Page 17 of High Side
As if she’d had any control over the back of the rig from her spot at the front. It was almost impossible to flip the guide from their oar stand the way it was created.
Shegrrred.
And to make it worse, Kylie was avoiding her. Like the plague. Not a single word today. Not even a look. Just a stiff back.
Dammit. She hadn’t done anything wrong. Not one. Damn. Thing. She was going to catch Kylie’s eye as soon as she could, because she wanted to ask what the hell she’d done to lose the interest that had been so clear.
Lupe was sitting behind the desk, took the radio and handed her a brownie. “What’s up, chica? You got a frown.”
“Huh? Oh, I just need to talk to someone.” She smiled at Lupe, then sniffed the brownie. “Yum. Thank you.”
“Sure. Have a seat. Talk. I’m listening.” Lupe motioned to the soft, cushy leather chair behind the counter.
“Huh? Oh, uh, I just get the impression that I’m in trouble for that stunt Joshua pulled, and I swear, I had nothing to do with it.” There. That wasn’t accusing anyone of anything or talking about personal issues. This lady was one of the bosses.
Lupe rolled her eyes. “That boy is a menace. He came in here begging for his job. Kylie told him the way of the world.”
“She did?” Brittany blinked. “I thought maybe she was listening to him.”
“She listened. She’s not stupid. He bailed on y’all. She saw who helped, who stayed, who had her head on straight.”
“Wow. Cool.” She unwrapped her brownie and bit into it. “Yum. This is amazing.”
“Made it at noon. I try to always have treats for my kids after work. Y’all work hard.”
“No one has ever given me a brownie at an outfitter before.” She loved howmomLupe was.
“No? That’s a shame. I want my guides happy.”
“I am. Really.” She grinned. “Especially now I know I’m not in trouble.”
“Oh, honey. If you’re in trouble, it’s clear. Kylie is about as subtle as a hammer.”
“She just—” Brittany bit her lip.
“She what?” Lupe smiled, encouraging her.
“Well, she was friendly, but today she cut me dead.” And she was telling tales, but it was hurting her feelings, dammit.
“Did she say anything? Did y’all have words?” Now Lupe was the one wearing the frown.
“No, ma’am.” Brittany shrugged, not wanting Kylie to get in a jam either. “She’s probably just busy, and I have new girl paranoia.” She stuffed more brownie in her mouth to keep it from flapping. Like a fool.
“Oh, if she was mad, honey, you’d know it. She’s pretty damn clear, as a rule.”
“Coo’.” She munched, then swallowed. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to talk with my mouth full. Anything you want to give me in way of feedback? I’m not needy, but while I’m here, if I need to improve…”
“Liz says you’re doing great.”
“Thank you so much.” She waited to be excused, because if Kylie wasn’t upset, she was going to poke her.
Dammit, she was already invested enough in this to want to talk it over. Give it a chance.
“We’re glad to have you. Jilly says you’re a great roomie.”
“She’s awesome.” Jilly was, and after that first night, she hadn’t pushed about her and Kylie, either.
“She’s one of my dear kids. I adore her.”
