Page 76 of Something Cheeky

“Nah, Josie would make sure we got work done.”

“She’d have to-do lists broken down by tasks and how long they’d take to get done.” Zoe hugged Mr. Bobbins. The mother hen of their group was known for her checklists.

“Thanks for making me feel better, Trixie.”

“I mean it about coming in to help,” she reassured Zoe.

“According to Shawn, our extremely organized shop manager, we’re on track. And he hired two additional stitchers who are precise and fast. I might have to ask if they’re looking for extra work when we need backup for our busy season.”

“See? You’re still planning for the future.” Trixie leaned over to give Zoe and Mr. Bobbins a hug.

“I’ll see things better once the show opens.” Zoe hadn’t allowed herself to plan past this show but there was a glimmer of something across the finish line.

“Now, one more time, do you want me to stay till Derek gets here? Because I’ll glare at him or give him a stern talking to.” Trixie put one hand on her hip and shook a finger dramatically.

Before Zoe could respond, a loud knock landed on their front door. Mr. Bobbins’s ears perked up and his body tensed at thesound. Zoe made comforting sounds as she rubbed his chin until his tail stopped twitching.

“Can you let Derek in on your way out?” Zoe wasn’t ready to kick the cat off her lap. They’d missed each other terribly and she wanted as many cuddles as he was willing to allow.

Trixie slung her overnight bag on her shoulder before making her way to the door.

“And be nice,” Zoe whispered. “I’ve got everything under control.”

“One text and I’ll drop everything. Andre will understand.”

“I’ve kept you away from him for too many nights now. You need a break from cat sitting.” Zoe motioned for her to go. “You two enjoy yourselves.”

“I’ve got some new toys to test out.” She grinned and patted her bag before swinging the door open to reveal Derek, who was holding at least six plastic bags presumably filled with take out.

“Hi, Derek!” Trixie said a little too brightly. “Need a hand with those bags?”

“I’m good. I’ve Tetris’d the hell out of them because I wanted to make only one trip. One bad move and the crispy lechón skin will tumble out of its tinfoil sleeping bag.” He nodded to indicate one of the bags in his left hand.

Trixie dramatically stepped back and waved at their kitchen counter.

Derek nodded at her roommate and stepped inside, kicking off his flip-flops.

“Where did you even get flip-flops?” Zoe asked in surprise.

“Th?o lent me hers, in case you can’t tell by the floral print on them.” He briefly pointed at them with his left foot before setting the bags of food on the counter.

“Please tell me you’re buying her a new pair after stretching them out with your big feet,” said Zoe.

“I’ll buy her as many as she wants,” he replied before turning to Trixie. “Are you staying for dinner? There’s plenty to share.”

“As delicious as that sounds, I have a hot date with my boyfriend, who’s a professional chef.”

“That sounds fun,” Derek said, his fingers still tangled in the bag handles.

Trixie walked over to help him since Zoe was still trapped under Mr. Bobbins.

“These things are like those stupid Chinese finger cuffs,” Derek grumbled. “Why are they even called that? Gotta have racist origins.”

“Look, theater boy,” Trixie said, glaring at Derek. “If you hurt Zoe in any way, you had it coming.”

Derek laughed but his face paled when Trixie didn’t join him.

“Uh, I don’t plan on running into your knife,” he joked nervously.

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