“Did you want to join me for coffee? If you don’t already have lunch plans…”
Talia’s heart settled. Faye wasn’t about to reveal her dancing career. This woman was genuine and had absolutelynoidea. Talia didn’t know if that was a blessing or a curse. “I’d love to.”
“Okay then. I’ll see you in an hour.”
* * *
Okay,just be yourself.
Talia took two coffees from the counter and made a beeline for Faye. She’d been working away at her keyboard since Talia had brought her order to her an hour ago, so her concern now was disturbing the incredibly beautiful writer. Maybe she should let her be. She was sure Faye didn’t particularly want her company. She was probably just being nice when she offered earlier.
The more time you spend with her, the more likely she is to recognise you.Not only that, but the more time Talia spent with Faye…the more likely she was to get too attached.
She’d been here before. She wouldn’t put herself through the pain ever again.
For the last hour, Talia had mulled over it all in her head. She wasn’t ashamed of who she was or what she did, but she’d decided she didn’t want Faye to know about her real life. It was easier if things could remain separate at the bistro. If the management found out about Talia’s dancing, they may not want her on their books. Sure, there was probably a lawsuit that could come with that, but she didn’t want to fight with people to make them understand that what she did on her weekends was perfectly acceptable.
But there would always be that stigma. Talia knew that coming into the business she was in.
“Are you joining me or are you thinking about running away?”
Talia shook her thoughts away, clearing her throat as Faye’s soft voice reached her ears. “Sorry. I didn’t know if you were on a bit of a roll.”
“I’m ready for a break,” Faye said, smiling as she pulled out the chair beside her. “Sit. You’ve been rushed off your feet all morning.”
Okay, that was kinda sweet. Faye clearly paid attention to other people and her surroundings. “I brought you more coffee.”
“Perfect. Maybe I could just move in here and have you ply me with coffee.”
“If it means you give us more amazing novels, I volunteer to take care of you.” Talia sat down, pleasantly surprised by how easily conversation flowed with Faye. But she was also aware that she was skirting the line of flirting and decided to pull back. The problem was that it was hardnotto flirt with Faye. She was…stunning. “So, do you always write here?”
“Mostly, yes.” Faye added sugar to her drink and stirred, her eyes studying Talia’s face. “When did you move into the city? That accent is not from around here.”
“Almost a month ago.”Less is more.
“And did something or someone bring you here? I don’t imagine you packed your bags and moved to Liverpool so you could work in a local bistro. London has plenty of them.”
“I…felt like a change.” Talia hated lying, she didn’t do it often, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell Faye that Vision had personally asked her to move from London and work at the new club. They wanted her to bring in the clients, to make Vision just as successful as the London club, so here she was…sexy lingerie and all.
“Well, the community is great around here. We’re very friendly people.”
“So far, so good.” Talia smiled awkwardly. Faye was still studying her, those blue eyes narrowed.
“You know, I feel like I’ve met you before.” Faye cocked her head. “I just can’t place where.”
“You saw me on Friday.”
Faye’s eyes widened suddenly, and Talia’s heart fell into her stomach.
“In here, remember? I brought you coffee and a muffin.”
“No, I’m certain I’ve bumped into you elsewhere. Perhaps I’ve just seen you around.”
“Yeah. Or maybe I just have one of those faces.”
“What faces?”
Talia shrugged. “Familiar.”