"Wait…you saiddouble. I heard you."
"Right. Quadruple, like I said."
She stared for several beats before saying, "You know what?"
"What?"
"I have no idea what to say."
"Well…while you're thinking of something, why don't you grab whatever bagels you've got, slather them with something sticky, and dump a bunch of raisins on top."
"Are you serious?"
"Hell, yeah, I'm serious. Make it look intentional."
At this, her lips finally twitched. "But that's terrible."
"I know."
"You say that like it's agoodthing."
"Yeah, but you're still smiling."
"I am not," she protested, looking almost ready to laugh.
"But you want to."
"But I shouldn't."
"Sure you should.You'rethe one who started it." I gave the pastry case another glance. "So, you wantmeto do it?"
On a laugh, she blurted out, "No. Definitely not."
"Well,somebody'sgonna," I said. "I could always call out your boss." The idea was hilarious – making Mister Nametag come out and do some actual work.He'd probably pop a gasket.
But Tessa was obviously missing the joke, because all signs of laughter faded, and something in her eyes went quiet, like the light had been snuffed out.
I sobered, fast.Shit.
What'd I say?
35
Whiplash Warning
Tessa
Something inside me went suddenly cold.Was he seriously threatening my job?
Sure, the job was so craptastic, some might call this a favor. But it felt like a power play I hadn't seen coming.
In Chicago, I'd seen firsthand what happened when men with clout decided to flex, and it never ended well – or at least, not for the little guy.
Now, I was so surprised, I didn't know what to say. Finally, I settled on, "Noted."
Ryder frowned. "What doesthatmean?"
"It means, fine, I'll get your order." I plastered on a smile. "Not a problem."
