Laura handed over her things and he caught her hand and walked her through his house to the kitchen.
“Sit.”
She grabbed the seat near the door.
“Do you know who I am?” he asked.
“You’re Dean Riley.”
He nodded his head and put the kettle on. “At least you know I’m not a serial killer.”
Laura chuckled and curled her legs beneath her. “Are you trying to give me a false sense of security?”
“Absolutely," he responded. "So you’re the Cox’s oldest girl?”
He knows who I am. Giddy moment. Focus.
“Yes. Do you know my parents?”
Dean shook his head. “No. I don’t know anyone. I’ve heard about you though. You’re their oldest girl who managed to get into college, right?”
“Yep, that’s me. Mum and dad had me when they were very young. They didn’t have the time or the money to go to college,” she explained.
He nodded at her words and brought over a steaming cup. She looked into the cup and smelt the scent of coffee wafting up.
“You can drink coffee?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m twenty years old. Of course I can drink coffee.”
He held his hands up in surrender. “Don’t shoot the maker.”
“I’m just going to call my mum. She’ll get in touch with the diner if I don’t get a chance to make it over there.” Laura took out her mobile phone and talked to her mum. She reassured her of her safety and told her Dean Riley had taken pity on her.
“He’s treating you good?” her mom asked.
“Yes.”
“All right, I’ll phone the diner in case you're late and you stay put. I don’t want you hurting yourself,” her mum said.
Laura agreed and hung up. “My parents worry.”
“They should. All parents worry about their children.”
“Do you have any children?” she questioned without thinking.
She saw the immediate change in him, the darkening of his eyes, and he no longer wore a smile. His hands gripped his cup tighter. The light and energy seemed to be sucked out of the room.
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t ask personal questions.” She sipped from her cup and placed it back onto the table. “I’d better go.” She got up and grabbed her bag.
“There’s no need for you to leave. Stay. I’m sorry. It’s still too hard for me.” He stopped and glanced down at the floor.
She sat back down and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Talk about conversation killers.
“I only heard what my parents told me. I didn’t think.” Now she was babbling.
“The rumours can only be expected. So, what do you study at college?” he asked.