her training with Hank to begin with. However, since the window and doorway were open, so they were never alone, they had decided taking the job was more important in the long term. Fay was glad they would make accommodations— she couldn’t imagine being uprooted from her home and forced to start over in a new country.

  She may have had an hour and half to get ready before Austin came to pick her up, but Fay still could have used more time when she heard the knock on her apartment door.

  She stepped back and glanced at herself in the mirror before answering it. The dress was emerald green with gold accents, long— flowing down to brush the top of her shoes with gold trim and floral designs on the skirt and around the arms and neck. She wore sparkling gold earrings which dropped in skinny layers from her ears, gold circled around her neck, and in the bangles at her wrists. She had added a couple over-sized gold rings— one with a large green stone in the middle that worked with the dress.

  All in all, she hit the Bohemian look and still managed to look more glamorous than she ever had in her life.

  Austin seemed to agree, based on the way he stood in the doorway and looked her up and down for a long moment. He stopped gaping like a fish long enough to say, “Wow. You look amazing.”

  Fay grinned and invited him inside, pleased with the soft green dress shirt and gray dress pants he had chosen, which looked so amazing on his muscular frame. “I need to put on my lipstick and throw a couple things in a clutch and we can go.”

  “Great, but before you put on lipstick,” he pulled her close, sliding one hand to the back of her hair, tangling in the curls she had meticulously added there, covering her mouth with his.

  Fay grabbed on and pulled him in closer, reveling in the feel of his arms, the swee
tness of his mouth, everything about him that made kissing him so extraordinary.

  What had she been thinking, running away from this after junior year instead of jumping right into it?

  “I can’t believe you actually want to admit to dating a loser like me,” he whispered against her mouth after a long, long moment.

  “Keep thinking that and we’ll be fine.” She allowed one last, lingering kiss before pulling back. “I probably ought to get the lipstick and stuff now. If we come in twenty minutes late with swollen lips, my mom is going to give us grief.”

  “She might anyway. She’s been hinting about how we should get together for several years now.”

  Fay stared at him. “Are you kidding me? She never said anything like that to me.”

  “I bet she did, but she’s subtle enough you probably missed it. That’s what happens when the person she’s trying to set you up with isn’t even a blip on your radar. I, on the other hand, was definitely thinking of you like that already, so I realized what she was saying. She’s kind of crafty.”

  “No, you’ve got to be wrong. She’s forever trying to set me up with other guys.”

  Austin’s brows furrowed like angry caterpillars, which she found adorable. “That is another reason why it’s time to admit we’re dating. No other guys for you.”

  “Oh? I thought I was the one who was supposed to make that decision.” She grinned, enjoying the light of jealousy in his eyes.

  “Oh yeah, see, here’s the thing— when I’m dating someone— not just a date, but really into someone like I am with you— I’m only dating her, and no one else. If you aren’t feeling the same way, apparently we need to have a chat about what’s going on.” He pulled her back in for a kiss, as if that would convince her to agree with him.

  “I see.” Fay said when she came up for air a long moment later. “Well, I guess I should agree with you then. You and no one else.”

  “Good.” He sealed the deal with another, much briefer, kiss, and then released her. “Go put on your lipstick. I’ve already held you up longer than I intended.”