Page 32 of Strictly Against Policy

“Would that be alright?” she asked.

I blinked, surprised.

Andy laughed. “You’re supposed to be our guest, Lina! Of course it’s fine!”

“Phở? In this weather?” I grumbled, turning to my brother-in-law. A hot, piping beef noodle soup on an equally sweltering day in their tiny little townhome? I definitely wasn’t looking forward to it.

“Come on, Jonathan. You know phở’s good for any weather, especially your sister’s,” he said.

He motioned toward the walkway leading up to the two-floor townhouse that was Lina’s new apartment. She quickly followed behind him, and I almost went with her.

“Stop complaining!” said Anthony, throwing his heavy arm over my shoulders. “Julie and Shoua always make an amazing batch of homemade phở, so if you’re not eating, I’ll take your share.”

I scoffed as Andy and Lina walked up to her home. I pursed my lips when I saw a flash of her shy smile. The back of her neck was tinged with an even brighter red as Andy looked over his wide, round shoulders down at her. The smile he had on was friendly and warm. Lina mirrored it while irritation began to simmer under my skin again.

“I thought you said this thing between you and Lina Lee was strictly a work thing, Jonathan,” said Anthony quietly, with the widest grin plastered on his face.

I looked into his light-brown eyes and frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Anthony continued to smile. “I didn’t realize you two were even friends. But I guess it’d make more sense why you wouldn’t shut up about her, huh?”

“I’m here because she’s my employee and needs help. That’s it.”

He shrugged. “I don’t do the same thing for any of my employees, and I’m a manager myself. And I also don’t undress myself in front of my female employees. So, sure thing, boss.”

Andy and Lina emerged from the house, grabbing my attention. He was on the phone, grinning ear to ear, as he waited for Lina to lock up. I only knew it was my sister he was talking to because of that lovesick, doe-eyed look he wore. He laughed, his cheeks red.

“Sure, Tink. We’ll be there soon,” he said, voice all soft and gooey before ending the call.

He walked to where Anthony and me were standing, with Lina in tow. She smiled softly at the twins as I jiggled the keys to the truck.

“Let’s return this thing,” I said.

“We’re expecting you in a bit. Right, Lina?” asked Andy. “Julie and Shoua are excited to have you over.”

“Even if you don’t come, we know where you live. And we will come knocking,” smiled Anthony.

I looked at them and scoffed. “Please don’t pressure my employee like that. It makes me look bad.”

Anthony howled out loud with his hyena laugh. I sighed, ready to quip back, when a soft chime harmonized with Anthony’s snicker.

I paused to listen to Lina—to the lightness in her voice. I’d only heard her laugh once before, when we were locked in that damn janitor’s closet together. Even then, it sounded nothing like this gentle sound. Her sheepish smiles, her laughter, and the random bits of softness in her demeanor today were all parts of her I’d never known.

She smiled wide and happy as she let out another ring of laughter. “No worries. I’ll be there.” Her voice was as amiable as I’ve ever heard it.

“Let’s get going before these two inhale all the phở,” I said.

I hadn’t realized I was smiling until the sparkles in Andy’s and Anthony’s eyes glittered brightly. I dropped it instantly and got into the truck as Andy yelled out something I couldn’t make out.

My heart thundered, drowning everything except for the sounds Lina made. The way her low footsteps dragged across the ground, the way her laugh rang out, and the way her voice sounded. She was the only thing I could hear. All carefree without hard edges.

We drove in silence for some time. I was hesitating to say what was on my mind.

“You have a nice laugh,” I mumbled.

“You’ve said that before, Jonathan,” she replied.

“I thought I’d remind you.” I paused for a moment, still unsure of how to say my next words. “You’re different outside of work.”