✧
I stare back into Aris' eyes, waiting for him to explain. A thousand different thoughts rush through my head but my first thought is–is he abusing prescription drugs? I've seen him come into the cafe looking like he's hungover or maybe he's having withdrawals.
My head shakes, telling myself to wait until he explains what's going on.
Aris shakily grabs the pills that lay on the floor and attempts to put them back into the pot. Every part of him trembles and I step back, kneel down and help him. He looks up at me in surprise and then offers me a small smile that doesn't meet his eyes–in fact it looks like he's about to break down any second.
Oh God. Fear sparks my heart, not ready for whatever conversation we're about to have.
Once the pills are back in the bottle and he zips up his bag, I say nothing. He watches me for a few moments, exhaling a breath. "Luca," he starts. "The reason why I have so many pills is because I'm not very well. I haven't been well for a couple of years and I have to take a lot of medication to stabilise myself otherwise I could end up in the hospital or worse."
My eyes widen in surprise. "Aris..." I trail off. "You never said anything."
"No," his throat is strained. "Because a lot of companies and businesses have turned me down in the past for being ill and I don't think it's fair. I need the money because my father is in a care home, he suffers from Alzheimer's and it's getting increasingly bad as the months go on. I have to fund that, as well as myself and it's tough. I didn't mean to not tell you the truth but I keep it to myself because it gives me a better chance of being accepted for a job."
He takes a slow breath and my heart crumbles in my chest. "I'm sorry," I say quietly. "And I know you probably don't want any apologies but I'm sorry. I had no idea."
Aris hangs his head. "If you're going to fire me then I understand."
I press my brows together instantly. "Why would I fire you?"
"Because I lied, because I'm not well." He raises his eyes to mine, his voice still shaking.
"No," I say boldly. "If you think I'm going to let you go because of that then you're mistaken. We all deserve the same fair chances. All I ask is if you have appointments in the future, let me know. Same goes with if you're not feeling well, we can work something out. I'd rather you not suffer if you're in pain, we can be honest with each other about this."
His eyes waver for a moment, then he sniffles. "Thank you," he exhales gratefully. "You have no idea how much that means to me. I was late because I received bad news at the hospital today, which probably explains why I look like a walking zombie."
I reach out and press my hand to his shoulder. "It's okay," I shake my head. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"No," his voice snaps and he releases a slow shudder of breath. "Sorry. No. I don't want to talk about it. There isn't anything anyone can do right now, all I have to do is wait and hope for the best. That's the most painful part."
My arm slides around his shoulder and I tug him into a hug. He embraces me back and I can tell he needed this, actual human interaction rather than being disregarded. I wish I could understand but I have to respect his wishes. "Well, if you ever need to talk to me about anything. I'm here. I hope you know that."
His fingers bunch into the shirt on my back as he nods. "I do," he whispers. "You're so kind, Luca. Thank you. Thank you so much."
"If you want to go home, I totally understand," I comment, pulling away from the hug.
Aris shakes his head. "I'd rather be here," he says, wiping his eyes and straightening out his apron. "If that's okay? It distracts me, being here. Being home alone is the worst."
My chest constricts at his words and I nod. "Okay, of course."
"I'm sorry you found out this way. I hate to think what you thought right then," he lowers his gaze, as if he's embarrassed to be in his situation.
I feel my lips slip downwards. "All I wanted to know is that you're okay. I realise that things might not be as simple as 'okay' but I'm glad that I know. I'd never send you away for being ill, Aris. I guess some people don't want the hassle but I don't care. You've been doing amazing, you put in so much effort. As long as you're happy to be here then I'm happy to have you."
The corners of his mouth twitch and he takes down a large breath. "Thank you," he says again but this time with more confidence. "I am happy to be here and I'm happy to work as hard as I need to."
My hand claps on his shoulder. "But not too hard, I want you in one piece so you can help me out around here."
We laugh as we exit the back room and I shut the door behind me. I watch Aris as he continues to smile, pushing his shoulders back and taking on the new customer that approaches the counter.
Deep down my heart breaks for him because I could see the raw, honest pain in his eyes.
I hope he gets the treatment he needs–if he can be treated.
✧
When I step through my front door later that evening after work, my coat wrapped around me tightly because the weather has taken a turn. "I'm home," I shout as I shut the door behind me.
I take off my coat and my bag, hanging them up on the hangers. "In here," my mother calls out.
A frown fades across my expression as I walk into the living room to find Declan sitting around the dining table with my mother. He lounges back in the chair, making it look far smaller than it really is. I study his eyes as they roam my body before settling on my face, his lips curl into a smile.
"Hi," I squeak. "What's going on?"
I twist my gaze to my mother who definitely looks like she's slept better nights, eyes slightly red but paperwork spread across the table. "Come sit down," Declan says, patting the chair beside him.
My bottom lip finds its way between my teeth before I walk to the chair and take a seat. Declan leans over and presses a kiss to my lips–it's quick and precise. My face erupts into flames. My mum doesn't care about that sort of stuff because she's always wanted me to find someone who isn't ashamed to showcase how they feel.
But knowing she's sitting right there, it makes my stomach churn.
Declan will never not show affection for me and I know it's something I'll need to get used to.
"So we've been trying to work around a few things," he states and I glance at my mum. "I explained the whole situation of finding out and that I refuse to not do anything."
I watch my mother as she wipes her nose, the situation clearly emotional for her. "And Hazel has agreed to place the mortgage and business in my name whilst I pay it off and get those lenders off your backs. Soon the building will be completely yours and you guys will never have to worry about paying them off again."
My eyes focus on my mother's. "And this is what you want to do?"
"We don't really have any other choice," her voice cracks. "I mean we do but Declan won't let us lose our business which I'm grateful for, but I'll never be able to truly repay. Not just your money but your kindness."
"I don't want to be repaid," he states honestly. "I don't want you guys to lose the business."
Declan presses his lips together with a nod. "So what's the next step?" I ask.
"Get a solicitor involved so I can be in charge of the mortgage and the business," he clears his throat, leaning into the table. "Once everything is paid off and things are settled, I'll have the business placed back under your name."
"I don't get why this has to be so complicated," I run a hand down my face.
Declan grips my wrist. "Me neither," he exhales. "But trust me. Everything will be okay."
I stare back into his dark eyes full of warmth and safety. "I do trust you," I confirm. "It just seems like a lot of work and you're willing to go through all of this for us? It's just hard to accept."
My mother nods along as I speak, he glances between us. "It is," she whispers. "So hard."
"Because you both deserve a break from this nightmare," he says simply but voice full of enthusiasm. "You both deserve to hold onto your business forever, without fearing that you'll lose it one day. It'll be yours and yours only soon."
"We will repay you." She presses a hand to his arm in reassurance. "One day, when we're able to. We'll repay you every single penny, even if it kills me."
Declan's expression twists at her words, my mother is an all or nothing sort of person. "I'm not going to tell you what to do but I'm not expecting your money in return. At first I wanted to help you invest, bring in the profits but now I'm more than happy to just see you guys thrive."
"Thank you," I tell him sincerely. "Honestly, thank you."
He takes my hand and raises it to his lips, kissing my knuckles delicately. "I know you are," he says. "I know you both are."
Declan stands up to leave, saying he'll give us time to discuss whatever we need. I hug him at the door, trapping him between my weak arms. But he doesn't fight me, he leans down and buries his head in my neck.
"I'm so glad I met you," I whisper. "And not just because of what you've done for us with the cafe, because for the first time in ages I truly feel myself. Especially when I'm around you."
He grips me tighter which makes my heart thump heavily in my chest. "I'm glad you came into my life too," he kisses below my earlobe. "You've changed everything. Even made this old man smile for once."
A laugh escapes my throat as I pull away and look up at him. "Barely old," I shake my head.
"Old enough, not getting younger." He huffs with a smile.
I shrug. "I don't care. I never have."
He cups my cheek and brings our lips together. "Good," he mumbles against me. "I'll see you tomorrow. I'll come by the cafe at some point?"
"Sure," I nod, gripping onto the edge of the door. My mother steps around the hall and says goodbye to him. We wave him off and watch as he gets in his car and drives away.
I turn to my mum and wrap my arms around her. "Everything is going to be okay, mum. You know that right?"
"What did we ever do to deserve that angel?" She whimpers into my shoulder. "I'll never understand."
"We don't have to," I express. "I think it's time we just let things happen, stay grateful and stop fighting it. Declan is going to be in our lives now. We have a long time to repay him how we want and remind him of how special he is. In our own way."
She grabs my shoulders and nods. "You're right, Luca. We've got time to give back to him, even if he doesn't accept it."
✧
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Author's Note
Owwww Aris, my heart breaks for him💔
Can you guys guess who the next book is going to be about?🤭
Also I love Declan going over to see Hazel and telling them he will help. He's always got their best interests at heart🫶
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