The Meeting Point by Olivia Lara
Sixty-Six
I immediately recognize him: Aaron. How could I not? For a few days, I was convinced he was Max. But that’s not what drew my eyes to him this time. It was the way Celine reacted when she saw him. She suddenly stopped and kept staring at him.
I walk over to the counter, watching her. She keeps herself busy, but from time to time, glances his way. Sometimes customers sit outside waiting for us to bring them the menu. I look over and don’t see anything on his table. Celine must’ve noticed that too. Why is she not going?
In three steps I’m next to Ethan. “Can I ask you something?”
He looks up. “Sure.”
“But please be honest and don’t ask why I’m asking.”
“The suspense is killing me,” he says, amused.
“You know how you told me that Aaron is for sure not Max?”
“Not that again,” says Ethan, sounding exasperated.
“Relax, it’s not that. I just want to know if the woman he’s been in love with is Celine.”
Ethan raises an eyebrow. “How did you—”
I mirror his raised eyebrow.
“Fine. Yes, sort of. Do you want the unabridged or the regular version?”
“The condensed one, please. I only have a few minutes. At most.”
“They were high school sweethearts; each other’s first love. He left for college; they broke up. She got married, then divorced. He came back to Carmel at about the same time she and her ex split, about two years ago. They’ve been awkward around each other ever since.”
“That’s all I need to know,” I say and squeeze his hand as a sign of gratitude.
I go out to Aaron’s table. “Hello there,” I say, all smiles. “So nice to see you again.”
I feel Celine’s eyes burning the back of my head.
He smiles and seems surprised to see me. “Do you—”
“Work here? Yes,” I say, not letting him finish.
“I saw you—”
“In the paper. I know. Old news. Can I ask you something? Apart from your order.”
I think I’m speaking too fast, because he seems dizzy.
“I’ll have a large vanilla latte and a butter croissant.”
“Lovely. Are you seeing anyone right now, Aaron?”
“Aaaa. No, I’m not but I’m not—” He seems embarrassed.
“No, no,” I say and laugh. I know what he must be thinking.
How easy it is talking to him now, and how tongue-tied I was a few days ago.
“I’m not asking you out. Although you’re a catch, I’m sure, but I have enough on my plate as is. It’s just that an acquaintance we have in common, seems to harbor feelings for you.”
I might be jumping the gun. It’s possible. Maybe it’s a mistake and Celine will hate me for it. But she might not and it’s a risk I’m willing to take, to potentially see her happy.
“An acquaintance?” he asks and looks at me, confused.
“Let’s try it this way. If you could ask anyone out, anyone at all, who would that be?”
His face turns bright red in seconds. “I—I…”
“It’s OK,” I say. “You don’t have to say anything. I’ll just throw it out there that I know someone will have the night off tomorrow. I’ll do a full shift, so, if you were to take a risk and go for it…”
“Are you sure she wouldn’t say no?” he asks, sounding truly terrified.
I shrug. “Are you sure you’d rather not try until it’s too late?”
His embarrassment turns into a smile, and then a full-blown grin. We get each other.
When I go in, Celine pulls me aside. “What was that about?” she asks nervously.
“What was what about?” I ask, playing dumb.
“You were talking to Aaron.”
“We met,” I say. “A few days ago. He was my Lift driver. And he saw me in the paper, of course,” I say casually, as if it means nothing. It’s obviously not true, but it has to seem that way to her. She thinks, after all, that I agreed to it. But it still means a lot! The only thing I’m thankful for in this whole mess—hoping that Ethan didn’t lie to me—is that Max didn’t see it.
“That’s it?” she asks.
I smile. “Why? Is there anything more?”
“No. I just—”
“He asked about you,” I say in passing.
“What? He did? What do you mean?”
“Just if you’re seeing anyone.”
“He asked you if I’m seeing someone? Why you?” She then tries to control her reaction but it’s so obvious. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. I just didn’t know you two were close.”
“Well, he knows we work together, so he probably assumed you and I are close.”
“And we are, aren’t we?” she asks, and she’s so cute, in an insecure kind of way. I know what she’s trying to ask. Still, I’m not going to give her any more details and possibly let her in on my involvement in what might or might not—but hopefully might—happen tonight.
“I said you’re single for now, that’s all. I shouldn’t have?” I ask, playing the innocent.
“No, no, that’s fine. It’s the truth.”
“Yes, it’s the truth.”