Page 24 of Rhet

I laugh. “Honey, you have no idea how accurate you are.”

“I will not say it again, get to the back of the line.”

She gives off that head mistress of a boarding school vibe. I can’t help it. I have the innate urge to tease her until her head explodes.

“I can pay for your order as an apology.” I gesture with my thumb, pointing behind me.

“I rather dump my order and reorder again than accept your apology. Move and wait your turn.”

“My turn? Why? If you want me to move, None Of Your Business, you move me.”

She stays silent, her chin stuck out. Then she gives me a death stare. I wonder if she’s married with kids. Her poor child probably thinks she’s a mini demon with that stare. Poor guy, her husband must have lost his dick along the way too.

“Are you dead yet, Rhet?” Julian chuckles.

“No, but I will be in a bit,” I reply.

I turn to the barista. “Is she a regular, beauty?” I point at the mini warden in the back.

The barista blushes from her neck to her blonde roots. “Yeah, that’s Zee, her order is ready.”

I smile. “Can I pay for it and take it to her? Take this twenty in case she wants something else.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet. I can reverse the charge from her app and you can pay.” The barista hurries and rings up the order.

“Yeah, paying it forward and all that jazz.”

I take the two separate bags and walk up to Zee. She may look like she belongs on an episode ofHoney, I Shrunk the Kids, but surprisingly, she smells like a rich composition of flowers and money.

“This is your order.”

I lift the bag to show her. Before she can answer, I walk to the nearest bin and dump it. The bag with her breakfast and coffee makes a thump in the empty bin. I look back at her and can see the rage rocking her body.

“You said you’d rather re-order than accept my apology. So, I guess you’re going to be here waiting that much longer.”

I raise a brow at her. The way her cheeks flushes, I know she wants to choke the shit out of me.

“You’re a fucking asshole,” she seethes softly.

I smile, my mission accomplished. “No, I know some assholes. They don’t like me either. I’m more of a hemorrhoid. My very name irritates assholes.”

I smile wide, placing my tongue between my teeth and wink. She trembles with fury. I nod and exit the café.

I haven’t felt this happy in months.

“What did you do?” Julian asks.

“I threw away her order and it’s the best feeling I’ve had in weeks,” I reply as I jump into my car.

“Rhet.” I can hear the exasperation in Julian’s voice.

“On the bright side, I left twenty dollars for her new order at the cashier. See, I can be nice.”

“I’m leaving home to help you with the interviews. Then, I’m gone,” Julian says.

“No, Cathy may kill me,” I say, knowing she may really kill me. I don’t mess with Cathy aka Julian’s wife.

“I already told her last night. I’ll meet you at the office, then leave when I’m supposed to.”

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