She gestures toward the bustling room. “We’ve got a full house tonight. Need help serving and chopping veggies, if you’re up for it.”
“Sounds good. London, why don’t you help serve? I’ll chop.” A lopsided grin tugs at Axel’s lips. “I know these fellas would rather look at you than me.”
Heat floods my cheeks. “Thanks.” Axel just complimented my looks. I never would’ve expected that.
He winks. “See you after the rush. We’ll eat then—if you can wait that long.”
“I’ll survive.” I roll my eyes, amused that he’s razzing me.
As he trots off, Lizzy gives me the directive to help one of the other volunteers hand out rolls and serve salad.
“There’s a box of gloves under the table.”
“Thanks.” I get to work, aware of the long line of mostly men. Some are quiet with downcast eyes. Others chat in low tones. One is babbling to himself, hands animated. As they file through, some offer a mutedthank you.
One woman pauses long enough to say, “I like your shoes.”
I glance down at my scuffed sneakers. “Thanks.”
Her smile softens something in me. Maybe we’re not that different—just two women trying to find footing in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.
When the line finally dwindles, Lizzy calls out, “Okay, folks, we’ll probably have a few more stragglers, but we can take a break in the meantime.”
Axel’s still in the back, chopping vegetables. Lizzy nods to me. “You survived your first dinner rush.”
“Barely,” I joke.
“It’s nice having you here,” she says.
“Thanks. I’m glad Axel invited me.”
“How do you two know each other?”
How to answer. “Um … well, we’re just combining forces … for a charity benefit. “
She gives me a knowing grin. “Uh-huh. Sure you are.”
My face flames. “Really. That’s all.”
She perches a hand on her hip. “Pity. You’re a much better fit for him than that diva blogger.”
“Zoe?” I ask before I can stop myself.
Lizzy scoffs. “That’s the one. She came here once and spent the whole night glued to her phone—except when she wanted to do a photo op for her fans.”
“Wow,” I utter, my distaste for Zoe Reynolds growing.
“Anyway,” Lizzy adds, “Axel deserves someone who’s down-to-earth. You seem like that kind of girl.”
I look down and adjust my gloves. “We’re not together.”
“Mm-hmm,” she purrs.
I clear my throat. “So, Axel volunteers here often?”
“Volunteers?” She chuckles. “That’s one way to put it.”
My curiosity sparks. “What do you mean?”
