Page 32 of Finally Moore

“Well, it seems you have everything under control. I guess you really don’t need me?”

“Nah, chef. Take a few days off. Enjoy the holidays.”

“Got any plans?” I ask, then a thought occurs to me. “I’m sure I can cover dinner service on the twenty-third if you wanted to take advantage of us being closed for the holidays. Go visit family back in Chicago.”

“No.” He shrugs. “I appreciate the offer, but I think I’m just going to chill at home, watch movies. You know, the usual stuff?”

I realize how little I’ve gotten to know Logan since he arrived on my doorstep looking for a job. For all I know, the kid doesn’t have family in Chicago or, shit, anyone at all. “My family has a big party—”

“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t need a pity invite from my boss.” He drops his eyes to the pot of soup, pushing the contents around with a spoon as if he needs something to do with his hands.

“It wasn’t pity,” I assure him.

“Maybe not, but still… If I’m not working, I prefer being alone during the holidays.”

I don’t ask more. It’s clear he doesn’t want to talk about it. “Sure thing.” I pat Logan on the back. “If you change your mind, the offer stands. I’m going to go check on Gia.”

“I’ve got everything covered,” Gia says as soon as I approach the front counter. She doesn’t bother looking up from cleaning the espresso machine.

“Are you sure?” I tease.

Besides myself, she’s been working here the longest. She started out as a dishwasher when she was fifteen. She quickly worked her way up and we eventually shared managerial responsibilities under my mom. It wasn’t until last year, after my mother’s unexpected death, that I officially became Gia’s superior and declared her the assistant manager.

She glances up from her task and quirks a brow at me.

“Fine, but if you need anything—”

“Go away, Scott,” she scolds before returning to her work.

It’s weird. I’ve spent so much time here, at the café. Even before my parents’ car accident, I always felt like this place would fall apart if I wasn’t constantly onsite. Maybe I’m just one of those jackasses who likes to micromanage their staff?

“Scott,” Tilly calls out from the bookstore, saving me from annoying my team more than I already have for the day.

Gia giggles when I roll my eyes. “Yes,” I call back, already making my way over.

“I have something for you.” Tilly reaches down, struggling as she tries to bend, and retrieves a small box from under the counter.

I inspect it carefully as she hands it to me. “What’s this?”

“Open it, silly.” Her tone is innocent enough, but there’s a glimmer in her eye that raises my suspicions.

“If it jumps out and attacks me, I’m kicking Jax in the nuts,” I warn her. For whatever reason, my family has decided I’m the easiest target when it comes to their pranks. I carefully open the box and am shocked by what I see staring back at me from inside. “Tilly?”

“Hear me out…” she tries, but I’m quick to stop her.

“No.”

“She’s your fiancée, Scott. She needs a ring.” Tilly grins. I should have known she had something devious going on in that head of hers.

“For a few more days,” I remind her. “Besides, we told her mom that it was being sized.”

“Good, then this can be your grand Christmas surprise. You can say you got it back sooner than expected.”

“It’s Grandma’s ring, Tilly. Mom left it to you.”

“And I’m loaning it to my brother and friend.” She shrugs. “All it does is sit in my drawer.”

“Are you sure?” I glance down at the box again, then back up at my sister, whose eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning already. “Guessing that was a dumb question.” I sigh.

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