Page 38 of Does He Know?

“Drake will be easy to train. He’s been in this exact position at a shop that has a great reputation. He can take over training Lyra, who, in my opinion, will pick up just as quickly. I say you hire them both, and split the hours. That way, there is always someone here during hours of operation to man the desk, answer the phone, and greet the groupies.” I stick my tongue out, and they all laugh.

“That’s actually a really good fucking idea,” Lachlan agrees. “I admit having you here this summer has spoiled me. I don’t want to have to go back to doing without. The times you’re not here and I have to do it, well, it sucks hairy donkey balls if I’m being honest.”

“What exactly does sucking hairy donkey balls taste like?” Maddox asks him, barely containing his laughter.

“It tastes like dealing with the public. I want to do my job, not deal with the register and phone calls where I’m answering a million questions. And think about how much more productive we’ll be, and that’s more time with the gun in our hands.”

“The shop is doing well financially,” Forrest adds. “We can afford to do this, and you’re on to something with productivity. This is an expense that we didn’t want when we first opened, but our books are several weeks out. We can handle it now.”

“Of course you can. The five of you have built an empire. It’s something to be proud of. This little town of Ashby, Tennessee, has gained attention worldwide from some of your higher profile clients. This may be a small town, but you’re the big fish in this pond.”

“How long did you practice that speech in the mirror this morning, kid?” Forrest asks.

I ball up my napkin and toss it at him. “Ass,” I mutter.

“Okay, let’s get serious,” Roman speaks up. “All in favor of hiring two people, raise your hand.”

All six of us raise our hands.

“Raise your hand for Cleo,” I state. No one raises their hand. “Lyra?” All six of us cast our vote. “Drake?” Again, all six cast our vote. “It’s settled. I’ll call both candidates. Drake was asking for more, and I think with his experience, we should meet him in the middle.” We go on to discuss salary and easily enough, everyone agrees.

“Perfect. I’m going to get on this now.”

“You want me to stay?” Forrest asks.

“No. I’ll be fine.”

“I have a drawing I have to finish up for tomorrow. I’ll stay until she’s done,” Rome offers.

“You’re still pissed at him about this morning, aren’t you?” Legend laughs. “Dude, buy her some chocolate. Chicks dig that.”

“Stop.” I laugh, pushing at Legend’s shoulder. “I’m not mad. I don’t need any of you to stay with me. I have pepper spray, and I’m a big girl. I can handle closing up and walking to my car without the five of you hovering.”

“I’ll stay.” Roman’s deep voice leaves no room for negotiation. Not that I want to, but I have to put up a fight, so I sigh and roll my eyes.

“Thanks for taking care of this, Emerson.” Maddox comes up to me and wraps me in a hug.

“Stop hogging her.” Lachlan pushes Maddox out of the way and lifts me in his arms and jumps, making us both laugh.

“Oh, my turn.” Legend pulls me from Lachlan into his arms and dances me around the break room.

“Can I have my turn with my sister?” Forrest pretends to be annoyed, but he’s laughing with the rest of them.

“So greedy.” Legend grins, as he twirls me into my big brother’s arms.

“Thanks, kid, you saved us a lot of work. You’ve saved our asses this summer. I’m not looking forward to you going back to school.”

“One more year, and I’ll be home for good.”

“Yeah?” Forrest's eyes light up. “You’re coming home to Ashby?”

I don’t look at Roman, and that takes effort. “There is no other place I’d rather be.”

“Love you, kid.”

“Love you too, Forty. Now go on, all of you. I need quiet to develop a training schedule and call your new hires. Work must be done.”

They filter out of the room. As does Roman. I clean up the break room, which really only consists of combining the leftover pizza into one box and placing it into the fridge. When I look up, Roman is standing in the doorway, his shoulder leaning against the frame. His arms are crossed over his chest, and he’s watching me intently.

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