Page 265 of Worth the Trip

By closing, the grand-opening rush had finally surrendered.

The last customers waved through the glass while staff consolidated inventory and straightened chairs. Ms. Greene had completed two story hours instead of one and left with a list of dates for future Saturdays. Mama Brooks had taken home two pints of butter pecan. Lennox had unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate family pricing. Warren had quietly paid full price for everything Lennox tried to add to their bag.

Nyla locked the front door while Malcolm carried a box toward storage.

Still here.

Of course.

When he returned, he stopped in front of her.

“You ready?”

“For what?”

“To leave.”

“I have a car.”

“I know.”

“And functioning legs.”

“I noticed.”

“Then why are you asking like you responsible for transportation?”

“I ain’t. But I can carry that.”

His attention dropped toward the box beside her.

Nyla looked down.

Then at him.

“I can carry it.”

“I know.”

Malcolm waited.

No reaching for it before she answered.

Nyla finally nudged the box toward him with one foot.

“You can carry that.”

His grin appeared.

“That’s what I’m talking about.”

“Say one more thing, and you can put it back down.”

“My fault, Coco.”

She narrowed her eyes.

He picked up the box.