Because I lost my job when the shop closed and I've been applying for positions for 11 weeks and every time I think I've got something that falls through. He said it all without bitterness. Just the facts. So trust me when I tell you I had my own problems tonight. Clare held his gaze.
Then why didn't you keep walking? She asked. Marcus almost smiled. It was the ghost of one barely there. Because you looked scared, he said.
And I know what it feels like when you need somebody to stop and they all keep moving. A long silence settled between them. Not uncomfortable. Something else. Thank you, Clare said quietly.
Don't thank me yet. Marcus glanced toward the corner table again. Still watching the grand Viven had both hands folded on top of the table with the stillness of a woman who had been waiting out other people's decisions for decades and was very good at it. They're not leaving. No, Clare agreed.
They won't leave until they get what they came for. So, what's your plan? You sit here with me for 20 minutes, then what? You can't avoid them forever. She looked at him steadily.
I know that. Do you? Yes. She straightened slightly. I just need needed I don't know a minute to breathe to remember that I'm a person and not just a decision someone else gets to make.
She paused. Sitting across from you right now, someone who doesn't know my grandmother doesn't know Andrew doesn't have anything invested in which way this goes. It's the first time today I felt like I could actually think. Marcus leaned back in his chair. He studied her for a moment, not unkindly.
The way he used to study an engine that was running wrong, listening for the note beneath the noise. "Do you want my honest opinion? " he said. "I just grabbed a stranger's arm in a restaurant. " "Yes, please. You're not scared of your grandmother," Marcus said. "You're scared of yourself.
Scared that if you walk away from everything she built for you, you won't be able to build anything on your own. " He held her gaze. And the reason that scares you so much is because you don't actually know if you can because you've never had to try. The silence that followed was the kind that has weight. Claire's throat worked. That's She stopped.
Too much. No. She blinked once slowly. That's exactly it. The waitress came by and asked if they needed anything.
Another coffee," Marcus said without looking up from Clare and whatever she's having. Clare looked at him. He shrugged slightly. "You might as well eat. Looks like we're here for a while. " She almost laughed.