Obvious would not be a problem.
“We don’t need to put on a show,” I tell her instead. “Nobody’s coming in here to see us as a couple.”
Until my family members turn up, which they most certainly will. Jovie’s the most excited to spend more time with her. She’s been texting all morning, asking about Rose.
Her questions are mostly of the ten-year-old variety. What’s Rose’s favorite color? What’s her favorite dessert? Who is her favorite Marvel character?
I only know the answer to one of those. It’s yellow.
“Just do whatever you naturally would,” I tell her.
“Okay. Then I will just act normal.” She slow-punches me again. “Boyfriend.” She adds a salute right before she ducks out of the office.
I sit at the desk and tab through folders on the computer, fighting the stupid smile that wants to overtake my face. I thought she can’t fool people, but maybe I can’t, either. Not when she’s so light-hearted and ridiculous and everything sweet and good.
Rather than test just how normal she’ll act when we’re pretending to date, I take the coward’s way out and work in the back most of the day. Conversation drifting from the front becomes ambient chatter while I enter information into spreadsheets and order supplies. I like routine, but this mundane desk work numbs my brain like Novocaine. I prefer being outdoors and building things, but I can’t very well quit my job and run away to live in the forest.
Technically, I already have. It hasn’t helped.
After the lunchtime rush dies down, Troy’s voice cuts through the monotony of order forms.
“I know it’s last minute,” he says to Rose. “But can you trade shifts tomorrow? Brendan and I want to head out early to go camping. It’s first-come, first-served, and if I close, the campground will be full before we get there.”
I turn to hear them better even though I already know what she’s going to say. She’ll tell him the same thing she always does. Troy is a good guy and a reliable worker, but he’ll take whatever slack Rose gives him. And if I know her, she’s about to give him everything he asks for.
Schedule changes are one more item on a list of things I don’t want to micromanage in the coffee shop. I’ve left it up to them to sort out their plans when conflicts arise. Doctors appointments, illnesses, whatever—don’t involve me if you don’t have to. But when Troy whips out his sad eyes and begs Rose to switch shifts so he can do something fun, I get twitchy.
To be fair, I don’t know that he’s deployed the sad eyes. He’s never asked her to switch shifts in front of me. Which proves he knows he’s treading on her good nature, however agreeable she is about it.
When does she ever switch shifts just so she can do something fun? I can’t think of a single time, and that grates on me.
“I’m happy to switch,” she tells him.
“You’re the best, Rose.”
She is. That’s why this situation irritates like a burr pricking at my skin.
I’m still steaming about it when Troy comes into the back to grab his things. He pulls up his phone, probably to clock out on the shop’s timeclock app. Another innovation Rose suggested that’s made this place run more smoothly. Even if I personally miss the satisfaction of punching a paper time card.
“See you later, Reed.”
I lift a hand in acknowledgement as he leaves for the day. I need to squash the low-level anger simmering in my stomach. He’s a good guy. I wouldn’t keep him on if he wasn’t. It’s not my problem that Rose switches shifts with him more often than Ithink she should. I don’t want to solve my employees’ issues and can’t start trying now. It’s not my business.
“Rose!” a voice calls out front. “This is lucky.”
I sigh as if hefting out all the air from my lungs will save me. Thatismy business.
I’m out of the office and behind the counter before I’ve fully had the thought to walk out here. I might not want to micromanage my employees, but I have no qualms about micromanaging my sister.
Lucy’s face lights up when she spots me. “You’ve been keeping secrets.”
I scan the coffee shop. Thankfully, most of the tables are empty. At least Lucy saved today’s meddling for near closing time. If she’d showed up during a rush, I would have had to kick her out. Might still have to, depending on how this goes.
Her exaggerated frown is more pout than anger. “Why didn’t you tell me you two were dating?”
“The same reason I usually don’t tell you things.”
“It would have saved me all the effort of trying to get you a date with someone else.” She turns to Rose. “Not that I would dream of that now that I know you’re together. I’m a girls’ girl all the way.”
