Chapter 6

The crisp morning air does little to clear my thoughts as I step outside. The weight of last night still lingers—Kieran’s words, his warmth, the way he looked at me like he saw something beyond what I let people see.

I spot his car parked by the curb, engine idling. Kieran leans against the hood, arms crossed, an easy smirk playing on his lips. “Took you long enough.”

Rolling my eyes, I tuck my hands into the sleeves of my jacket. “You said ten minutes. It’s only been eight.”

“Exactly. You’re slacking.” He pushes off the car and opens the passenger door for me with an exaggerated bow. “Your chariot awaits.”

I hesitate, eyeing him warily. “Where are we going?”

“Breakfast.” He slides into the driver’s seat before I can protest. “You do eat, right?”

Sighing, I climb in, shutting the door behind me. “This feels suspiciously like you’re trying to cheer me up.”

Kieran grins as he pulls onto the road. “What gave it away?”

I shake my head, staring out the window as the city slowly wakes up. The streets are quieter than usual, the early morning sun casting long shadows. It’s peaceful in a way I didn’t expect.

We drive in comfortable silence until Kieran pulls up to a small diner nestled between towering office buildings. The kind of place that smells like fresh coffee and buttered toast, where the waitresses know the regulars by name.

I glance at him. “This isn’t your usual scene.”

He shrugs. “Maybe I’m expanding my horizons.”

We step inside, and a bell chimes overhead. A woman in a blue apron, probably in her late fifties, beams when she sees Kieran. “Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite troublemaker.”

I arch a brow. “Expanding your horizons, huh?”

Kieran grins. “What can I say? Margaret makes the best waffles in the city.”

Margaret swats his arm playfully before turning her attention to me. “And who’s this lovely young lady?”

Before I can answer, Kieran beats me to it. “She’s someone who seriously needs coffee.”

I shoot him a glare, but Margaret just chuckles. “Say no more. Take a seat, and I’ll bring over the usual.”

We slide into a booth near the window, the scent of fresh coffee wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I study Kieran as he leans back against the seat, arms stretched across the backrest, looking oddly relaxed.

“You come here often?” I ask.

“Often enough.”

I narrow my eyes. “I thought your mornings consisted of sleeping in and avoiding responsibility.”

He smirks. “You think very highly of me.”

Margaret returns with two mugs of coffee and a knowing smile. “You two enjoy. Let me know if you need anything else.”

I wrap my hands around the mug, letting the warmth seep into my fingers. Kieran watches me over the rim of his cup. “So, did you actually get any sleep?”

I take a sip before answering. “A little.”

He doesn’t look convinced. “You’re still thinking about last night.”

I sigh, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. “It’s just... strange. I’m not used to—” I pause, struggling to find the right words. “—people sticking around.”

His expression softens, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes. “Well, get used to it.”

I scoff. “You say that now.”

“I mean it.” His voice is quiet but firm. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The sincerity in his tone catches me off guard, and I don’t know how to respond. So instead, I focus on my coffee, letting the steam curl into the air between us.

Margaret returns a few minutes later with two plates stacked high with waffles, crispy bacon on the side. “Eat up, you two.”

I pick up my fork, suddenly realizing how hungry I am. “Okay, I’ll admit, this looks amazing.”

Kieran winks. “Told you.”

We fall into easy conversation, the tension from last night gradually fading with each bite. For a little while, it’s just the two of us, sharing stories, laughing at Kieran’s dramatic retellings of his questionable life choices.

As we finish up, my phone buzzes on the table. I glance at the screen, my stomach tightening at the name flashing across it.

Kieran notices. “Everything okay?”

I hesitate before silencing the call. “Yeah. Just someone I’d rather not deal with right now.”

His gaze lingers, like he’s debating whether to push for more, but he lets it go. “Alright. Ready to head out?”

I nod, grateful he doesn’t pry. We pay the bill—Kieran insisting on covering it despite my protests—and step back into the cool morning air.

As we walk back to the car, I feel lighter. Not entirely free of the thoughts that kept me up last night, but enough that the weight doesn’t feel so crushing anymore.

Kieran opens the passenger door for me again, an infuriatingly smug look on his face. “See? Breakfast solves everything.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, here you are.”

Shaking my head, I slide into the seat, watching as he rounds the car and gets in beside me. As he starts the engine, I steal a glance at him, wondering—just for a moment—if maybe, just maybe, he’s right.

Maybe some people do stick around.

As the car hums to life, Kieran shifts into gear and pulls onto the road. “So,” he says, glancing at me, “what’s next on the agenda?”

I snort. “Oh, so now you’re planning my day?”

“Obviously. Can’t have you brooding all morning.”

I shake my head, suppressing a smile. “Fine. What did you have in mind?”

Kieran grins mischievously. “Ever been to the boardwalk this early?”

I blink. “The boardwalk?”

“Yeah. Best place to clear your head. And, lucky for you, I happen to know a guy who makes the best cinnamon rolls this side of the city.”

I cross my arms. “How do you know so many people who sell food?”

“I have my ways.” He winks before focusing back on the road. “So, what do you say?”

I hesitate, but only for a moment. Then, exhaling a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, I nod. “Alright. Let’s go.”

And just like that, the morning stretches ahead of us, full of possibilities I hadn’t considered. Maybe, just maybe, today won’t be so bad after all.