Chuckling, my mind flashes to when Christian was furious with me for standing outside his store. I swore I saw steam come out of his ears. I can’t believe we are even talking, but somehow it worked out.
Me: I don’t care.
Christian: That’s a bold statement.
Me: Something tells me he’d approve.
Christian: I better let you go, or he’s going to fire you again.
Me: Ok. 1 more question.
Christian: No, you can’t have a raise.
Me: Really?! You wouldn’t give me a raise after seeing how amazing I am?
Christian: Okay, change that. I’ll adjust your pay for the next check.
Me: Mean that?
Christian: I do. I appreciate you putting up with me.
Me: Are you trying to buy my affection?
Christian: No, but would it work?
Me: No.
Christian: Clock’s ticking and boss man is going to be livid. What’s your question?
Me: Ah, a customer just walked in. Text me later. I’ll see if you’re worthy of it.
I rest my phone on the counter and stare out into the empty Coffee Loft lobby. Nobody is here. I didn’t even accidentally hearsomething that sounded like a customer. I made that last part up when I lost my nerve.
And it’s good to play a little hard to get.
twenty-eight
Christian
Finally lifting myself out of Grandma’s bedroom armchair, where I had sat with her all night, I stretch with my arms high over my head. Since I don’t have to work, I volunteered for the overnight shift. Now it’s after seven in the morning, and the sun is fully up.
“How is she?” El peeks her head into the open door. Grandma refuses to go to the hospital, and we are all rotating shifts, not leaving her alone. It’s hard to believe she’s so ill, as she appears peaceful. “She's resting. Hasn’t complained, or made a peep.”
“Well, I’ll be here all day. Why don’t you get some sleep?” She pads into the room and sinks down into the armchair. “You don’t want to get run down.”
“I’ll rest later. I’m going for a quick walk to loosen up. I’m super stiff. Is there anything you need from the store?”
“No, I’m okay, and Dad will be here in an hour or so.” She jerks her head forcefully toward the door now, shooing me away.“I promise. I’ll call if anything changes, but you need to take a break. You look like a zombie.”
“Grandma,” I whisper, before I lean in and drop a kiss on her cheek. “I love you.” Her eyelashes flutter but don’t open, and I know she feels me here.
I back out of the room, heading outside, and allow my breaths to deepen in the fresh air. Fresh frost has blanketed the city, making the trees sparkle in the early light. With no plan, I walk toward downtown, where a small diner used to be. I’m not hungry, but coffee sounds good. It’s not Coffee Loft coffee, but it’ll work. Speaking of Coffee Loft, I pull out my phone to check in.
Me: Are you at work?
Portia: Depends. Are you asking as my boss, or as that guy I’ve been texting?
I’ve heard the expression that your heart can skip a beat, but I always assumed it was an expression. Now I know that to be the truth. My heart literally skipped a beat.
