Page 22

"Can I pet him?"

Javier looks toward the dog.

"You know the rules."

Noah stops first and waits. Atlas looks toward Javier. Only after Javier gives a quiet release does Noah crouch beside him. Interesting. I watch Noah scratch gently behind Atlas's ears.

"He's very well trained."

Javier's attention stays on the dog for a moment. "He is."

There's something in the answer. Something that tells me there's more to it. But Javier turns back to the vegetables before I can ask. He adds the basil last. Not just any bunch either. He checks the leaves, rejects one stem, chooses another. I notice. Of course I notice.

"You're particular." I tell him.

"So are you."

"You don't know me."

"I've seen you inspect a tomato."

I blink.

"That tells you something about me?"

"Told me plenty."

"Such as?"

He folds the top of the bag. "You're particular."

I narrow my eyes.

"We've established that."

"Then we're making progress."

This time I almost smile. Almost. He sets everything in my canvas bag.

"How much?"

"Nothing."

I reach for my wallet.

"I asked how much."

"I heard you."

"And?"

"It's on the house."

I look up.

"No."

His eyebrow rises. "No?"