Page 4 of When We Fall: Part One

“I want a Cookies and Cream sundae. Extra chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Put her order on mine. I’m paying.”

I knew he’d do that. He had a thing about making sure he paid for everything whenever we went out. While I had no problem footing the bill myself, I was running low on cash. I survived using my savings, but that was becoming depleted. The last thing I wanted to do was ask the guys for money, even if I knew they’d hand it to me without question. My goal in life was to make my way, not have it made for me.

I wandered away, not wanting to listen to the girl ask Anson about the t-shirt he was wearing beneath his leather jacket. I didn’t often see him dressed so casually, but the look suited him. Band tees and ripped jeans were a great look for him. Add his good looks and natural charm, he made girls blush when he walked by.

I chose a table near a window overlooking a small garden. The green from spring was beginning to sprout, overtaking the drab brown world. I stared outside, imagining how beautiful the garden would look once the flowers bloomed.

Moments later, Anson came over and placed my sundae in front of me before taking the chair across from where I sat.

“That is a lot of chocolate,” he commented, smiling as I slid the sundae closer.

“I added caramel to offset it.” I picked up the spoon and dipped it into the gooey mess before taking a bite.

The sweet, chocolatey flavors overtook my mouth, making me let out a soft moan.

Anson visibly tightened his hold on his spoon and cleared his throat.

“Good, LeeLee?”

“Mm, so good.”

He shifted in his seat before taking a quick bite of his sundae.

“How is yours?” I asked.

“Good.” He took two more bites, not looking at me.

“The girl behind the counter was checking you out.”

“I’m aware. She gave me her number.”

“Oh.” I twirled my spoon in my sundae, my heart moving quickly but not out of excitement. I couldn’t quite place the feeling. All I knew was that it didn’t feel good.

Clearing my throat, I offered him a smile when he looked at me. “Good. You-You should call her. Go on a date or something.”

“Or something?” He raised his brows at me. “What’sor something?”

I could feel my cheeks heat. “I just mean you’re a young, good-looking guy. I’m sure y-you have needs.”

He nodded and put another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth. “You’re right. I do.”

My smile shook. “So you should call her. She’s pretty. She seemed nice?—”

“I’m not interested.” He dipped his spoon into his bowl again.

“You’re not?”

He looked at me and offered me a sad smile. “I’m not. My life is good. I’m happy with how things are. I’m not interested in dating.”

“Oh. Well, I mean…” my voice trailed off. I knew he’d been through a breakup with Alice not long ago. The sudden ending of their relationship and her leaving abruptly had left him moody and withdrawn. Maybe he wasn’t ready for dating just yet. I knew I wouldn’t be if it had happened to me.

His phone buzzed, saving me from figuring out what to say next.

He pulled it from his pocket and answered.

“Hello? Yeah. Uh, yeah. Nothing?” He swore softly. “Damn. Well, keep trying. I need to find out anything I can. No, I’ll come out tonight. Yeah, man. That’s fine. OK. See you tonight.” He disconnected the call and went back to his ice cream. I had no idea what the conversation had been about, but it wasn’t my business.

“Have you spoken to Fox?” I asked after a few moments of silence.