“So, are you moving back into town? Is that why you're here?” I ask him.
He smiles at me, “Looks like it. I can do most of my work from anywhere. This place feels right.”
“I’ve heard that a lot lately. There must be something in the water. Isn’t your family in Florida? Why aren’t you moving there with them?”
“All that humidity makes you feel like you’re living in an armpit. They love it, but it’s not for me.”
“Are you moving back because of Cole? I hear he’s moving back too.”
“Where did you hear that?” he asks.
“His mom.”
“I forgot your parents were close. I’ve already quit with the Demons, and I’m ready to move on to something different. Cole has a few options that are up in the air, but coming back to Michigan is his favorite.”
Our waitress delivers our food to the table, and we both go silent while we scarf down the deliciousness. I don’t eat here that often because my mom doesn’t enjoy eating out. This isn’t the sort of place I frequent with Emma since it’s not family-friendly. I’ve never considered eating anywhere alone.
“It’s really weird,” I say once I’ve gotten down more than half my burger.
“What’s weird?” Foster asks, taking a breather too.
“After so much time away, all of you are moving back within weeks of each other. It’s a bit suspect if you ask me.”
“There’s no conspiracy. I’ve only been back a couple of times since moving away, and Talon visited even less. Cole is the only one who came back semi-regularly, but I think we all felt a pull to be here this time. Something was missing, and maybe we found it.”
I shrug, “There’s nothing here to miss. It’s been mostly the same since you’ve been gone.”
He looks me in the face with complete seriousness. “There’s something I’ve missed.” He pops a fry in his mouth and then changes the direction of the conversation. “Talon told me that you guys have to sell your house. I’m sorry you’re going through all that.”
“It sucks, but it’s probably overdue. Who still wants to live in their childhood home at twenty-four anyway.”
“True, but the circumstances could be better.”
“You’re right. As long as my mom’s taken care of, everything is good. It’s weird to me that you and Talon are friends.”
“Something about our four-way relationship bonded us all in some fucked up way. We’ve each gone through some shit.”
“I’m glad you’ve had each other. Even if I was the common ground you found.”
“You were the best common ground. Anyway, I think you should move into Talon’s house for what it's worth. I understand you’ve done so much to care for yourself and your mom, but there’s nothing wrong with letting someone else shoulder some of that responsibility with you.”
“And why do you get a vote in where I live?”
He holds up his hands in surrender, “I don’t. I just thought I’d throw in my opinion for some sway if you were leaning one way or another. Talon wants to be able to help you out.”
“Thanks. I am leaning in that direction. It would make things easier until I can get back on my feet. But don’t tell him that.”
He flashes a smile at me, “My lips are sealed, but it’s a smart move.”
We finish our meals and talk for another hour in the restaurant. Foster has always been one of my favorite people to chat with, and that hasn’t changed. At the end of our lunch, he walks me to my car
“Thank you for lunch,” I tell him.
“My pleasure,” he says, boxing me in against my driver’s door. I look up into his dark eyes. He looks down at my mouth, and his head lowers. I know that if I don’t protest, he will kiss me. I consider resisting but instead pull him in closer by his shirt. His lips on mine are gentle. The kiss is sweet but not without heat.
“Until next time, pretty girl,” he says and walks away, leaving me leaning on my car with weak knees.
Chapter 10
