Chapter 42. Cramps

Joan POV

I stayed seated, making little conversation with Matthew, even though the awkwardness between us was palpable. I took the plastic cup from Matthew, taking a sip without a clue what it held.

The burn that followed told me it was scotch. Unexpected but impressive.

“So... when are you going back to work?” Matthew asked, leaning closer until our thighs touched. The closeness made my chest tighten with unease, but I tried to act normal and shrugged.

“Next week, maybe? I’ve been thinking of quitting, though. I can’t stay at the café forever,” I muttered, downing the drink in one go. A sharp pain flared in my lower stomach, making me grimace and shift uncomfortably in my seat.

Matthew didn’t seem to notice my discomfort. “Oh? Where are you thinking of working?” he asked, his tone carrying an edge I couldn’t quite place. Was it the scotch, or had his voice always sounded that dark?

I licked my lips, feeling his eyes dart to them instantly.