Page 26 of Beat around the Bush
“I’m five, but my birthday is soon so I’m almost six,” Avery answered for her mom.
“Are you having a birthday party?” I asked her.
Avery nodded, smiling wide. “It’s gonna have a lot of pink stuff. Mom said I can pick out the colors for my cake.”
“In a few months. I’m baking the cake for her,” Sage, according to her nametag, added.
“I bet it’ll be the best cake ever,” I told Avery.
“It will. I know it.” She turned to her mom. “Mom, can I have a donut?”
Sage frowned down at her. “You’ve already had one and a half.”
“But I’m hungry,” she complained, holding her stomach for emphasis.
Sage tapped a pen to her chin in thought, then said, “Half of one. But only if you promise to go back to your drawing table.”
“Okay!” Avery agreed.
Sage slid open the glass door and grabbed the donut with pink icing, ripping it in half and handing one side to Avery. She grabbed it from her and ran back through the doors, crumbs falling tothe ground in her wake.
“Want a free half of a donut?” Sage asked, sliding the bakery cabinet doors closed.
I laughed. “Sure. And one black coffee to go, please.” Lennon liked it black, I knew that much. The distinct smell of black coffee lingered in his office every time I walked by. I’d know if he was a creamer kind of guy.
She placed the donut in a brown paper bag and folded the top, then turned to grab an empty cup and filled it with rich coffee. The scent invaded my nose, making me wish I’d give in and use some of the cash Lennon gave me for a coffee of my own.
“You don’t peg me for a black coffee kind of gal,” Sage observed as she set the cup on the counter in front of me.
“Oh, it’s not for me. I’m a latte girl through and through.”
She smiled, her dark lashes casting a shadow over her cheeks as she typed the total into the register. “Two dollars.”
I pulled the wad of cash from my pocket, taking four dollar bills out. I handed her two, then placed the other two in the tip jar. Lennon seemed like a tipper. He’d appreciate it.
“I’m Sage, by the way. That tornado of a child is my daughter, Avery,” she said after closing the register drawer.
“Oakley,” I offered, grabbing the coffee and bag.
“Are you new to town? I haven’t seen you around.”
“I am. I’m working at Tumbleweed Feed down the block.”
“Lennon’s a great guy, but I’m sure he’s an even better boss,” she said, really putting the emphasis on how small of a town this was.
I gave a closed-lip smile, remembering how he’d stood up for me in front of that customer the other day who tried to tip me a quarter.
“Thanks for the coffee and half donut,” I said.
She grinned. “Of course. Come on in anytime.”
Once I had money, I’d definitely be doing that. Nothing cheered me up like a vanilla latte on ice.
Making my way out of the store, I hurried down the main street to Tumbleweed Feed. It felt weird going in there on my day off, but I had no choice. I didn’t want to keep his money longer than I had to.
I passed closed shop doors with bright lights glowing inside, lighting up the sidewalk on this overcast day. I could practically feel the heat coming from the inside of the stores as I walked, but it did little to ease my nerves at seeing Lennon after last night.
I couldn’t believe I’d asked if he was going to try to sleep with me. I was his employee, for crying out loud. He probably thought I was just some typical girl trying to get into any guy's pants that paid me the slightest bit of attention. Plus, he probably only helped me get home safe because he didn’t want to lose another employee.
