Love Is Always Write Volume 4

There were two stools positioned close to each corner of the table.
    "Please," Chase pointed to one of the stools.
    Owen couldn’t recall ever having breakfast with anyone he was remotely interested in. Even if, he'd had them the night before. "Thanks," he said and sat down.
    "I hope you like frittata. It's simple but delicious." Chase sat down and filled their glasses.
    Owen picked up a fork. He was starving. He took a bite and closed his eyes. His mouth was filled with the most delicious eggs he'd ever tasted. After he had swallowed, he opened his eyes. Chase was watching him with a grin. "Oh, man, this is amazing." Owen said.
    "Bon," Chase nodded and began eating.
    "Tres bon," Owen replied, and took another bite. He had slipped into French without thinking. His suspicions must be right about Chase's accent.
    Their conversation went from notable things about Wildwood to art to pop culture. Owen enjoyed how Chase focused on him when he was talking. He kept noticing little things, like the way Chase laid his fork down between every bite of food. Or when his fingers lingered on his glass after setting it down. Sometimes, when Chase laughed, he would put his hand to his heart.
    "What brought you to Wildwood?" Owen asked.
    "Family friends live here. We had visited a few times, and I considered opening something downtown." Chase refilled their glasses. "I never found the right location. Then, Selanders decided to retire. My friends called me. They knew I wanted to get out of the restaurant business and suggested I look at the bakery."
    "Where were you living before?" Owen took the last bite of his frittata.
    "Montreal," Chase said.
    "So, you're Canadian."
    "Canadian-American. I was born in Quebec, but I lived in Detroit until I started high school." Chase smiled. "My mother passed away when I was in middle school. Our father, who is this amazing blue-collar guy, was worried about me and Stuart. We had been outed by a school bully right after our mother's funeral. Our dad thought it might be best if we lived in Montreal where the community was more accepting."
    "He didn't go with you?" Owen tried to imagine what Chase's life had been like.
    "No, our grandmother needed taking care of. She wouldn't move. Dad stayed in Detroit." Chase smiled again and placed his hand over Owen's. "It wasn't that bad. We saw our dad a lot. I have a difficult time putting into words how great he is."
    "I understand." Owen nodded, relishing the fact that Chase hadn't moved his hand away. "My moms have dealt with their fair share of issues. It's not easy living differently, even in a place like Wildwood. We're fine within the safety of our own neighborhood, but vacations were always a riot. And I mean that in a funny, comedy-of-errors way. My family has a great sense of humor."
    They had eaten all of the berries while they talked. Owen felt disappointed that breakfast was over. He was hoping that this wasn't the end of the date. If it was a date. He helped Chase clean up the kitchen. They sat back down and continued talking.
    Bradley appeared periodically to ask Chase questions. Owen watched Chase handle every inquiry with patience. Once or twice, he had to step out to speak with a customer. Owen was surprised he didn't feel out of place at all. He happily waited in the kitchen. Imagining what it would be like to do his studying while Chase baked. He could set up his laptop, and work on papers or read books for his classes. Maybe Chase would have him taste bits of what he was baking.
    He quickly jumped back to reality when Chase returned from the front counter again. "I hope you're not bored," Chase asked as he set a plate of something chocolate and delicious on the table.
    "Out of my mind." Owen looked at the chocolate dessert. "What is that?"
    "Chocolate Chili Cake. The triple threat." Chase handed Owen a fork. Their fingers brushed, and Owen felt his heart pound.
    Bradley returned at the wrong moment, but at least this time he had two coffees from Greene Beans. Chase thanked him and handed one to Owen.
    "Thanks," Owen took the cup and inhaled. He watched Chase slide the plate towards him. Owen took a bite and almost moaned. "Delicious. The bite of the chili is soothed by the richness of the chocolate."
    Chase was watching him eat. He seemed lost in his own thoughts. He looked away and said, "I have to meet with my wedding cake clients in a few minutes," He set his coffee cup down and leaned against the table. "I'd like you to stay, but if