Instead I settle against him and keep my words to myself as I fall into sleep.
“Do you think they’ll work out?” Bailey asks me as we make the pies for tomorrow.
It’s been two weeks since Debbie got back, and she’s been training a couple new part-time employees.
“Fucking hope so. I love Debbie, but I need a break from here.”
“Burke would tell you that you never have to work again if you said the words.”
I roll my eyes as hard as the dough in front of me. “Doesn’t matter. It’s the point—I need to be independent. I need some time away from this place. Work shouldn’t feel like home, and I need to stop smelling like my perfume is eau de grease.”
“Fact. I hate having to go home and shower to go see George because I smell like a side of fries. I might be a full snack, but not that kind.”
We giggle and continue with the pies. “How’s it going with him?” I ask.
“Amazing. You ever meet someone, and it feels like you’ve known them your entire life? Like you don’t even have to worry about little things because you just know it’s okay?”
I grin. “Yeah, Burke is kinda like that. If I didn’t have the past I do, I think I wouldn’t be as guarded, but he’s the calm to my internal storm.”
She fills the pan as I roll out the next dough. “Exactly. I can tell him anything, and when I lay in his arms, it’s like the world melts away.”
“I’m glad, Bailey. You deserve everything good in the world.” Noticing a gold necklace around her neck, I nod to it. “New?”
“George got it for me. It’s gorgeous, eh?”
“Absolutely.” I pass her the last pie and clean up the space.
Measuring out all the stuff for tomorrow’s opening, I close the grills and wash up the last of the dishes. “Did you want to get dinner after we’re done?” I ask her.
After Ryan, I vowed to myself I’d make friends. As much as Burke means to me, I need to have a life outside of a man and take control where I can.
“Another time? George is making me dinner. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, it was last minute.” Throwing the laundry in the dryer, I finish cleaning up the back and pat her shoulder.
“Girls, you’re a godsend. I don’t know how I’d survive without you both—now get out of here before I make you clean the front.”
Bailey squeals and hugs Debbie before hightailing it out of the diner.
“Didn’t have to tell her twice. How are the new employees?” I ask her.
“Good. I think they’ll catch on soon enough. Thank you for taking on so much here. If you’re up to it, I’d love for you to step up and be the assistant manager. I don’t want to shove too much on you, but you’re already doing half the job.”
“Really?” Nerves vibrate in my belly, but hope explodes in my chest.
“Clara, you’ve done amazing. I know you might’ve dreamed of a better career, but I’d be honoured.”
“I’d love it. Thank you so much.” She has no idea that I’ve never dreamed of any career, because I never thought I would make it out of Andrew’s house.
Hell, my only goal in life was to leave this fucking town, but now it’s not so bad.
I take off my apron and grab my bag. Checking out the window, I see Burke’s Lexus. We’ve worked on driving lessons, but I still prefer to be a passenger princess.
One day I’ll have to take the test and actually start driving, but until he makes me, I’ll milk this forever.
“Have a good night, Debbie. Thanks for everything,” I say and hug her.
She squeezes me back, and I’m grateful she’s part of my life.
