“Yeah, because I’m going to be running around with metal poles in the middle of a storm. Smart.”
Giving me a contemplative look, she asks, “Is it smart to be around Kash?”
There is nothing wrong with Kash, so the way she says it makes me feel defensive of him.
Sure, he has a reputation for being a ladies' man, and the guys joke about it a lot, but he’s been kind to me. A little flirty, sure, but I think that’s just how he is. He’s friendly, but not serious.
“Don’t you have to go to the bank?” I ask, choosing to ignore her question.
“Shit. Yes. I’ll be back. Can you watch the front?” Mara asks, not waiting for an answer as she walks out the back door.
“Yeah.” I sigh while sliding the clipboard back onto its hook on the wall. Considering how Andrew just behaved, I make a mental note to look into another vendor anyway for once our contract is done. I don’t want to be in business with someone who operates like that. We got used to talking with his wife Margot a lot, but she passed last year. That could have something to do with it.
Walking back out to the front, I’m thankful to see Joelle.
“So, that sounded fun.”
Scoffing, I take stock of what’s left in the case. “Yeah, it was something.”
“Your guy grabbed a few more things before he left again.”
“My guy?”
“Yep. Tall, tattooed, sexy smile, eyes only for you, hair you just know is soft as fuck.” She grins, giving me a knowing look.
“Hush. Go clean tables or something.”
“Sure, sure, boss. Whatever you need.” Joelle winks, then wanders off, grabbing a cleaning rag.
Wiping down the front counter, I stop to look around our shop. There are a few tables occupied, but due to the time of day, we aren’t overly busy. Mara tends to go to the bank at the same time each week, so we can keep up with the bookkeeping and deposits when it’s not busy as hell.
I’m so lost in my thoughts, I don’t see the person standing in front of the case until I hear a voice say, “Wow. You’re gorgeous.”
Snapping up to see the newcomer, I’m expecting to see Kash orsomething, but it’s a man about my age. Laughing, I toss the cloth into a bucket and quickly wash my hands.
“Thanks? You’re not too bad yourself.” I’m not lying either. With his messy dark brown hair and light eyes, he’s the kind of man girls go crazy for. Tall, handsome and a smile that would make any normal person swoon. If only I didn’t already have a man occupying my thoughts.
Holding out his hand, he introduces himself. “Sorry. I’m Jake, and I lack a filter.”
“Mila,” I respond, shaking his in return.
“So, do you know what’s good here? I moved here a few months ago, and I’m exploring some of the local spots.”
“Well, I might be biased, but I think it’s all pretty good. My twin sister and I own it,” I tell him with pride.
“No way! Where is she? Are you guys identical?”
“We are... to a point.” I laugh. We have most of the same features, but Mara treats her body like an art canvas and pin cushion... me, not so much.
“I get that. I had a friend who has a twin brother. She hates when people ask if they’re identical.” He shakes his head.
“Yeah, that would be a bit hard to do. So, back to your original question. I can offer you a few suggestions if you’d like.”
“How about you surprise me? I’m way too indecisive.” He smiles.
“Okay, do you want a drink and pastries or...?” I trail off. Mara isn’t exactly personable all the time, or patient, so I like to chat with our customers when I can.
“Let’s do both.” He winks. “I’m easy to please, so whatever you think is good.”
