“She needs to find a place to stay.” Quincy propped his forearms on the counter. “Classes start in the middle of August. That’s less than a month away.”
“You’re still here.” Darius drained his coffee.
Quincy’s grin was smug. “Ah, but that’s because Ramona loves the thrill of apartment hunting. She enjoys the exploration and stress. We’re looking at a couple of places this weekend. Care to join us?”
Darius recognized the not-so-subtle trap. He stood, smiling tauntingly. “No, thanks. I’ve got other plans.”
Quincy’s smile morphed into a frown. “How did you meet her?”
“You just won’t give up, will you? That’s admirable.” Darius started to walk past his friend to the register.
Quincy stopped him with a hand on his forearm. “All kidding aside, man, I’m worried about you.” He released his grip. “After I leave, who’s going to keep your perpetual moodiness at bay?”
Darius had wondered the same thing. He and Quincy had been friends their entire lives. They were more like brothers. Quincy’s family had been his refuge when his dysfunctional parents had threatened to overwhelm him. As much as he teased the other man, he’d miss the hell out of him, once he was gone.
“You aren’t my only friend, you know.” Darius tried a cocky tone. “Ean’s back and Jack’s still here.”
“Ean’s with Megan, and Jack’s still grieving. Why don’t you think about moving to Philadelphia? There are some good newspapers there.”
Darius was shaking his head before Quincy finished his pitch. “I’m happy with the Monitor.”
“What’s keeping you here?”
“Trinity Falls is home. You, Ean, and Ramona may want more, but I’m fine here. Ean came back after trying the big city.” Darius pulled out his wallet. “Who knows? In a couple of years, you and Ramona may move back, too.”
Quincy stood. “Why are you being so secretive about this woman? Is she good for you?”
Darius cocked an eyebrow. “This from the man who waited fourteen years to tell his friends he was in love with the mayor?”
“That was different. Ramona was with Ean.” Quincy frowned. “Is your girlfriend married?”
Darius snorted. “Give me some credit.”
Quincy lowered his voice again. “I don’t know, man. If you can’t even introduce her to your friends, you may not want to keep seeing her. This may not be a healthy relationship for you.”
Darius laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind, Mom.”
“Yuck it up, Darius, but I’m serious. I won’t be here much longer to watch your back.”
Darius patted the other man’s shoulder. “I hear you, Q.”
He appreciated Quincy’s concern. But there were some things you couldn’t tell even your best friend.
Doreen’s smile froze. Leonard had just entered the café area with the Heritage High School English teacher Wednesday afternoon. Why was his hand riding the small of the skinny woman’s back? Why was he standing so close to her? Doreen’s heart contracted as she watched him settle her at a table in the center of the dining area.
Ramona interrupted her description of the Philadelphia apartments she’d arranged to view with Quincy. She followed Doreen’s gaze. “What is Leo doing with Yvette Bates?”
“That’s what I’d like to know.” Doreen’s heart was ready to jump from her chest. She tracked Leonard’s progress to her. “Why are you here with Yvette?”
Leonard’s brown gaze was cool. “We’re here for lunch.”
Doreen wasn’t in the mood for games. “Lunch with a friend, or is she something more?”
Leonard shot a quick glance at Ramona before turning back to Doreen. “Can we speak in private?”
What game is he playing?
Doreen looked at Ramona, who sat as though enthralled by their show. She struggled to keep her voice low. “If you wanted to keep our business private, you shouldn’t have come here with another woman. You broke up with me five days ago. Are you already dating?”