Page 30 of All Along

Chapter 12

“Bullies are jerks but do they tell the truth? Asking for a friend.” ~ Maya

Maya

Ishut the dishwasher and make sure it starts before digging my phone out of my pocket. I glance around to make sure no one’s watching me, but there’s no one else in the restaurant kitchen at the moment.

It’s Saint Patrick’s Day and it’s all hands on deck atFive Fathoms Brewing.I don’t care how busy we get. I am not working the bar or restaurant floor. There are way too many people out there. It’s hot and loud and crowded.

I shiver. No way.

Which is why I’m on dishwashing duty all night. The dishwasher behind the bar is not enough to keep up with a Saint Patrick’s Day crowd, which is why I’m in the kitchen. But since there’s a lull in the dishes, I decide to message Caleb.

How did therapy go?

He responds right away.

How do you know I had therapy?

Hazel’s easy to bribe. One pirate’s plunder muffin and she caved.

What did she say?

I need to be careful here. It’s obvious Caleb has some shame attached to his injuries, which makes no sense. But I know all about people being ashamed for things they should be proud of, so I tread carefully.

You had therapy today. Oh, and you swear like a sailor.

I’m not a sailor.

I know but I couldn’t resist the chance to tease you.

I’ll show you teasing.

Promises. Promises.

What am I doing? I’m not supposed to flirt with my fake boyfriend. This madness will end in heartbreak. I’ve read the romance books. I know how this goes.

I always keep my promises.

Hold on. He’s not supposed to flirt back with me. How do I respond? Do I continue to flirt? What do I write? A message pops up before I can figure out how to reply.

Do you want to come over for dinner tomorrow night? I want to thank you for taking care of me in the restaurant.

There’s no need to thank me.

I decide when I thank someone.

And you’ve decided, have you?

Come to dinner tomorrow night.

Does he think he has to persuade me? Of course, I’m going to say yes. As if I would ever say no to Caleb. I don’t think my body is capable of saying no to the man.

What time? And what do you want me to bring?

I have everything covered. Bring yourself.

The door slams open and Chloe rushes in carrying a tray of dirty glasses.

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