“And dead plants.”
“The poor plants.”
“I know.”
He left out the front while I headed to the bathroom to wash my hands for real. I came out and tied the apron around my waist.
Raya, who was entering something into the ordering screen, narrowed her eyes at me. I probably had a goofy smile on my face.
When I reached her side she said, “Did you just have sex in the office?”
I nearly choked on my inhale. “I, I—no, I mean, sort of.”
“Holy hell, what spell does that man have you under?”
“I’m sorry, that was super inconsiderate of me. I’ll have the couch cleaned.”
She laughed. “Sutton, I’m shocked, not disgusted.”
“Oh, okay.” I picked up a pen and ordering pad from beside the computer.
She paused for a moment and said, “I already broke in the office like ten months ago.”
I let out a surprised little yelp.
She nodded to my apron. “Are you staying? Working?”
“Of course. I’m here. I’ve abandoned you for seven weeks. I’m going to work this weekend.”
“You know you don’t have to.”
“I want to. And can you give me a ride home later?”
“You’re closing?”
“Yes!”
“It’s good to have you back.”
I closed the lid on the container of lettuce and stacked it on top of the bin of cucumbers, then carried them both to the walk-in fridge. Raya was already inside, sliding containers back into place as well. I’d easily fallen back into the routine of closing up for the night. Like my body knew exactly what to do, muscle memory.
“It wasn’t that busy tonight,” I said.
“I know,” she responded. “It’s usually better.”
“How much better?”
“Not much.”
“I need to get that viral review guy back in here.”
“Not if nothing has changed,” she said.
“Yeah…” I took the spray bottle off the wall and dousedthe counters, wiping them up. “Elijah might have some good ideas.”
“Oh, really? He’s more than just a pretty face then?”
“He’s a photographer.”
