He nodded. “It’s got this really peaceful vibe going for it. I like that.”
“And what brings you here?”
Carter scowled. “To be honest? My roommate told me he and some others were planning to come down here and protest about the store.” He picked up the cup and sipped, relishing the tea’s flavor.
“Let me guess. Christians. Wouldn’t be the first time.” Mr. McAffrey shook his head. “For a religion that is all about love, some of its followers spread a surprising amount of hate and intolerance in its name.”
“I grew up in a Christian home, and I’m here because I wanted you to know not everyone in this town thinks the way they do.”
“I see.”
“And this tea is great, by the way.” Carter picked up a cookie and bit into it. “Oh wow.” It was delicious.
Mr. McAffrey studied him for a moment. “Okay. Your roommate’s plans gave you an excuse to be here, but what isyourreason?”
He frowned. “I don’t understand.”
Mr. McAffrey smiled. “What areyoulooking for, Carter?”
Whoa.
Carter blinked. “How do you know my name?”
He shrugged. “You must have told me.”
No, I did not.Before he could open his mouth to say how weird this was, Mr. McAffrey leaned back in his chair, his gaze locked on Carter. “What do you want out of life?”
“How long have you got?” Carter said with a chuckle.
“I’m being serious.”
He said the first thing that came into his head. “To be happy.”
Mr. McAffrey huffed. “Isn’t that what everyone wants? What I want to know is, what would makeCarterhappy? And I do meanyou, not everyone around you.”
There was no way Carter was about to share his innermost desires, not with someone he’d only just met. And yet… There was something about Mr. McAffrey that made Carter feel oddly comfortable. Or maybe it was a combination of the incense, the tea, and Mr. McAffrey’s soothing voice that created an almost hypnotic effect.
He gave a sheepish smile. “It’s probably not something I could say out loud.”
“Why on earth not?” Mr. McAffrey’s blue eyes twinkled. “Is that because you think it would be too…” He leaned forward and said in a conspiratorial whisper, “Dirty?”
Carter almost choked on his tea.What the hell?
Mr. McAffrey grinned. “At my age, there isn’t much I haven’t heard. So… suppose you tell me what’sreallyon your mind.” He held up his hands. “I’m not about to judge.”
“I want to be loved,” Carter blurted.
Mr. McAffrey’s eyes grew warm. “Nothing wrong with that.”
“Yes, but…” He swallowed. “I also want to be…” He couldn’t. He justcouldn’t.
In the silence that followed, something changed. Goosebumps erupted all over his arms, and the skin prickled on the back of his neck. Carter couldn’t escape the feeling that there was a presence in the store, something that made his breathing quicken and his heart race.
“Say it.” Mr. McAffrey’s quiet voice broke through. “Because if you don’t, I can’t help you. And Iwantto help you, Carter.” His smile was kind. “It’s just us. No one else can hear you.”
He had nothing to lose.
“I want someone who sees me. Someone who’ll look at me like I’m precious and—”