“Woah, you two are in your own little world, aren’t you?” Gabe laughs, wiping off the bar.
“Yes. We. Are.”
Excitement rolls through me as he gets closer. I wonder where I’m going to take him out to eat tonight. Damn, just thinking of us on an actual date lights me up inside.
“Hey,” Elijah smiles, stepping up to me.
“Hey.” I bite my lip, leaning back on the wood. “You finish your homework?”
He groans, rolling his eyes. “Ew, don’t ask me about my homework.Sonot sexy.” He jokes, making me laugh.
“Oh no, let me start over.” I cough into my fist, pretending to get myself prepared. “Sir, where may I dine you tonight?”
Elijah covers my mouth with his palm, as he laughs. “Have you always flirted like this?”
“Yes,” I say, my voice muffled by his palm.
“Good thing you’re pretty.” He sighs, wrapping his arms around my neck.
I fake a hurtful gasp. “Ouch, now that just hurts.”
“Eli-baby!” Claire squeals, flinging her arms around Elijah’s shoulders, pulling him off of me.
I smile, watching them quickly catch up.
I turn my attention back to Gabe, shaking my head.
“You two are really made for each other, aren’t you?” He smiles, shining a glass.
I run my fingers through my hair, looking over at Elijah as he shines like a diamond in the middle of the room. “Oh, you have no idea.”
“Excuse me, Tobias Voss?” A serious voice breaks my attention.
I turn around to spot a woman, short but stern. I can tell from here, she means business with her pulled back bun and professional clothes.
Is she another restaurant manager? Maybe a critic or auditor?
I internally groan. Every year there is an audit on the restaurant and wejusthad ours. It’s so stressful, I’m really hoping that’s not the case. Why would they be back so early?
“Yes. That’s me.” I smile politely, extending my hand. I notice now that there’s a taller man behind her, with dark skin and cut hair. He’s way taller and muscular than her, and truthfully, he looks just as serious.
Are they partners?
“Detective Jameson.” She smiles, giving my hand a firm shake. “This is my partner, Detective Houston.”
My stomach drops.Detective?
Her eyes flicker over to Gabe, who I’m sure is listening attentively. “May we go somewhere to talk alone?”
“I-uh–” I look over at Elijah who walks up beside me. “Yeah, we can go to my office.”
Curious, he introduces himself. “Hi there. I’m Elijah.”
“Elijah Thorne? Actually, this is great. We’d like to speak to you too,” she says.
I nod my head and lead the way. I’m sure they can probably feel my heart pounding.
Are they here because they found out about Derrick? All the money I gave him? The clothes?
