"Not really," I answered. "It wasn't anything one of the other people in our department couldn't handle. I think he just enjoys ruining people's day." I looked down and realized she hadn't put anything in her coffee. It was pitch black. I shivered. "Oh my God, when did you start drinking your coffee black? You've been invaded by a parasite, haven't you? The aliens have arrived to assimilate us and they've started with the most intellectually vulnerable."
"Gee, you're so funny first thing in the morning when I haven't had coffee." She rolled her eyes and continued to calmly sip from her cup.
"No, seriously, when did you start drinking your coffee black?"
"When I got too lazy to add sugar."
I had to shake my head because I could totally see that. "I'd call you a liar, but I've known you for too long."
Cam just smirked at me.
"What are you doing today?" I asked again. I really was curious what she was doing up so early on her day off. "You woke up when I took out the trash at four and it's six-thirty now. The shop's closed, so what's up?"
"I have to handle the books, pay bills, and make ice cream," she answered.
"On your day off?" That wasn't right. Cam shouldn't be working every single day. I was a complete workaholic, but even I tried to take at least one full day away from my computer once a week.
"Uh, yeah. That's the only time I can get things done. And you're one to talk, Ms. I-Got-Up-Early-to-Work-on-Vacation."
I ignored the jab because it didn't apply here. I had a boss who demanded that I work today and Cam was her own boss. Big difference. "When was the last time you had a day off? I mean completely off."
"I have no idea. Probably not since I opened the store. Except for maybe Christmas and Thanksgiving. I do take two days off then."
I couldn't say anything because it was now July. Dear God, she hadn't had a break in six months? "Why didn't you tell me? I could've helped out more."
"You have a full-time job and I didn't expect you to work at Crave when you offered to invest."
She said it so matter-of-factly, but I didn't like the way my stomach tightened when she did.
"Well, I decided to take a vacation since it's been two years. I just finished a project and I'm not scheduled to start another one for six weeks, so it's the perfect opportunity to take some time for myself. While I'm here, I'm going to give you a hand. And we're going to look at the books to see if we can hire another full-time employee."
"Okay."
I gaped at her. "Okay?"
She nodded as she drank more coffee.
"So, you're just gonna agree? No argument at all?" I was beginning to see what she was doing here.
She smiled at me, a full-on shit-eating grin. "Nope."
"You were planning on asking me anyway, weren't you?" I sighed.
"Yep."
"Guess I fell into your plans then, didn't I?"
She nodded again.
"Then I'd better shower so I can help you with your to-do list today," I said, finishing up my coffee and leaving the mug on the counter.
"We're leaving at seven-thirty, so get a move on."
I made a face at her. "Bet I'm ready before you are."
I grinned to myself as I turned around and hustled out of the kitchen. I was about to pass the back door when a hulking shadow at the base of the glass panes moved. I backpedaled and yelped, trying to put as much space as possible between me and the French doors.
A body crashed into my back and I stumbled forward. "Ooof."
