"So, Charleigh says you have a thing for Wren."
Of course, she did. Why can't she mind her own business? She doesn't have to stick her foot into every little thing happening in this shop. "Charleigh has a big mouth."
"Spoken like a true little sibling," he chuckles. "And you're not wrong. I take it you knew her before she showed up in the lobby?"
"Yeah," I say between bites. "She's my best friend's sister. Had a crush on her from eighth grade until she moved away when I was a sophomore."
"Do you still have a crush on her?"
Shrugging, I take another bite. Anything to hold off answering the question. "Maybe? I don't know. It's possible I never stopped. But I'm not sure it's worth ruing my friendship with Walker over."
Corey says nothing for a few moments, letting my admission sink in. "Do you think he'd understand if you pursued your crush?"
I snort, unable to help it. "I'm going to go with no. Anytime someone mentions his sister, he gets mad." It's one reason he only allows a select few to be close with. If he even caught a friend glancing toward Wren, he would end that friendship.
"You never know. Maybe he'd be okay with it."
Would he? I think not, but it's worth a shot. Especially after the vibe she was giving me when we picked up the food. That doesn't come out of nowhere. She has to have some sort of feelings toward me. Right?
"Do you really think I should? I've already made an ass of myself twice today. I don't want to do it again."
Corey leans back as if he can see through the wall of the break room. He's so annoying sometimes. "I saw the way she was watching you when you came back to the shop. I think it's worth looking into."
"Has anyone mentioned you're as nosey as your niece?"
This time, his laugh is loud. "Your sister has many times. Where do y'all think she gets it from?"
"You have a point." I look at my half-finished burger and fries. I'll wait until I'm done eating. There's time. "I'll think about it."
"Good." Corey nods as he stands. "Let me know if you need any advice."
I roll my eyes as he leaves the room. This shop is full of busybodies. Butting in when they aren't wanted. If I had a guess, Bianca asked Corey to talk to me. It's the only thing that makes sense. Not that he's ever treated me like crap, but because he's the father figure of the shop.
I want to ask her, but that means being around Wren again. And I can't take that today. My phone buzzes on the table. Shit. I forgot to text Walker back.
Grabbing my phone, I lean back in my chair. Wondering what I should say to him. Telling him I've always had feelings for his sister is not a conversation to be had over text messages.
Walker: Hey, what are you doing tonight?
Christian: Working. You know damn well I don't get out of here until after midnight.
Walker: Want to come over when you get off? I got a new game.
Christian: It depends how tired I am. The appointment book is pretty full.
The dots on the message show up and disappear. Finally, they show up again seconds before his next text comes through.
Walker: Did my sister finally show up?
Christian: Yeah, I saw her while I was cleaning the bathrooms. I didn't know she was going to be working here.
Walker: Yeah. I didn't know who all she wanted to know. Apparently, some shady shit was happening at the shop in San Antonio. I'm glad she's home, though. It'll be nice to annoy the hell out of someone again.
Christian: Um, you do that to me, stupid.
Walker: Just let me know if you come over. I'm about to download this game.
Christian: Cool, I'll let you know.
