We walk to the side of the building toward our cars. "I won't hu?—"
She holds her hand up to stop me. "Making statements or promises you don't know you can keep is dumb. Y'all figure shit out so you can work together in the same space without turning into klutzes. And whatever you do, donotbring any relationship drama into the shop."
"I feel like that shouldn't even be a warning you have to give." Talk about things being weird.
"I didn't think I would either, but Charleigh just couldn't help herself. She wouldn't answer her phone, and he came here looking for her."
"Oh, wow." Plus side, if Christian ever has to find me, he knows exactly where I am. If I'm not here, I'm at home. That may change once I let friends know I'm back, but a part of me wants to stay in my protective bubble a little longer.
"Yeah." She waves as she unlocks her car door. "Anyway, have a good night. Let me know when you'll be in tomorrow. You get to put ink to skin."
"Is there a certain time you need me here?"
"Just by noon. We don't have many customers before that, but Charleigh and I take turns coming in early to get the coffee and other items started up."
"Okay, I'll see you at noon, then." I wave as she gets in her car. Baby toys litter the backseat and I don't remember anyone saying she had a kid.
I slide into my car and start it. I hope like hell Walker left me some pizza. He said he was ordering a few to keep him fueled up while playing some game. I need to hang out with him more often so I can become accustomed to staying up late. This job won't be for the faint of heart, especially when I'm working the same hours as Christian.
Seven
Christian
"That was a bullshit shot,"Walker yells.
We're playing the newest basketball game, and I'm kicking his ass. "You're just mad I'm a better shot than you. On the court and virtually."
"I don't think so," he scoffs. "We only made it to district playoffs because of my three-point buzzer beater."
"Now that shot was pure luck. You were halfway down the court."
"It's skill, baby." He beams before pausing the game. "Since you can afford to put your controller down for a bit and allow me to make some points, go grab us some of the pizza."
"Or you can keep the game paused and get it yourself." I throw one of his pillows at him. "It's not like you had to work today."
"You're right, I didn't." He grins. "My job doesn't start for another two weeks. Even then, it's sitting at a computer and putting in a bunch of numbers."
"Lucky," I groan.
"At least you're inside, too. Can you imagine if you worked in the heat with your dad? Pretty sure you'd die."
"Probably."
Walker waves his controller in the air. "So, about that pizza."
"Fine," I roll my eyes. "But if you take any shots while I'm gone, I'll smother you in your sleep."
"Whatever." He waves me away. "Don't bring that nasty stuff my sister eats. I'll never understand people who put pineapple on their pizza."
Walker has his phone out when I walk out of his room. Probably replaying that three-point clip from basketball season. We should be shooting around outside instead of in a video game.
The house is dark as I make my way down the hallway, through the living room, and to the kitchen. It's a good thing I know this place like the back of my hand. Since Bianca moved out, I've spent more nights here than I can count. It's just not the same with her gone.
I feel my way along the countertop until I feel a box. The main light will shine down the other hall into Walker's parents' room. I don't want to wake them up, so I keep the lights off. I should have brought my phone for extra light.
I reach over to grab a box, but my hand brushes against something soft. Something human and it takes everything in me not to scream like a kid.
A bright light fills the small area. It takes me a few minutes to realize it's the flashlight from a phone. "Oh shit," Wren squeaks. "You are not Walker."
