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“I kind of need the hours, anyway,” Posey whispers to me, and nods toward the table against the back wall, closest to the short hall that leads to the restroom. Her little sister, Lila, is sitting there patiently, with her chin on the table. “I brought backup.”
She reaches into her pocket and pulls out three little cars. Hot Wheels, maybe?
“She likes her cars.” I smile at the little girl, but she doesn’t notice.
Posey nods. “Oh yes she does.”
“You’re sure you want to stay? I can. I don’t have anything to do,” I offer.
The terribly selfish part of me wants her to stay so I can go see how Nora’s doing, but I would never admit this out loud.
“Nope. I’m good, honestly. I only needed the two hours this morning for my grandma’s doctor appointment. She’s not doing very well.” Posey looks to her sister and I can spot a hint of fear.
As a college student working at a coffee shop, it would be nearly impossible for Posey to raise her little sister on her wages alone. I don’t know too many of the details of her family life, but I assume that her parents aren’t going to magically return.
“I can take Lila with me for a few hours. I’m just going back to my apartment. She can come there, or we can go to the park across the street.”
I wouldn’t mind watching her for a little while so Posey can work the last two hours of her shift.
And this means that I can go back to my apartment.
I’m a terrible person.
Posey’s eyes return to her sister every few seconds. She looks after her so well, even when she’s working behind the counter. The little girl is still sitting with her chin resting adorably on the table.
“Are you sure? You don’t have to.”
“I know,” I respond. “But I’d like to help.”
Man, I’m going to hell for pushing this.
Posey looks at her sister again and seems to consider the little girl’s boredom. “Okay. But take her to your apartment. It’s hot today and we were already out all morning.” She laughs. “It’s too early for her to be worn out.”
“Got it. I’ll clean up these tables before I go.”
“Thanks, Landon.” Posey smiles at me. Her freckles are extra noticeable today. It’s cute.
“No prob, Bob.”
I grab the dish bucket and she lifts the divider in the cash wrap and waves me by.
The tables are dirtier than I’ve ever seen them. I have to change towels three times to wipe up the spills and rings of coffee.
At least the crowd is gone. Only one customer is left, a young hipster typing away on his little gold MacBook. He seems content.
When I’m ready to go, Lila is still in the same seat. Her chin is no longer resting on the table. Instead, she’s zooming a little purple car along its surface, making sound effects and all.
“Hey, Lila. Remember me?” I ask her.
Her little round face looks up at me and she nods.
“Cool. Do you want to hang out with me while your sister works? We can go to my house for a little bit? I have a friend who would love to meet you.” I bend down to her level and she looks back at her car.
“Yes.” Her voice is soft but clear.
Posey says my name and I tell Lila that I’ll be right back to get her.
