“Alright, you girls have about twenty minutes before opening. I’m going to get the kitchen cleaned up and go home for a while before we have to be at Riley’s,” Richie said.
“I’ll come help,” Remi said, but instead of following Richie out, he went to the coffee station and filled an extra large plastic to-go cup with coffee. He added creamer and far too much sugar, then picked up a sausage, egg, and cheese croissant. He walkedback over to the register and handed Julia a twenty. “Keep the change. Y’all have a good day.”
He walked over to the doorway leading to the back of the store where Richie watched. “For Cristie?”
“Yep. She’s been in every morning and always gets the same thing. She’s still standoffish, but she comes in the restaurant before coming into the store for breakfast. I figure I’ll take it to her today since she doesn’t have to go to work.”
“I noticed her making excuses to come in the restaurant. She didn’t used to do that,” Richie said, grinning at Remi.
“That’s encouraging.”
“Should be. She doesn't like to argue with just anybody,” Richie said.
Remi laughed as Richie opened the door and waited for him to walk through.
“Y’all have a fun day,” Julia said.
“Thanks! Call if you need us,” Richie reiterated.
“Bye Bye!” Casey called after them.
“Don’t even bother,” Julia said.
“He’s Cristie’s boyfriend, isn’t he?” Casey asked.
“I’m not really sure what he is to Cristie, but I know that they’ve known each other a very long time and that she went to Louisiana to visit him not too long ago. Now he’s living here. Seems to me that there’s more there than just friends.”
“And he did just take coffee for her,” Casey said.
“Yes, he did.”
“Why are all the good ones taken?” Casey asked rhetorically.
“Girl you have to finish high-school before you start worrying about all the good ones being gone,” Julia said.
“I’m graduating this year!” Casey said.
“I’ve been out for a few years and I’m still not worried about men the way you are.”
“That’s why you don’t have one!” Casey said with a laugh.
“Yeah, well. You could be right. But the right one will come along eventually.”
“If you’re looking,” Casey said.
“Maybe,” Julia said. “Now, let’s make sure this place is ready. We only have a few minutes left before we unlock the doors and turn on the open signs.”
~~~
Remi set the coffee and the sandwich he’d gotten for Cristie on the counter top near the grill he planned on cleaning.
“What are you doing?” Richie asked.
“I’m cleaning this grill,” Remi answered.
“No, you’re not. You’re going to give your girl her breakfast. Then if Riley’s up, you’re going to help him get shit ready for today. If not, you’re going to bide your time until he’s up, then you’re going to go help him.”
“I am?”
