“It’s high blood pressure from caffeine consumption.”
“And the extra gray hair you developed.”
Now my hand went to my scalp. “Low blow, Piper.”
“Sorry.” She put her hands up. “And my plans aren’t all thatinteresting. I have a call to catch up with my best friend. I’ve been busy here and I need to give him an update.”
“Fine. Tomorrow?”
“You’re so desperate,” she teased. “But yes. If you end up being sad, you can think of me when you?—”
“Don’t even say it.” I didn’t think I could handle her bringing up what I’d told her again.
Naturally, it was her favorite thing to bring up.
“I was about to say you could think of me when you close up the shop. What kind of girl do you think I am?”
“Evil. That’s what you are.”
She only laughed and then walked up to me, putting both of her hands on my shoulders. My skin burned. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Piper practically bounced out of the coffee shop.
I had to take a minute to cool off.
I was alone and worked on closing up the shop. When I was done, I planned on going home andnotjerking off to her.
Then I walked outside and saw someone leaning on my car.
“Marjorie?” I asked, staring at her for a long moment. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Need a ride home. Care to help an old lady out?”
I blinked and looked around. “Where the hell is Henrietta?”
“Home. Cooking dinner.”
My brow furrowed. I’d never heard of Marjorie not going home with Henrietta. They always left at the same time and did everything together.
“But you ...” Then it dawned on me. “Is this a ploy to get me to take you to your house and eat dinner with you?”
Marjorie gasped and put a hand on her chest. “Do you really think I would be that smart?”
“I do.”
“Well, I’m not. There isnoway we’re making your favorite lasagna, and no way Henrietta also has your favorite soda or anything.”
Thank God. Marjorie was like an angel sent to save me from my own stupid thoughts.
“You could’ve just asked me to join.”
“The last couple times you said you were busy.” She blinked at me innocently. “But you’re not too busy to take a poor, defenseless old woman home, are you?”
I laughed. I couldn’t help it. “Yeah, yeah. You got me. I’ll take you home.”
“Thank you. You’re my hero.” She patted my shoulder. “I hope you stay for dinner as a thank-you.”
