Page 45 of January

“Still. Tell her yes, and at least change out of your stupid work clothes.”

“Obviously,” Melinda replied.

???

“Kyle? You’re early,” Melinda said when Kyle walked through the door just as Melinda was done for the day.

“Oh, sorry. I finished up at the house and kind of just started walking. I ended up here more than anything,” Kyle replied. “But I can keep walking if you need time to wrap up.”

“I’m done here. I was just going to change.”

“Why?” Kyle asked, looking adorable in a nice green shirt and a pair of jeans with those white shoes again.

“Because I’m wearing my work shirt and khakis,” she said as if it should be obvious.

“Oh. I think you look great,” Kyle replied, tucking her hands into her pockets.

“I do not,” she argued. “I look like a tour guide.”

“Which is what you are,” Kyle said.

“Not after I’m done with my shift,” Melinda replied.

“I can wait outside,” Kyle offered.

“I’d invite you up, but it’s a mess.”

“It wasn’t when I saw it last time.”

“Because I’d managed to straighten it up a little, but I haven’t today.”

“I don’t care,” Kyle said. “But I can wait down here.”

“Give me five minutes,” she replied.

“No problem.”

Melinda turned around to head through the back and saw Jill standing right behind her.

“Hello,” Jill said.

“I thought you left.”

“I was dropping the cash in the office and heard you talking, so I thought I’d come back out and meet Kyle here.” Jill tilted her head to the side, looking past Melinda. “Hi, I’m Mel’s friend, Jill.”

“Oh, hi. Kyle,” Kyle introduced herself.

Jill tilted her head back and mouthed, “She’s hot,” to Melinda with wide eyes.

“Jill, why don’t you come upstairs and get that thing you left at my place yesterday?” Melinda said, exaggerating her own eyes.

“What thing?” Jill asked, playing dumb. “I didn’t leave anything there. And I think I’d rather stay here and introduce myself to Kyle.”

“I’m going to kill you,” Melinda whispered to her before turning to Kyle. “I’ll be right back. Don’t believe anything she says.”

Kyle laughed and said, “Uh… Okay.”

“She’s great in bed,” Jill said.

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