I stick a few more things into the cabinets, watching Codi as she vacuums out the baskets and wipes the gold rings that hang from on the wall.
I smile to myself. As good of a job as these kids do, she’s the only one who treats this place like it’s hers. Meticulous, helpful, attentive…
Her light brown hair hangs in her eyes, the ends matted, and her navy-blue short-sleeved T-shirt stained with patches of flour. The same stains she got yesterday. I look down at her rolled-up jeans and flip flops. Everyone has to wear close-toed shoes here, for safety purposes, but she was already wearing them yesterday when Mace brought her, and today is her last day, so I didn’t see the need to make it complicated.
I like that she’s quiet, because I am too. But she could talk a little more. I don’t think the others have spoken to her much.
Hopefully, she enjoyed spending time here. People are usually happy when they come into a bakery. They’re always happy to see us.
Heading over, I take my cloth out of my apron and help her. “Just remember, everyone gets a shift treat,” I say. “If you want a pastry or something to take home.”
She nods but doesn’t make eye contact. “Thanks.”
They get a free meal if they’re working a full shift, but Codi’s been here all day. Essentially two shifts. And she hasn’t eaten a thing. We did offer.
“What year are you at Weston?” I ask.
“I just graduated.”
“College?” I press. “Any plans?”
She shakes her head, the matted locks swinging over her shoulders.
How does Mace know this girl? They’re opposites in every way.
I look at her, trying to catch her eyes. “Do you have another job?”
Again with the headshaking, and I end it there. She doesn’t want to talk.
I clear my throat, stepping away and touching the tip jar. “Can you split up the tips?” I ask her.
But before she can answer, Hailey grabs it. “I got it.”
I glance at the redhead, assuming she’s just being nice, but I see the glare she shoots Codi’s back as the kid still wipes off the rings.
Hailey looks as if she doesn’t trust her.
I inhale a deep breath. Weston versus the Falls. Things haven’t changed. The people here still think Weston is all drug dealers and thieves.
But...I noticed last night that Farrow had that tattoo, and I know it’s not a social club he belongs to. Mace has it, as well.
And Codi was with her. She might not be a criminal, but she knows some.
Everyone gets busy grabbing their backpacks and jackets, and I see Codi slide a brownie off the tray in the kitchen, quickly wrapping it in parchment before hiding it in her sweatshirt pocket. As if she’s stealing something when I already offered it.
I should’ve made her eat today.
Hailey splits the cash, and everyone starts to leave.
“Codi?” I call before she disappears through the door.
She stops and turns, her eyes lifting to mine and then down again.
“Are you by any chance free in the morning? I could use you for another shift, if you want?”
She swallows, her eyes wide, and then she nods again.
“Five a.m.?”
