"So," she drawls, "how long have you been working here?"
Small talk. I can do that without making an ass of myself. "Not long. A couple of weeks. It's just a job for the summer before college starts."
"Walker never mentioned anything about you going to college."
The light turns red, and the little walking guy blinks on. I reach behind me for her hand, and to my surprise, she takes it. "Yeah. I'm going to one of the local schools until I figure out what I want to do with my life."
"I totally get that." I can hear the smile in her voice. "There are days I feel the same way."
We're safely across the street, and she doesn't let go of my hand. "Really?"
"Yeah, I mean, I knew I wanted to be an artist. Being able to put it on people's skin is amazing, but where I was, I didn't know if it was something that would always bring me joy."
"Well, you've definitely come to the right place. The plus side, you already know Bianca. As much as they treat me like a little brother, the shop is pretty chill."
"That's good to know. I'm terrified your sister will let me loose too soon and I'll screw up someone's tattoo."
"You should be. I've seen your art, and I know you'll do amazing."
"Thanks."
We're both quiet as I open the door to the restaurant and let her enter before me. She still hasn't let go of my hand. I don't want to look too far into it, but is it possible she likes me? Or did she at one time? If so, she gave no sign. Back then, I would have worshipped the ground she walked on. Hell, I'd probably do it now if given the chance.
The place is almost empty, and we walk straight up to the counter. Normally, I'd call the order in, but I was trying to get out of the shop and away from Wren. Anything to stop making a fool of myself, but alas, that plan failed.
"Anything in particular I should get?"
"You can't go wrong with anything here. I promise." My phone dings in my pocket, and I reluctantly pull my hand from hers to grab it.
I groan when I see who the text is from. Walker's name appears in a little bubble on the screen. This is not good. He's going to freak if I tell him I'm with his sister. But he had to know it was going to happen with her working at the shop. It was inevitable.
As good as her hand felt in mine, and as much as I want to see if maybe she feels anything for me, I don't know if I should. I know for a fact he wouldn't be okay with it.
Four
Wren
Now that Christian'shand isn't in mine, I feel naked. I know that sounds absurd, but it's true. I guess those crush feelings are still there. Too bad it seems like he's had a sudden shift in his mood.
"Is everything okay?" My eyes follow his to his phone, and I know why he's not as talkative as he was only moments ago.
It's a text from my brother. There's no way he knows we're out at lunch together. Well, I can't even say that. We're getting food to take back to the shop.
Walker has always been territorial, doing his best to keep areas of his life separate. I'm in one category because I'm his sister. Christian is another because he's his best friend. He would flip his shit if he knew the two categories have mingled. Even if it's innocent.
"Yeah," Christian nods and slides his phone back into his pocket. Not a word about my brother mentioned. "Are you ready to order?"
"Sure." I haven't even looked at the menu. "I'll get whatever you and your sister get."
"Including the jalapenos?"
My gulp is visible, and the corner of his mouth turns up. "Do I have the option of taking them off?"
He slaps his hand on the countertop. His laugh is loud in the mostly empty restaurant. "Yes. They will make it any way you want it. It doesn't have to beexactlythe way I get it."
"Good."
A server rushes toward us and takes our order. She tells us it will be fifteen minutes and we can sit wherever we'd like while we wait.
