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I allow my gaze to drift in a subtle hint that this topic is a steep decline I’m not interested in pursuing. The rich scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts toward me. Steam spews from a machine as the barista whips up a fresh cappuccino. The sputter reminds me of my heart’s reaction to a certain grumpy mechanic, but I refuse to travel down that rocky road.
Instead, I focus on my best friend, who’s glowing like an advertisement for getting accidentally knocked up after a no-strings bang with a guy she only knew by first name. Repeat that five times fast. I laugh to myself after a failed attempt.
That’s when I realize Joy is studying me too closely. Her unwavering attention almost makes me squirm. “How’s Roosters?”
I glance through the window at the bar across the street that won’t be open for a few more hours. “Um, I think it’s okay.”
“That’s all I get?”
“Well, it’s kinda hard to tell when the lights are off.”
She huffs. “Are you being obtuse on purpose? I’m talking about your new job.”
My amusement trickles out in a deceptively smooth tune. “Obviously, I’m trying to avoid the subject.”
Her chair squeaks as she leans forward. “Why? Is my brother being a jerk? Garrett promised to behave himself.”
I wave her concern away. “Yeah, he’s a great boss. He actually defended my honor against… an especially disgruntled customer.”
Joy makes a strangled sound. “Please don’t tell me you have a crush on my brother.”
I choke on my spit. “Absolutely not.”
She wipes fake sweat from her forehead. “What a relief. That would be weird.”
“You’re telling me,” I mumble.
“But it’s going well?
“So far. I’ve only had three shifts.”
She nods, but doesn’t appear appeased in the slightest. “I’m still curious why you wanted to work there to begin with. Other than having an easy in thanks to yours truly.”
My shoulders droop under the pressure. “I need the extra money. My rent doubled with you gone. The other bills aren’t cheap either. Besides, it keeps me busy. What else am I going to do on the weekends with my bestie tied down?”
“You have other friends,” she mutters.
“Who I have plans to go out with on Saturday.” I flutter my lashes.
She sighs with longing, adding a pout to get the message across. In the next second, she recovers to swerve back on track. “But why Roosters? It’s a total sausage factory.”
“Which is excellent for tips.” I rub my fingers together to represent the influx of cash.
“How many numbers got shoved into your bra?” She wiggles her brows.
I inspect my manicure, which is in dire need of a color change. “A lady doesn’t flirt and tell.”
Joy snorts. “Liar.”
“There’s nothing juicy to report. I’ve turned several heads, but none that are memorable.” That’s mostly due to my concentration being derailed by the resident grump at every turn.
My best friend has an uncanny talent for teasing apart my train of thought. “Have you seen the one who shall not be named?”
There goes the hope that Jake could stay kicked to the curb. My stomach clenches at the savage glare he shot me. The flames in his blue eyes have kept me hot and bothered in the days since. Not that I’ll ever admit such a weakness.
“The purpose of not mentioning his name is defeated if we talk about him.”
She slumps in her seat, as low as her belly will allow. “Oh, come on. I’ve been biting my tongue since I sat down. Feed me some scraps. I’m about to pop and need to live vicariously. Give me the dirt, pour it straight down my throat. Take pity on me, Harps.”
