It breaks my heart knowing he can't get too attached, and I hurt to once more consider denying him the ability to make friends and be a normal teen. "You can," I answer finally. "You will check in every fifteen minutes."
"I know." He gives an exasperated sigh.
Leaving my room, I try to drown my thoughts and emotions in watching television.
Petr is there when I arrive the next morning. I don't look at him this time when I walk in and take more time than usual getting ready.
It's stupid to avoid him. I mean, I don't even know if he does like me more than he should. The best way to handle it is not to avoid him anyway but to pretend like there's nothing between us.
Taking him his usual order, I set it down without speaking. He's gazing at me. My focus is elsewhere, however, and I manage to leave before he has a chance to speak. He eats and drinks his coffee in silence. I stay behind my counter, but … I don't really like it. I'm disappointed and uncertain why.
I'm not expecting him to come to one of the stools at the breakfast bar. Startled when he does, I look at him. "What're you doing?" I ask suspiciously.
"I'm tired of that seat."
"You can't sit here." I hear how ridiculous it sounds. It's too late to take it back, though.
His eyes twinkle, and he drinks his coffee.
With my safe space invaded, I lean back against the wall next to where the orders go in to the cook.
We stare at each other for a long moment.
"Karate?" he asks.
"No."
"Is that a decision, or are you refusing to make one still?"
"Decision."
"Sorry to hear that." He appears genuine. "Thanksgiving?"
"Maybe."
"Good." He leans back. "You're more withdrawn than usual today. You okay?"
I bristle. I don't like the thought of someone prying into what I feel is my privacy.
He seems to sense it and chuckles. "I noticed. That's it." He holds up his hands in playful surrender. "If you come in sick one day, I'm not sure who else knows how to make cold coffee."
Do. Not. Smile.
"Or give me a piece of pie that's more than an inch wide."
The corners of my lips tilt up, and I duck my head. I am pretty ornery towards him. I wonder if he considers that flirting and if so, if I have been leading him on without realizing it.
"There we go," he says, smiling. "Now I'll piss you off. Please reconsider letting Todd go to karate."