Page 67 of Effortless

Peel, slice, chop.

I repeat the process for what feels like minutes but is actually a couple hours. Working around Franky as he continues his prep for lunch and when the lunch rush starts, I have three pies baked and cooling, ready to be served.

“Someone’s here to see you,” Leah says with a smile.

I wipe my hands on my apron after washing them and rush out to the dining room, expecting to see Cash.

But it’s not Cash who’s waiting for me.

“Trotter!” I squeal, running to him.

“Babycakes! Look at you! You’re all domestic!”

He wraps me in a bear hug that I return.

After he releases me, I punch him in the shoulder. “What are you doing here?”

“Ouch!” He grabs his arm. “Why are you so mean? And strong? What the hell?!”

I show off my guns. “It’s from actually doing stuff for myself for the first time in my life. You should try it.”

“I’ll have you know I do my own laundry now.”

“No, you don’t,” Logan interrupts. “I do it and you watch.”

“She didn’t need to know that.”

“Hey, Hadley.” Logan grins, giving me a hug.

After our hellos are finished, I walk them to a booth next to the window. “Best seat in the house.”

“Is that so?” Trotter wonders, looking around at all the tables that look the same.

“I said it so it’s true. What can I get ya?”

“You just assume we’re eating here?”

I give him a look and he takes a seat quickly.

“We’re eating here,” Logan agrees quietly. “Coke, please.”

“Same.”

“When did you switch from diet?”

“When I told him all the fake sugar can cause cancer. We’d both rather be chubby and drink sugar than end up with cancer.”

I poke Trotter in the side. “Thought I could see a few extra pounds on you.”

His mouth drops open and he glares at Logan. “You said it wasn’t noticeable!”

Logan shrugs. “Maybe I like my men with a little meat on their bones.”

I try to suppress my laughter but it’s impossible. I sound like Kitty onThat 70’s Showwhen she holds back her giggle before it explodes from her throat.

“I’ll let you two chubby bunnies battle that one out and be back with your drinks. Menus are right there.” I point to the back of the booth behind the condiments.

“Oh, how cute!” Trotter says, lifting it in the air.

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