Page 25 of Kyle

“No problem. What do you need me to do?”

“I’m making tacos, burgers, and brats. If you could make sure we have enough chopped onions and sliced tomatoes, that’d be great.”

“Sure.”

He’s got an air fryer going with some onion rings.

“Those smell terrific,” I say. “Are they frozen ones?”

“Fuck no. I came up with the recipe myself. Here, try one.” He passes a ring proudly and slides me a cup of dip. “Gotta try it with my secret sauce.”

I dip and bite into the crispy batter coating. The onion ring practically melts in my mouth, and the sauce is amazing. “Oh, my God. Why haven’t you been making these all along?”

“I’ve been fooling around with the recipe. I wanted to make sure I got it perfected.”

“These are definitely a hit. These are going on social media immediately.”

He grins. “So, I can cook, huh?”

“Guess so. You just can’t read your mom’s handwriting,” I tease.

“Right.” He laughs and throws more burgers on the grill.

We work for a couple of hours with barely a break in the line. Finally, we get a few minutes with no one at the window.

“Wow. That was crazy,” I say.

“Yeah, this crowd can eat.” He busies himself by wiping down the counter.

I stare at him until he turns and catches my eyes. “What?”

“Can I ask you something?”

He slows his rag. “Sure.”

“Why do you let Rafe take advantage of you?”

“Is that what I do?” His rag moves faster.

“Yeah.”

He shrugs. “He’s my brother.”

“He’s capable of doing things on his own, you know.”

“I suppose he is.” He pauses and studies me. “And how’s Rafe treatingyou?”

“Fine. Why?”

“You think he’s using me. I want to make sure he’s not usingyou.”

I sober at his words. Maybe I deserved that for sticking my nose in something that isn’t my business. “Touché.”

“I’m not trying to be a dick, Sutton.”

“Well, mission failed.” I turn and start chopping an onion vigorously. I feel Kyle watching me.

“You tryin’ to kill that onion?”

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