Artie returned with the water. “Here you go, Cody.”

Cody froze with the glass halfway to his lips, then swallowed the pills chasing them with several mouthfuls of water. He stared at Artie.

“How did you know my name? I didn’t tell you, and I’d remember having seen you in the shop before. Is this some setup by Lucien?” The hurt look in Cody’s eyes was like a punch to Artie’s gut and he shook his head.

“No. I swear it. Please, believe me. I must have heard it before. Maybe when Jeremy was in the shop?” To Artie’s relief, Cody relaxed at the mention of Jeremy’s name, and even offered a sheepish smile.

“Sorry. It’s the kind of stupid joke he’d pull.”

“Sounds like he’s a petty little bully to me,” Artie growled the words, and Cody’s eyes went wide, but he didn’t attempt to move away.

“Do you know him?” Cody asked.

“No. I shouldn’t like to either. But I’d like to know you.” The moment the words left Artie’s lips, he flushed scarlet and looked at the floor. “Sorry,” he muttered not wanting to raise his gaze. To Artie’s surprise, Cody reached out and put two fingers under Artie’s chin, forcing him to look up.

“You would? Stupid, klutzy me?”

“I’d bet you’re neither stupid nor klutzy.” Artie briefly met Cody’s gaze, then glanced away. “And, yes. I would. But I-I don’t like being out that much. I’m only out because I have family coming to stay and I need to buy things. Otherwise I’d be safely at home.”

“Look. How about we exchange cell phone numbers? If I don’t hear from you in a few days…well, I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.” Cody was already fishing in his pocket when a noise distracted them both.

“Hello, Cody. Oh, you didn’t tell me you had a friend visiting you.” Jeremy came through and stopped in the doorway.

“Um, well, actually ... I had a bit of an accident.”

“My name’s Arthur Melwood, uh, Artie, I-I ...”

“Came to my rescue.” Cody grinned at Artie, and a sense of warmth washed over him.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” Artie ducked his head, feeling his cheeks flame with embarrassment.

“Are you all right, Cody? Do you need to rest for a while?” Jeremy fussed over Cody and Artie stepped back, not wanting to intrude. “Have you hurt your back? Perhaps you should take the rest of the day off?”

As the older man voiced his worry, Artie felt more and more like an interloper. Cody seemed to have forgotten about him as he and Jeremy chatted, and Artie slid his phone back into his pocket.

Shoulders slumped, Artie backed out unnoticed and was halfway across the shop when he stopped at a shout from Jeremy.

“Artie, wait. Cody said you didn’t get to exchange phone numbers.”

“I-I didn’t want to intrude.” Artie shook his head, torn between bolting for the door, or going back into the rear office.

“Please. Don’t go. Cody couldn’t run after you.” Jeremy smiled, and his pleading expression was more than Artie could resist.

“Well, if you’re sure?” Artie took a hesitating step forward and Jeremy’s smile widened.

“Quite sure. I’ll look after things out here. Give you boys some privacy.” Jeremy waved in the direction of the staff room and then wandered past Artie, humming softly.

With a fortifying breath, Artie went returned to the office where Cody greeted him with a relieved grin.

“I’m glad Jeremy caught you. We didn’t get a chance to exchange numbers.”

“Are you sure you want mine?” Artie pulled out his cell phone as Cody did the same.

“I’m sure.” Cody’s voice went quiet. “But I won’t push you. If you want to meet up, maybe for a coffee? There’s a Starbucks just down the road, or a cozier coffee shop the next road down. You need to contact me. That way I’ll know it’s what you want.”

“I do want.”