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“I’m not drinking that.”

I roll my eyes and lean across the counter, taking a pull of the hot liquid. “Yup, coffee.”

“Then your machine needs professional help because that tastes like bean water and despair.”

I snort.

She stares into the mug like I personally offended her. “Thank God I picked up milk.”

“You bought milk?”

“Yours was bad.”

“You drank it?”

“I smelled it.”

“Smart.”

“I threw it away.” Laney opens the fridge and pulls out the milk she bought, doctoring the coffee until apparently it meets whatever standards she has for acceptable caffeine.

I finished my workout before six; I’m already two cups in and started on my shake. Usually I’d have eggs after, but since I didn’t place a grocery order before I left for the road, I’ll be skipping those today.

“I’ve got protein bars.” She glances over at where I’m holding a large container I pulled from the pantry, filled with a variety of bars. “Or protein shakes.”

Her nose wrinkles. “No, thanks.”

“Don’t knock it till you try it. Banana’s good.”

“Says the former face of Peak Protein.”

I groan. “We don’t talk about that.”

“Oh, I remember the commercials.” Her grin spreads, and her voice drops dramatically low. “Fuel the fire. Feed the win.”

“Jesus Christ.” I scrub a hand down my face. I’ll never live that down.

“You said it with so much conviction. You held the bottle up to the camera and everything.”

“I was twenty-four.” I remind her.

“You were inspirational.”

“Fuck off.”

Laughing, she reaches into the container and grabs a chocolate peanut butter protein bar. “I’ll take this. Happy now? You can keep your inspirational banana sludge.”

“I do eat actual food too.” I defend my love of protein shakes.

“Whoa. No need to get defensive.” She motions towards the refrigerator. “I saw the freezer. There are enough pre-made meals in there to survive Armageddon.”

I let a laugh escape. “Exactly. Prepared.”

“Mom would be proud.” She smiles.

“I like to think so. Speaking of Mrs. B, I could really go for some of her homemade chicken and dumplings.”

“Same.” She closes her eyes and makes this little almost-moan sound, and suddenly I wish I hadn’t brought it up.