“I know decisions, decisions,” I tease, leaning back in the chair. “It’s win-win if you ask me.”
“Well, the muffin probably has less calories than the croissant,” she reasons and I shake my head.
“Lexi, you could eat both of them and still be okay,” I tell her as she smiles up at me and then chooses the croissant.
“There is one latte and the other one is just plain black.” I point to the two cups. “The one with the sleeve is the one that is just black.”
“Why do you have two coffees and two sweet treats?” she asks me, taking a bite of the croissant. I swear her eyes almost roll in the back of her head.
“Good?” I ask her and she nods her head. She looks like a kid who is given a treat after doing something good.
“I don’t even remember the last time I ate one”—she looks down and takes another bite—“but it should be more often.” She laughs and I have to wonder if she was this carefree before the prick fucked her up. “So why two sweet treats?”
“I usually bring it for—” I stop talking when she raises her hand and her eyes go big.
“You are dating someone who works here?” she asks and looks at the bite she took out of the croissant. “Oh my God, does she like this or the other?”
“I’m not dating anyone here,” I confirm to her. “They were both for me,” I lie to her. “I was undecided, so I thought, you know what, why not get both?” I look down at her laptop and motion with my head. “What are you working on?”
“I’m editing the video,” she answers, picking up the croissant. “I have to get it to the DJ.”
“How’s it turning out?” I ask her.
“Good. Some of the guys are funny, so I’m hoping that it gets a lot of interest.” She takes another bite. “What are you doing here?”
“I come and visit the kids twice a week,” I explain to her and her eyes go big.
“Twice a week,” she repeats before she reaches for the water in her purse and takes a sip. “That’s a big commitment.”
“Some of the kids have no other adults who visit but their parents or guardians. It’s good for everyone to get a break for a bit.” I shrug. “Plus, I’m doing a Lego set with one of them and I’m excited to finish it.”
“You are just full of surprises, aren’t you?” She takes a bite and looks like she’s about to laugh when she hears someone say her name.
She looks over and her face goes white. “I thought it was you,” the woman says, walking toward us. Lexi gets up from her seat as she greets the woman with a kiss on each cheek.
“Joyce,” she says her name softly, “this is a surprise.”
“I had an appointment,” she states, looking at her and then at me. “Were you two having coffee?”
“No,” Lexi quickly refutes, “he’s one of the bachelors for the auction.”
“Hi,” I say, reaching over to extend my hand, “I’m Kirby.”
She smiles at me and nods her head, extending her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Joyce Baron.”
“Ms. Baron,” I use her last name because she either wants me to or she thinks her last name means something to me. “It’s a pleasure.”
“Well, I’ll let you get back to your”—she looks at the table—“meeting.” She nods at me before turning and walking away.
Lexi slinks back into the chair, all the light that had entered her eyes gone. “Everything okay?” I ask her, knowing it probably isn’t.
“No,” she declares, putting the rest of the croissant in the bag and crunching the top shut.
“What happened?” I ask her and she grabs the white case that holds her earbuds, putting them both in there before shutting her laptop.
“I have to go.” She grabs her laptop and places it in her bag. “This is…” She shakes her head. “That was Joyce,” she fills me in, “Trent’s best friend’s wife.” She gets up and grabs her bag. “She’ll probably tell Bernie I was having coffee with you.” She looks up and exhales. “Thanks for the croissant.”
“You did nothing wrong.” I can’t help but say the words. “We were discussing the fundraiser, and I offered you something to eat.” I get up and grab the two bags and the cups of coffee. “Don’t let anyone spin it into something it isn’t.” Meaning don’t let your husband fuck with your head.
