I frown. That’s…not helpful.
Then again, maybe they’re on a date. No, he wouldn’t be asking for my number right before having a coffee date. Curt would, but I don’t see Max trying something like that.
Curiosity nudges at me.
I grab a coffee pot and make my way out to the tables, starting with the booths nearby. I refill Earl’s cup before walking toward Max’s table.
“Refill?” I ask, holding up the nearly empty pot.
Max slides his cup toward me with a small smile. I turn to the woman. “Can I get you anything?”
She lifts her hands. “No thanks. I’m good.”
“No problem.” I walk away, then turn back. “I’m Avery, by the way. I’m still getting to know everyone around here.”
The woman eyes my outstretched hand like it might bite her.
“Talia.”
I drop my hand. “Nice to meet you. I’ll let you get back to your…meeting.”
Smooth, Avery.
“Not a date,” Talia says quickly.
I lift my hands. “Got it.”
“It’s a business meeting,” Max adds calmly. “Talia’s going to work on the flats. Well, for the company I work for.”
An unexpected flicker of relief runs through me. “That’s great. And if you have time—or the know-how—I’ve got a leaky pipe that probably needs attention.”
Max’s expression shifts. “I can look at that, if you’d like.”
Both Talia and I stare at him.
“You know plumbing?” she asks.
“I know enough. My grandfather did a lot of building when I was younger. I can handle basics—not a full project.”
“I’d appreciate that,” I say. “Maybe just…not the same approach as whoever installed it.”
“That would be Rusty,” Talia mutters, shaking her head.
“And I’m the one living with it,” I add, brushing a strand of hair out of my face.
“Do you have time for me to check it now?” Max asks.
“Sarah can cover for a few minutes.”
I hang up my apron, and we head out to the back door that leads up to the second floor.
As we climb, Talia lets out a quiet groan. “He didn’t even do the stairs right?”
I assume she means Rusty. I’ve tried not to complain—having a place to live matters—but these stairs are a hazard. I feel off-balance with every step.
We reach my apartment, and I open the door, gesturing toward the sink.
Max crouches down and looks underneath, making an inaudible sound I can’t quite read.
