We both knew that was true. I put the cup down on the counter, ensuring that she didn’t have to grab it from me.
Piper tried to hand me her card, but I shook my head. “It’s on the house.”
“What? But?—”
“You paid for yesterday’s and didn’t get to enjoy it.”
“I let it spill everywhere.”
“It wasn’t that bad. I’ve had worse accidents when tired.” Only when we were closed, but she didn’t need to know that.
“Still,” she insisted. “I’m the one who caused all of that. I should pay for both.”
“I’m not taking that card,” I said. “It’s free today.”
Piper’s cheeks darkened, but she slowly put her card away. I nodded in the direction of a table and she walked off.
I made sure my eyes didn’t follow her.
The shop was quiet for the rest of the day. A few people came in for late drinks, but no one stayed until close.
Which meant that Piper and I were alone.
She was tapping away on her laptop. I had no idea what she was doing.
I flipped the sign and then made sure the blinds were closed. I’d never had anyone stay this late before, but I knew I wouldn’t bother her if she was focused. If that meant I worked on cleaning while she did what she had to do, then so be it.
I was used to being alone, and that was how I wanted to be. Oftentimes, I sent Kelsey home because I didn’t mind finishing up the day by myself.
Having Piper here should’ve been a deterrent. And other than me not being able to clean her table, we slipped into something comfortable. I couldn’t tell if it was because she was quiet or if it was because she was far too similar to me.
I was sweeping when she finally spoke. “Are you closed?”
I nearly jumped out of my skin.
I knew she was there, but I was so focused onnotlooking at her and taking my time so she could finish up what she was working on that she snuck up on me.
“Shit,” I muttered, rubbing my face. This was why I did better alone. “Yeah, I’m closed.”
Her eyes went wide. “Oh, God. I stayed that long? Why didn’t you warn me? I would’ve gotten out of your way.”
I could only shrug. “You were focused. And you seemed calm.”
She blinked. “Yeah, I was. It helped that no one was here.”
“I was here.”
“Right.” Her cheeks darkened and I had no idea why she didn’t see me as someone to watch. I knew better than to think I could make a good first impression. “Still. I got a lot done, so thank you for that.”
If it were anyone else, I would have given a polite nod and moved on. But she wasn’t, so I didn’t. Maybe it was the fact that I was used to being alone, or maybe it washer. I wasn’t sure which was worse.
“What were you doing?”
“Writing. I’m an author.”
“Really?” I replied. “We don’t have one of those around here. Marjorie and Henrietta would stock your books at the library if they knew.”
Piper’s head tilted to the side in a silent question. I knew exactly how she was feeling. Henrietta was the one who sat me down and gave me a community guide to memorize. Some days, I still felt like I needed it.
