Page 5 of A Swan’s Love Song

pondered whether to move as far from the edge of the table as possible in case the coffee pot went the

way of the menus. As Sean reached the booth, he wouldn’t meet Avi’s gaze. He seemed to be

concentrating extra hard on his current task, with his forehead creased and his lips pressed in a tight

line.

Poor kid.

Avi waited for Sean to quit pouring and to set the pot down before he spoke. “Thank you, Sean.

How are you doing today?”

Why the fuck am I inviting conversation? He rubbed his forehead. Being polite. Yeah, that’s it.

Polite.

“Uh, I’m, uh okay, Chief Arrington. Thank you for asking.” Sean looked everywhere but at him.

“Please, Sean. Avi is fine.” As if I don’t feel old enough around you already.

“Sure…Avi.”

Oh boy. We’re not getting very far with this. “So… Dora explained what my usual order is?”

“Yes, sir. Four sausage patties, rye toast with butter, no jam and a large glass of orange juice.

Lots of coffee and real cream, but no sugar. And I’ll make extra sure that everything is just right.”

Cute as a fucking bug. I’m so screwed. “That sounds wonderful, Sean, and I appreciate it. Just

one thing, though?”

“Yes, sir?”

Avi winced. “Please don’t call me sir.”

Sean’s mouth formed an ‘o’. “Sorry. Oh! And I won’t try to give you a menu anymore, because

now I know you don’t need one. So, you don’t have to worry about me dropping them everywhere.

That won’t be a problem.” Sean’s cheeks reddened. “Since I know you don’t need one…and…” He

twisted his hands. “I gotta go check on your order.”

Sean scurried away and Avi made a concerted effort not to watch his little butt as he rushed to

the kitchen. He failed.

Maybe I shouldn’t come here for breakfast anymore.

After all, the Chef’s Corner diner had opened up recently, so he didn’t have to come to the Inn.

Sean could probably tell how hot Avi was for him and it was making him uncomfortable. Otherwise,

why would he be so flustered all the time?

It certainly couldn’t be because he wants my old ass.