Page 64 of Quinton's Quest

“Yes.”

He gave me a smile I could only label as patronizing. “Look, Quinton, things are always chaotic down there. You probably misheard something. Or misunderstood.” He put his hand on his hip.

Playful Leo was gone and in his place was someone clearly annoyed with me.

“Sorry to bother you.”

He sighed. “I really need to get going. You’re working days, right?”

“Yeah.” Now I was wary.

“Maybe one night we can get together. I’m at Gideon’s on Wednesday for dinner and, uh…” He frowned. “I’m busy on Thursday.”

“So you’re saying tonight or tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”

I frowned. “Why don’t you text me? I’m dead on my feet.”

“Right. Of course. Sorry to have kept you.” With that, he stalked away.

Sheesh. What was that all about? First friendly. Then standoffish. Then asking me to dinner. Then walking away.

Sometimes I was convinced I’d never truly understand Dr. Leo Rodgers.

The rest of the time, I wondered why I would even bother.

Then I remembered the laughing father who adored his kids more than life itself. The man who’d had a rough go at things.

So yeah, I’ll text him…

Chapter Sixteen

Leo

“Do they have some kind of deal on Mondays?” I gazed around Fifties and took in the packed-tight diner.

“Nope. Just some nights are like this.” Quinton wrinkled his nose. “Wait…today is Family Day.”

I smacked myself on the forehead. “I completely forgot. That means Melodie was home from school today.”

“Bet she had a great time.” He perused the menu. “What am I in the mood for?”

“Humble pie.”

He cut his gaze to mine.

“I was dismissive of you this morning, and it occurred to me—much later—that I might’ve hurt your feelings. So dinner is on me as I attempt to apologize.”

He grinned. “I like humble Leo. And I’ll take you up on dinner. I can catch the next time.”

Because apparently this was going to become a thing.

Whateverthiswas.

Sarabeth headed our way. “Sorry, guys. One of the other servers called in sick.”

“We’ll be quick. Although how are you?” Quinton eyed the server who did, in fact, appear tired.