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4
She’d done this as retaliation. No doubt about it. Jen’s knuckles whitened as she shoved her fists into her hoodie’s pockets, watching her driver circle for the third time. Parking was rubbish outside the shop so she’d come to an agreement with Taylor’s Deli. She got the spot closest to her shop at closing because her delivery driver, Ben, was on the clock and finding a space and loading up the van could take forever, especially if it was far away, and every minute ate into her already tight budget.
‘I told you hiring a driver for the month was a mistake,’ Jen growled to a lingering Chloe.
‘He’ll get a space. Chill.’
‘I could do it on my own.’
‘You’ve got seventy orders to fulfil. You just had me double-check the route and it says it will take him three hours.’
‘So?’
‘So, you still need to make the cocktails you’ve sold out of. You can’t do everything.’
‘I did until last week.’
‘And you got that weird rash thing in your armpit.’
‘Hey, shh,’ Jen said, slicing a hand through the air to silence her best friend. ‘I used cream. It’s gone.’
‘Still, not great if you burn yourself out.’
‘She’s not even loading her car.’
‘Probably still cleaning herself up after you assaulted her. Come back inside.’
‘Don’t, I feel terrible,’ Jen said, rubbing at her temple as she ventured back into the shop.
‘Why did you throw it so high, anyway? Her shoes would have been bad enough.’
‘I dunno. I was thinking about that text, and I got mad and I just flung it.’
‘Ready to talk about it? You know it will help. You wouldn’t have told me otherwise.’
Jen sighed, arching her back as leaned on the counter. ‘It’s ju—’
The door opened and in flew a hurried-looking Ben. ‘Parking spot agreement is already out the window, I see?’ He flashed a smile at Chloe, who returned it with bravado. He really wasn’t Chloe’s type – he was slim, with glasses and a penchant for checked shirts – but he was lovely, and an asset Jen desperately hoped she could keep on the team, especially with Christmas around the corner.
‘Just a blip.’
‘Jen assaulted their new driver.’
‘You what?’ Ben laughed nervously, his eyes darting to Jen for the explanation.
‘Right, settle down, that’s how rumours start. I accidentally soaked her with my mop bucket.’
‘We’ve all been there,’ Ben said, his face returning to its usual cheeky self, ready for action. He was on a mission, well aware how tight Jen’s budget was and wanting to earn brownie points. ‘So, what orders have you got for me today?’
Jen stepped aside, letting him see the counter. ‘All loaded on the app. You parked close, or do you want us to carry some?’
Ben eyed the boxes. ‘I’m just across the road, up that cul-de-sac, but it would be quicker if you helped. You know what it’s like getting crossed here.’
‘No problem,’ Jen replied, forcing a smile. She’d have words with the new girl tomorrow.
* * *
‘I really wishyou hadn’t roped me into this,’ Jen whined as they walked down to Cal’s. It was only five minutes away, but with every step she got slower.
