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Kay laughs. "Always isn't the right word."
"Yeah. It's weird. It's like... like you're happy." Emma stares at me like she's picking me apart.
"I am." I really fucking am.
Emma tilts her head to one side. "Why? You're never happy."
"I own a quarter of the shop. We're putting a new sign up next Friday. With a logo I designed. We're getting rid of all the old shit that doesn't suit us. I finally talked Ryan into interviewing another artist or two." My eyes meet Kay's as she takes her seat. And that. Her. "Why wouldn't I be happy?"
"Because you're Brendon." Emma brings another scoop of eggs to her lips. Chews. Swallows. "It's good. I'm happy for you. Just weird."
"He's always weird." Kaylee smiles at me. "That isn't new."
"True." Emma turns to Kay. "And you're happy too. Satisfied. Like you... like that hairstyle is really working for you."
"It is." Kaylee dunks her tea bag. "It's great."
"When did you... try it out yesterday? Weren't you working all night?" Emma asks.
Kay giggles. "After."
"After. Hmm." Emma shoots me a stop eavesdropping look.
I should let them talk. I finish my last bite. Even these eggs taste better than usual. The room is brighter, the air is sweeter, the coffee's bolder.
Everything is better.
I bring my plate to the sink. Finish my last cup of coffee. Watch Emma and Kaylee giggle over their incredibly obvious metaphor.
"I have an appointment." I look to Emma. "You're working this afternoon?"
"Yeah, till closing. I'll get dinner at work." Emma turns to Kay. "Are you closing again?"
Kaylee nods. "It's the best shift in the summers."
"But it means I don't see you weekends," Emma says.
"Except early." Kaylee motions to the table.
"Yeah, except early." Emma leans in to whisper to Kay.
The two of them giggle.
"Keep an eye on her, all right, Kay?" I grab my keys and take a step toward the door.
"Sure." Kay smiles back at me.
"Hey!" Emma feigns offense. "Why don't you ever tell me to watch Kay?"
"Keep an eye on Kay. All right?" I ask.
Emma laughs. "Perfect."
I slide into my shoes and I slip out the door.
And I nearly float to the fucking shop.
I wait until I'm inside to text Kay.
