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“You know the worst thing.”
Sonya paled. “I didn’t mean—Damn, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
She led me back out to the window. “Compliments of the chef,” she said, indicating toward the bag.
“No way. I’m not coming here for free meals,” Andrew said as he reached for his wallet.
Sonya lifted her brow. I ignored her, setting his food in the window. Andrew placed a twenty on the counter. Neither Sonya nor I moved for it. The wind lifted the edge, and Andrew caught the bill before it took flight. He stuffed it in the tip jar.
“Lemonade?” Sonya offered.
“Please,” Andrew said.
“Do you need utensils?” I asked quietly. “I think I forgot them the other day.”
“It’s all right. Sure, I’ll take some.”
Sonya nudged me in the back as she slid his drink across the counter. “I expect to see you again soon.”
“I couldn’t stay away if I tried,” he said with a grin.
Order in hand, he meandered away, parking himself on the bench.
“I wish we could set up a few tables,” I said, surveying the sidewalk.
“Stop deflecting.”
I turned to face her. “I’m not. It would be nice if our customers had a place to eat once they ordered.”
“Yeah, it would. Do you ever think about opening a permanent location? Or is this the route you want to go?” Sonya propped her hip against the counter. Thank goodness she’d dropped the subject of Andrew, though I couldn’t stop sneaking glances in his direction.
“I’d like to have a permanent place, but at least I can take this with me wherever Ella and I land.”
Sonya’s eyes filled with understanding. “You should be really proud of yourself. You’ve turned your life around.”
“I couldn’t have done it without Paths of Purpose.” I had no idea where I’d be without them. On the streets maybe? Or back in Huxley’s clutches?
Sonya touched the side of her nose. “You should ask Mrs. Quinn if you can cater the fundraiser coming up next month. Not only would it be great experience, but an event like that could help spread the word without a lot of advertising cost.”
“They’d never consider me for a big job like that. The night is too important for raising money. The people who come expect catering from companies they’re familiar with.”
“Hogwash,” Sonya said.
“Where do you keep coming up with these sayings?”
“I’m around a lot of people from Texas. They’ve rubbed off on me, and I didn’t even know it.” Sonya paused, contemplating. “One of them I definitely knew was, but the rest of them . . .” She shrugged.
“I’m happy for you and Drew.”
“You should be trying to rescue me from him. I can’t begin to explain what it’s like living with that man.” The light in her eyes completely defeated the snark of her words. She was in love.
“Please. You’re right where you want to be.”
She lifted a shoulder and lowered it, not bothering to deny the truth.
“Any chance a guy could share a piece of cake with the lovely owner of this establishment?”
