Page 94 of Up in a Blaze
“Yeah, kid.”
“Awesome. We’re gonna have the deluxe burger and medium fries.”
I nodded. “Sounds good. What about you, Sawyer?”
“Um.” His eyes traveled over the menu. “Maybe a salad.”
“He never eats much because of work,” Arlo said.
“Arlo,” Sawyer snapped.
“Hey,” I said, tipping my chin at Sawyer. “It’s okay. We’re all working things out between the four of us on what to share and what not to share.”
Sawyer nodded.
“Chéri, you can have more. You should ask for some time off?—”
“I don’t need time off. I need the money.”
“Do you?” Henri asked softly. “Blaze and I wanted to talk to you about work anyway.” Sawyer looked away, glaring. “Chéri. Eyes please.” The kid drew in a deep breath but didn’t shift his gaze from out in the restaurant.
“Sawyer,” Arlo said, slightly panicked.
Was the kid worried we’d get upset with Sawyer?
“Arlo, it’s cool. Sawyer can take his time. And even if he doesn’t want to talk about this now and here, that’s okay too. He’s just gotta tell us what he wants.”
Arlo nodded, looking from one person to another.
“Chéri, Blaze is correct. You won’t have to talk now or at all.” Henri lifted the menu. “I think I’ll have the grilled chicken sandwich.”
“I’m sorry, Henri,” Sawyer said softly. “What did you want to know?”
Henri placed the menu down. “I would like for you to think if you enjoy your job and want to continue there until the Playhouse is opened or if you wish to have a break from Polished. If you want that break, chéri, Blaze and I will support you.”
His jaw clenched over and over.
The waitress suddenly appeared and asked, “Are you ready to order? I can take your drinks first.”
“Two Dr. Peppers,” I said. “Kids?”
“Can I have an orange soda?” Arlo asked.
“Sure can,” the waitress replied, noting it down on her iPad.
“I’ll have a cola,” Sawyer said.
“For food, Blaze and I are gonna have the deluxe burgers with medium fries, please,” Arlo informed her cheerily.
Henri ordered his meal, and Sawyer looked down at the menu quickly and then up. “I’ll have the cheeseburger and large fries, thanks.”
“No problem. They won’t be long.”
When she walked away, Sawyer looked at Henri and me. “I would like to quit Polished and only work at the Playhouse.”
Reaching over, I knocked my knuckles against the top of his hand. “You got it.”
Henri smiled softly. “Thank you for telling us. You don’t worry about anything, okay? You have Blaze and me. Just come to us when you need something.”
