Common Ground

by Wendy Smith

  “Here you go. Enjoy your meal.” She places the fries and shake in front of me and turns to go to the coffee machine.

  I want to eat slowly so that I can spend more time, but my stomach grumbles again and reminds me why I’m here. Besides, at least I know where she is. This isn’t finished.

  “Do you think I can eat all this, Amelia?”

  She shrugs.

  “You’ll have to save the answer to that for another day, because it’s time for us to go home,” Delaney says, as she hands Damon his coffee.

  No.

  “Noooooo.” Amelia makes me smile.

  “You’re lucky you had dinner here, miss.”

  “But I want to know if Josh can eat all that food.”

  Delaney leans over. “I’ll tell you what. Pania’s coming out here to take over until closing. How about I ask her to keep an eye on things?”

  Amelia nods.

  “Before you disappear.” I swallow despite the huge lump in my throat. “Can I see you again?”

  “You know where I am.”

  I nod. “Guess I do. Can I get your number?”

  She hesitates. “I’m not sure I want to do that yet.”

  Yet. She said yet.

  “Hey, dude. Leave her alone. What makes you think you can just ask her for her number like that?” Damon speaks up, and I turn my head to look at him.

  “Six years of waiting to catch up with her.”

  I don’t miss Delaney’s gasp. I’m not giving this guy a minute of my time. I meet Delaney’s gaze. “Okay, then. You know I’m coming back. We need to talk.”

  Her demeanour shifts, and she seems to withdraw into herself. “I know we do.”

  Amelia waves at me. “Bye, Josh.”

  I smile at the miniature Delaney as she jumps down and ducks around the counter. She’s so much like her mother.

  Delaney’s a mother.

  In my head, she’s always been frozen in time. I guess I never thought of how her life might have changed in the past few years. At least she fulfilled her dream of becoming a chef, if her business is anything to go by. I’m happy for her.

  But seeing her hasn’t quenched the thirst I had for knowledge.

  I want more.

  And as Amelia disappears into the kitchen with her mother, I smile at the realisation that she didn’t wave goodbye to the guy down the counter.

  She only waved goodbye to me.

  After eating my meal, my stomach is finally satisfied, and I head back out toward the car.

  I know he’s behind me. I can feel eyes burning a hole in my back.

  When I reach the car, I turn. Damon’s standing right behind me.

  “Sorry. Did you want something?” I ask.

  “Delaney’s not that kind of woman.”

  I raise my eyebrows. “How do you know what type of woman she is?”

  “Someone who’s not interested in some fancy pants actor swanning into town.”

  Smacking my lips together, I take a breath. There’s no point getting upset about a guy who’s pissing around a woman who’s clearly not interested. Amelia didn’t even acknowledge him.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but we have history. So, I’d appreciate you dropping the guard-dog thing because she’s not yours either.”

  He recoils, and I know I’ve hit a nerve. I’d bet anything his next step is to run to Delaney to tell her what he’s done. That’s what guys like him do.

  He turns and walks away, and I open the car door and step in. For a moment, I close my eyes, picturing her behind the counter. She still has that curve to her lips, and the smile in her eyes that always made me feel like I was the only man on the planet. That look was for me.

  Even six years later, she shared it.

  And it was all mine.

  Ten

  Delaney

  From the moment I heard Josh’s voice, I knew I was screwed.

  How else would I have greeted him? The last thing I wanted was a scene in my own diner.

  So, I treated him like I would have anyone else I know. I teased, but tried to keep things business-like.

  But I’m still shaking like a leaf by the time I get back into the kitchen. Melly holds my hand as we walk through, and I find Pania by the back door, waiting.

  “I heard you-know-who was out there.”

  “He’s not Voldemort.”

  She laughs. “You okay?”

  I nod. “I have no idea how, but I think I dealt with it alright.”

  She smiles. “You don’t look alright. Go home and have a drink after the munchkin is in bed.”

  “I think he knows.” My voice is barely more than a whisper, but I don’t want anyone else to find out.

  “What? How?”

  I shrug. “He said we need to talk.”

  “Maybe he just wants to compliment you on your delicious food.”

  I shake my head. “I doubt it. I mean, I know he liked the food, but his tone said there was more to it.” Biting down on my bottom lip, I press Amelia to my side, covering the ear that’s not stuck against me. “What if he does know? What if he tries to take her?”

  Pania sighs. She places her hand on my arm as if to steady me. “Then, talk to him. Find out what he wants. If anyone can talk him into being reasonable, it’s you.”

  “Mummy, can we go?” Melly’s full of food and tired.

  If she falls asleep now, it means I have lots of time to sit in the quiet and think at night. That’s the opposite of what I want today.

  We walk out the back. There’s a small car park, and we live right across the road behind the diner.

  My car’s already parked up at home.

  We cross, and as we reach the front gate, I let out a sigh at the sight of Damon walking toward me.

  “Delaney.”

  I turn to Amelia. “Why don’t you go and wait for me at the front door? I’ll be there in a minute.”

  She nods, and I watch as she walks up the path toward the house.

  I turn to Damon. “Yes?”

  “I just wanted you to know that I had a word with that guy who asked for your number.”

  My eyebrows rise right along with my temper. “You did what?”

  “I told him you’re not that kind of girl. Men like him, they roll into town and expect girls to just drop their knickers after knowing them for five minutes.”

  I resist the urge to roll my eyes. That’s not Josh. At least, it wasn’t when I knew him. He and I spent weeks just being friendly with some gentle flirting before we even went out on a date. And even then, he was the perfect gentleman, and in the end, it was me who initiated sex.

  “You don’t have to defend me. I’ve known him more than five minutes.”

  He hesitates. Damon’s made it clear in the past that he’s interested. I’m not. As confused as I am about Josh’s arrival, I’m not about to let Damon think that goading Josh is the way to my heart. Not when Josh could so easily turn my life upside down. He has the money and the means to insert himself into our lives. I’ve always known that.

  “Josh is an old boyfriend. We haven’t seen each other in six years. He’s never been anything but good to me.” Except for that one time that he broke my heart.

  Damon frowns. “I thought you’d appreciate me sticking up for you.”

  “He did nothing wrong.” I’ve been avoiding this conversation for a long time. He’s a customer, but he’s got a nerve taking a shot at Josh when he’s asked me out for himself. “Look, Damon. It’s nice that you want to look out for me, but I get guys asking for my number all the time. I give them a smile and serve them more food. I’m not interested in dating. I have Amelia to look after.”

  He takes a step forward. Without thinking, I move back to maintain distance. His expression tightens.

  “I always thought I’d persuade you otherwise.”

  “I’m flattered, but I don’t need a minder trying to scare anyone else off.”

  “I see.” He nods. “Bye, Delaney.”
>
  For a moment, I stand there, making sure he’s moved away before turning back toward the house.

  A long time ago, a teenage Josh got so deep into my heart, I never thought I’d shake him loose.

  And seeing him today just clarified one thing for me.

  I still haven’t.

  Eleven

  Josh

  Delaney’s still on my mind days later. I haven’t been back to the diner yet, but it’s hard not to spend every moment I can trying to reconnect on some level.

  We have unfinished business.

  In the meantime, I have work to get on with.

  My early scenes are few and far between, but I sit in that house, overlooking the town and learn my lines. I’m glad Jessie’s really the leading actor on this. She has way more scenes than I do. But my name will bring in the crowds.

  I head to the set where my trailer awaits. Filming doesn’t start for another few days, but I’ll get settled in and meet the cast I haven’t yet met.

  It doesn’t take long to find my co-star, and when I see her, I suck in a breath.

  Jessie and I have history. And it’s not romantic. She wanted it to be, but I wasn’t interested in her in that way. And then Dee—or Delaney, consumed my thoughts to the point of obsession for a while.

  We did the chemistry test back in the States. Apparently we sizzle on screen, which is about the opposite to what we do off.

  “Are you excited about filming? I can’t wait.” She flicks her strawberry-blond hair over her shoulder.

  “Yeah, should be good.”

  She frowns. “Don’t sound so enthusiastic.”

  I laugh. “Sorry. This is my first romantic comedy and hopefully my only one.”

  “So, you’re not up for making a sequel?” She runs her fingers through her hair, curling the ends around her fingers.

  “I don’t think these movies have sequels. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. Something bad happens to split them up. They get back together. Isn’t that how these things go?”

  She frowns. “Oh wow. I didn’t think you were so cynical about love.”

  “I’m not. It’s a trope. Although, in this case, it’s a hilarious series of events that also leads to them not even kissing right until the end of the movie.” I shrug.

  “It’s such a shame.” She giggles, and I bristle. “I always thought we were destined to film a romance together.”

  “Anyone want coffee? I’m heading into town because Mitch wants a burger, so I thought I’d do a coffee run.” A face I haven’t seen before looks expectantly at me. I’ve never been so relieved to be interrupted.

  “Yes, please.” Jessie speaks up. “Soy latte, no sugar.”

  The young woman writes down her order and looks at me again.

  I shake my head. “No thanks.”

  Her interruption gives me a chance to head off to my trailer and hide until I have to come out. Jessie’s not a bad person, but I’m surprised after all this time she’s still flirting with me. I know she’s had a few high-profile romances, and it’s been forever since we’ve spent any time together.

  Doing this was a bad idea.

  Only, I can’t say that because Delaney’s here.

  I’ve had her on my mind since I saw her the other day. Truth is that in some ways, she’s always been on my mind.

  I have so many questions.

  Six years ago, I thought the feelings I had for her were mutual. How could she have come back here and have a baby with someone else?

  I loved her from the start.

  Settling in, I read through my script again. There’s just one scene I’m rehearsing today and it’s not that long or with Jessie. I’m looking forward to getting back to the house and some time to myself.

  I’m not sure how long I’m reading for, but the sudden knock on my trailer door makes me jump.

  I open the door to the assistant who did the coffee run.

  “Josh. This one’s for you?” The puzzled expression on her face leaves me just as confused.

  “I didn’t order coffee.”

  “The woman in the diner said to give this to you.”

  I reach for the cup, and laugh when I see what’s written on the side.

  My favourite Canadian is Ryan Reynolds now.

  Maybe talking to Delaney won’t be so bad after all.

  Twelve

  Delaney

  I shouldn’t have done it.

  But on Friday when making a dozen takeaway coffees, I had to make just one more. I never did know when to keep my mouth shut, or leave something alone.

  He doesn’t want me. He can’t do.

  Part of me expects him to walk in the door later in the afternoon. That same part is a little disappointed when he doesn’t. It’s so weird to have all these conflicting emotions when how much I was hurt still plagues me.

  Thankfully this time, Melly doesn’t sleep in on Sunday morning. I’ve got a party to cater with the food being picked up before midday. There are thirty sandwiches, thirty burgers, a bucket of fried chicken, and four large apple pies to make before then, and I’m doing it by myself.

  I completed a lot of the preparation yesterday, and just have to cook the meat and put it all together this morning. Pania goes to church on a Sunday, so she’s not available to help. But I can handle it as long as I don’t have any interruptions.

  Melly spreads out her colouring book and pencils on the counter. There’s a perfectly good table in the kitchen, but she loves the dark leather stool to sit on. I think it’s because she likes climbing up.

  “I’ll make you breakfast and get started. You know where I am if you need me.”

  She nods.

  “If you get bored, let me know. I’ll turn the TV on.”

  In the kitchen, I pull everything out that I need, and drop some bread in the toaster for Melly. When it’s done, I grate a little cheese over it and microwave it for a few seconds. She loves it.

  I place it in front of her and head back out to the kitchen. Working quickly, I roll out the pastry, pull out the apple pie filling from the fridge and put them all together. Four pies. There’s enough for a fifth, so I make another one to sell in the diner.

  I like working by myself sometimes. I can get around the kitchen with ease and move as quickly as I can. It’s all in the preparation.

  When I’m done and everything’s in the warmer, I just have the pies to come.

  I walk out to check on Melly again, just as she drains her milkshake.

  “Nearly done. Now we just have to wait for Dave to come and pick it all up.”

  A sharp tap on the door makes me look up.

  Josh.

  His eyes follow me as I walk to the door and unlock it.

  “I saw Amelia through the window. I didn’t think you were open on Sunday.”

  I shake my head. “We’re not. I just came in because we’re catering a party today and the food’s being picked up soon.”

  He takes a step closer. “I’ve just been for a run. Any chance of a drink?”

  I move back to let him in. “Only a cold one. I’m not turning the coffee machine on.”

  He nods. “That’d be great.”

  “Everything in the fridge is cold.” Oh my God, that is up there with all the dumb things I’ve ever said.

  Josh shoots me a little smile, but doesn’t point out that what I’ve said is pretty obvious. Instead, he walks to the fridge and pulls out a bottle of water.

  “Take it. The till’s closed and I’m not opening it for one transaction.”

  He grins. “Thanks. I’ll come back and pay you. Promise.”

  My chest tightens. Last time he made me a promise, he ripped my heart out instead.

  I don’t care, but I wish he’d leave with the water.

  I hate how good he looks.

  I hate that even wearing sweaty clothes, he looks better put together than most people I know.

  I hate that perfect hair.

  I hate those brown eyes that seem to pier
ce my soul.

  And I hate that despite everything, I could so easily love him again.

  Instead of leaving, he makes his way to the counter and sits on a barstool next to Melly. And right along my chest being tight, a lump forms like a golf ball in my throat looking at the two of them.

  “Do you help your mother cook?” he asks.

  Amelia nods. “Sometimes.”

  “I bet you do all the important jobs.”

  She looks at me with the dark eyes she shares with her father. “Mummy said I could have a piece of apple pie when it’s cooked.”

  “Really?” Josh turns his gaze to me. “Any chance of a slice for me? If it’s anything like the other food here, it’ll be fantastic.”

  “Well, I …” Truth is, there’s plenty for him to have. I have a pie to spare, and while I’d planned on selling it, one slice won’t break the bank.

  “Two pieces of pie, Mummy.”

  I narrow my eyes as I look at the little traitor to the left of Josh. The smug look on his face tells me he knows just how I feel about being betrayed. “I’ll go and check on it.”

  Everything else is packed. I remove the burgers from the warmer and slide them into the insulated cases to keep them warm. I’ll take the chicken out at the last minute.

  The last thing is the apple pie.

  Opening the oven, I slide out the tray. They’re cooked to perfection and I draw a deep breath. Packing four of them, I leave the lids open on the boxes to let them breathe before taking the fifth back out the front.

  Leaving the pie to rest for a moment while I grab crockery and cutlery, I then cut two slices of apple pie and place them on two plates with a dollop of ice cream.

  Josh smiles as I place one in front of him.

  “Yummy,” Amelia says.

  “It really looks yummy.” Josh nods.

  “It’s still hot, so be careful.”

  “Yes, Mum,” they both chorus.

  The door opens. I smile at Dave as he walks toward me. “Good timing. I just took the apple pie out of the oven.”

  “Brilliant.” He nods toward Josh and Amelia.