I slapped his shoulder, waving him off. “Eating anything less than three meals a day when you’re living right above anamazingrestaurant is simply criminal. And what was it you told me yesterday? ‘Oh, Quinn! You’re the reason for my wonderful health and fabulous mood!’”
“Those weren’t my exact words,” he grumbled. “But sure, close enough.”
“I’m the reason for your rejuvenated skin, too,” I smirked. “I told you, with the right moisturizer, you’d look like a whole new person!”
He chuckled, shaking his head at me as I giggled and pressed a few kisses to his cheek. I smiled after pulling away, pushing myself even closer to him. “But really, you’ve been doing amazing lately!” He’d been moving around without having to use the walls or any other objects to help him. He could get around faster than he used to, and it was even taking him more time to get winded. “I’m proud of you, Jasper. How on Earth do you do it?”
“It’s you,” he shrugged. “Being around you improves my mood, and I’m convinced that you’re a soul mender. No one can stay down and out when they’re around you. Besides, like I told you, I’m making up for two years of celibacy. That would be motivation enough for any man… The stronger I get, the more we can—”
“Alright,” I sent him a look, shaking my head as he flashed me a charming smile.
I couldn’t keep the grin off my face as I watched him laugh, his smile big and eyes bright, just as they always seemed to be these days. I was happy that he was happy, and thrilled to see him getting stronger as the days passed, but… I couldn’t help but wonder what this strange illness was and why he seemed to be getting better instead of worse since he hadn’t been taking his meds.
Yawning, I decided not to voice my thoughts aloud. As long as he was getting better, that was all that mattered.
“Quinn,” he called quietly once his laughter died down. I buried my face in the crook of his neck and closed my eyes, murmuring a quiet ‘hm?’
“I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something important.”
“Mm?” I groaned, dragging myself to sit up. I wondered what it was, but I was in no mood to figure it out tonight. “Let’s talk about it in the morning. It’s getting late and you’ve worn me out for the night,” I said. “No use having any important conversations while I’m half-asleep. You should get some rest as well.”
I pressed a kiss to his lips before standing up and he seemed to contemplate it for a moment before nodding.
I practically jumped out of my skin when I made it upstairs and caught sight of my grandmother standing at the coffee machine. She glanced at me and I let out a nervous chuckle.
“Oh, Gran! You scared me. What are you doing up? I was just checking on the restaurant so I—”
“Mhm,” she drawled, pursing her lips and lifting her mug up to hide the smirk that soon adorned them. “I wasn’t born yesterday, child, no use making excuses with me. I was young once too, you know.” She winked. “You just be careful. Mr. King seems like a nice man, but you live in different worlds. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“I will,” I mumbled, stalking over to plant a kiss on her wrinkled cheek. “Night, Gran.”
I scurried away afterward, letting out a breath of relief as I made it to my room.
∞∞∞
I moved between tables easily, greeting customers, many of them familiar faces and a few fresh ones. After catching up on a few hours of sleep, I’d popped in to check on the restaurant. I wasn’t expecting to work today, but the new manager, Latoya, who I had employed a week ago after firing Marlon, told me we were short-staffed since one of our waitresses hadn’t shown up. Her mother had gotten sick, and she wasn’t able to find anyone else to take care of her daughter in time. Latoya needed an extra set of hands, so I decided to help out since I was already here.
Working at a busy restaurant was always tiring, but at the same time, it never felt like work to me. Serving people was one of the things I loved about my job. The friendships and connections I built within my community, as well as making people happy, were things I was passionate about. Nothing could bring people together better than good food.
Approaching a table of suited men, I smiled brightly. “Gentlemen, I hope we’re all well today. What can I get you?”
The man closest to me leaned in. He smoothed a hand over his gel-infused hair, the brown strands not even shifting. A leering grin took up his face. “We’re much better now, aren’t we boys?” He reached a hand out toward my leg. “Now that you’re here.”
I stepped back, glancing down at him. “Keep your hands to yourself, please. Now, I can make a few suggestions–”
“I have a request,” another butted in, gesturing toward my body. “I’ll take you, with a side of fries.” The table erupted in raucous laughter. The men exchanged fist bumps, like teenage boys, and I sighed. It was too early in the day for this.
“Okay, I’m going to have to ask you and your group to leave,” I told them sternly. “Here at SharpEats’, we will not tolerate any form of harassment.”Or sexist, chauvinist pigs who think they can show out at my establishment.
“Aww come on, sweetheart. I was only making a joke.” The first joker lumbered to his feet, ambling toward me.
Before I could react, a body stepped between us. I stumbled backward as the familiar-looking man–the black dude from the parking lot–grabbed the unruly customer’s hand, twisting it behind his back. “I believe the lady said leave.”
The man squealed in pain, but he was already being herded between the tables, other customers gaping silently.
I stared, along with the troublemaker’s friends, as the tall man dragged him through the door. The shocked silence was broken by applause from the other customers. Some even shouted at the group, demanding they leave. The door jerked open, and the black man returned. The remaining men scattered as he strode back in, coming to stand in front of me. His deep-set eyes twinkled at me.
“Um, thank you for your help?” I studied him. Maybe I’d been wrong before.
