“That too.”
She sipped her beer. It called for it. The server brought out their pizza quickly. “It’s a nice day. I wish I had space for outdoor seating, but just don’t.”
“This is different. It’s like hanging out in your backyard.”
They were at a picnic table where many could join them. She wondered if they’d run into anyone they knew, but it was early yet. There were more families here than anything.
“Not to mention keeping an eye on the customers outside, weather changes, the wind, things like that. I’ve got enough to handle inside.”
“And you’ve got help,” she said.
“My grandmother. One day she’ll slow down.”
“When she wants to,” she said. “I had this conversation with my mother recently. Which I know isn’t the same thing, as she’s younger, but I’d like her to step back some.”
“So you can be in control?” he asked, lifting his eyebrow as he chewed.
“There is nothing wrong with being the boss,” she said, putting her hand on her hip.
“Nope,” he said. “It’s got its pros and cons. I like going in and doing my job and someone else is responsible at the firehouse. At the bar, I’m the one who worries all the time.”
“I understand that. My parents have built and expanded everything so much, but anything could happen. The cost of steel rises, which it is. Companies, hotels, businesses might not have the money to put up more buildings. Not as many businesses were in offices for a long time and now it’s coming back.”
“Everything goes around in moderated forms.”
“It does. Just need to adapt. Kind of like this,” she said, her hand going back and forth between them.
He squinted. “Not sure it’s what I meant.”
“But it can apply and I’m going to take it as that.” She took another bite of her pizza and looked around some while she contemplated the next words. “Not to be clingy.”
“I don’t think you’re the clingy type.”
“Nope. It annoys some. Just not me.”
“There is nothing wrong with it. You be you.”
“I have been since I hit adulthood. But as I was saying, just curious of your schedule. I know you told me a rough idea of it, but not sure when you’re back at the firehouse.”
“Tomorrow,” he said. “Starts my rotation.”
“And you work at the pub on your off days,” she said.
“Not always. If I do, it’s at night or midday. I have to sleep. We sleep little at the firehouse. Or when we try to, calls come in and interrupt it.”
“I’m not sure I could handle that,” she said. “I like my sleep too much. At least seven straight hours, eight would be better.”
He coughed. “Not sure the last time I got seven straight hours of sleep. I’m normally aiming for five on average.”
“Ugh. No. I’m in bed a little after nine, watching TV for an hour, but normally fall asleep before it shuts off. I’m up around five thirty, though my alarm is set at six. Need my beauty sleep.”
“Seems to be working for you,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows. “What time do you start work?”
“The office opens at eight, but I’m there a little after seven. We close at five. It’s rare for me to leave right then, though I try. I’m not much later than six.”
Too much to do and lots of interruptions.
The other part was proving herself. Which was stupid since it was her parents and they had trust and faith in her to do the job.
