Page 17 of Playing with Fire

She responds to Hazel with a "Hello to you too," while the cash register shuts with a click.

I follow Lily's wave as I move around the counter. "Wow. It seems like I've never stood behind the counter before in my life. I admit.

You used to visit this place when you were young but probably don't remember it. she laughs.

I watched Hazel take a seat in one of the booths while I nodded to her. The sign outside announced closure which led to the place being empty. It's usually jam-packed on a Saturday afternoon.

The sun blazed in the sky while outside conditions were ideal for enjoying some ice cream.

"Why aren't you open? The line outside the door should be full at this point.

She explains she plans to complete your training before she opens the store. "So, are you ready?" she asks.

"Let's do this."

After two hours had passed Lily informed me that I had mastered everything I needed to know. It was simple.

I mastered knowledge of each ice cream flavor and learned to operate the backroom machines as well as locate supplies when needed while acquiring serving techniques.

My stomach released a loud rumbling by the time it was over.

Oops.

I forgot I hadn't eaten all day. "Hey, Lily?" I called her over. She rotates toward me and lifts her eyebrows while questioning me about what is happening.

"Do you have any snacks here? My laughter came out while I admitted to not having eaten anything today.

Lily behaved as if she were hosting me at her home without acknowledging her new role as my boss.

Emerson, what made you wait to bring this up? She questions me with a motherly tone. You will find snacks located on the top shelf at the back right corner.

I responded with a nod and a thank you while Hazel let out a chuckle. She remained patient while sitting here throughout this entire time. I am uncertain about why she remained present, but her supervision reduced my stress levels.

I went to the location described by Lily and upon locating the shelf she mentioned I noticed a box of snacks positioned at its top.

Standing on my tippy toes I extended my hand to grab a bag from above. As I reached for a bag of chips, I heard the front doorbell ring.

After the bell rang, I heard multiple voices with Hazel among them.

"Oh shit." I heard her blurt out.

The moment I got back to the front my curiosity turned into annoyance.

What the hell is he doing here?

Felix stood behind him and both of us showed clear signs of displeasure.

"Mom, what is she doing here?" he asks, looking at Lily.

"Don't be so harsh, son. "You need to make your new coworker acquaintance," she smiles while gesturing toward me.

Her casual delivery renders the word nearly inaudible to me.

Coworker. Did she say, coworker?

"Coworker?!" Jaxon blurts out in disbelief.

"Yeah, excuse me, coworker?" I ask in just as much shock. "What do you mean by coworker?"

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