“Count me out of that meeting.” I hold my hands in the air.
“They are pretty great, so I’m not too worried about it. They just want to go over a few things and ask us about some recommendations.”
“Have fun with that.” After a brief wave, I turn toward the hallway. Kai tries to stop me when I get the delivery papers, but that’s not going to work. He’s not going to put me in between his sister’s wishes and his. It’s not fair to me. Right now, my only focus is doing my job, and making sure Kate is as stress free as possible.
Shockingly, almost everyone is still at the shop when I get back. It rarely happens so I’m happy I won’t have to shut the shop down by myself. It’s not that it’s hard, it’s the back half of the shop. When it’s dark right before you walk out, it’s creepy. Not as much now that it’s not getting dark early like it did when I started working here. But still I don’t like to be left alone if I can help it.
“Hey,” Emily waves at me, “any chance you want to do another delivery?”
My eyes widen in horror. It’s almost closing time, there’s no way in hell I want to go back out.
Before I have a chance to respond, she busts out laughing. I’m talking bent over at the waist and can’t catch her breath.
“Ignore her,” Samantha grumbles, “she thinks she’s a comedian.”
“So, there isn’t another order to take?”
“No,” Sam shakes her head. Clearly, she’s over Emily’s shenanigans. “There isn’t another order.”
“Thank goodness.” I glance around the room. Both Kate and Caroline are nowhere to be seen. “Where’s everyone else?”
“Kai and Caroline went home. Kate’s upfront helping Paula,” Emily says through deep breaths. That’s what she gets for trying to give me a mini heart attack.
“Okay. Well, I’ll see y’all in a bit.”
I make my way through the hall and Paula passes me. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You done for the day?”
“Yep. Kate said to go home. She’ll get the front closed down.”
“Cool. See you tomorrow.” Before she gets too far, I ask, “Did you get donuts this morning?”
“Oh my gosh, yes!” She pauses, “thank you for getting extra. I don’t think Kai realizes how many he eats as he’s passing back and forth through the shop.”
“I don’t think he does, either.”
“I’m gonna go now. Bye.” She continues walking down the hallway. I think she’s excited to be getting out a few minutes early.
It’s only a few more steps until I’m in the store area. Kate is wiping down the counters, but the open sign is still flashing because there’s still about ten minutes left until we actually close.
“Hey,” I wrap my arm around her waist, “why are you closing up?”
“Paula looked flustered when I got back from my meeting. It seemed mean to keep her here when she didn’t have to be.” She sets the cloth down on the counter and turns until she’s facing me. “I didn’t think you’d be back so soon.”
“I didn’t either,” I chuckle and lean my head against hers, “the traffic gods were on my side today.”
“That’s good. No traffic is always a good thing,” she wraps her arms around my neck, “want to grab dinner somewhere?”
“Sure. What are you thinking?”
“It doesn’t matter as long as I’m with you.” She leans up to give me a kiss since nobody else is in here.
“Do you really think that’s appropriate, young lady?” A stern voice breaks us apart. “Making out while at work isn’t very professional.”
“Shit,” Kate whispers. Her cheeks are bright red, but I see the anger flash through her eyes.
Chapter Twenty-One
