Page 22 of Razor
“What are you researching?” Honey leaned toward him, intrigued.
“I’m investigating whether a link exists between cancer and stress.”
“Is there?” In awe of his intelligence and training, Honey waited to hear his answer.
“Definitely, scientists have known stress can worsen illnesses and diseases. The human mind is powerful. It can work for our health or against it. I’m in the preliminary stages of a study that appears now as groundbreaking.”
“That’s incredible. Definitely, I’m in worse shape if I’m stressed out. I’m better on the weekends when I’m away from the factory.”
“I’m sorry your job is so tense, Honey. Could you search for another?” Razor’s brows drew together, and she knew he was concerned.
Honey shrugged. “I tried that a few months ago and went on two interviews that seemed promising. They were interested in me during the phone conversations. The in-person meeting didn’t go as well. I think they suspected something was wrong with me. Insurance costs are so high for companies these days….”
“It’s illegal to discriminate for health conditions. Tell me what the companies were.” Razor’s face was hard with anger.
“I won’t do that, Razor. Relax. Eat. I don’t want to work somewhere that doesn’t find me a good fit. That’s even more stressful.”
He shook his head and didn’t follow up on that topic. “What are our choices for pottery?”
Honey smiled at him, thanking him without words for letting it go. “I think we have everything from vases to plates to curio boxes. What do you need in your life?”
“A vase sounds like a useful idea.”
“Do you like flowers?” she asked, eyeing him to see if he looked like a flower person.
“Of course. What about you? What’s your favorite blossom?”
“I love things that smell heavenly. My childhood home had a huge jasmine plant outside my room. I adored springtime when I could sleep with the windows open and the scent would waft inside all night.”
“Nice. Maybe you should plant jasmine outside now?”
“I rent my duplex. Maybe someday.”
Razor entertained her with his far-ranging interests and fun conversation. There wasn’t an awkward moment after his angry reaction when she explained why she was stuck at her job. Honey liked that he wanted to stand up for her. No one had ever reacted that strongly in her defense.
Finally, she admitted, “I can’t eat any more. That’s way too good, but way too much. You were right to order me a small serving.”
“Were you concerned?” he asked, searching her face.
Honey opened her mouth to answer no but couldn’t lie. “The thought crossed my mind that you might be one of those guys who doesn’t think a woman should indulge very much.”
“Thank you for telling me the truth. I should have explained the portions here. For future reference, I don’t give a flying fuck how much you have unless it’s several pounds of candy in one setting. Then we’ll have a conversation about your sweet tooth.”
“Sounds good.” She liked that he didn’t promise to remain quiet if he saw her making extremely poor decisions. That fit his role as a doctor. “Are you always so honest?”
“To those I care about? Yes. I hope you’ll return the favor. Now, let me go pay the bill and we can head over to the studio.”
Razor stood and tucked a few bills under his plate. She waited until he was busy at the register before checking to see if she needed to add more. Honey had waitressed in high school and knew what a tough job it was. To her delight, he’d tipped generously. Since he hadn’t made a show of sharing how much he’d left, she guessed he routinely took care of his servers.
She scooted out of the booth and headed for the front to go to visit the restroom. Hesitating at the edge of the seating area, she glanced back at the strange one-sided table. It wouldn’t be her favorite—that would be the spot Razor had emptied for her at Inferno—but it was definitely in second place.
Chapter 7
Razor hadn’t enjoyed a day as much in years. Maybe ever. He didn’t want it to end.
“Would you like to come home with me for dinner, Honey?” he asked as he boosted her into the passenger seat after their class.
“Dinner? I don’t think I could eat anything.”
