Page 81 of Cold As Ice
“Then you’re missing out.” Her eyes crinkled with laughter, but I heard the pride in her voice.
“What can I get you this morning?” I asked.
“I think I’ll have the same as before. Almond milk macchiato and a dark chocolate brookie bar, please, and one to go.”
“Coming right up.”
I got her order ready and added it to her tray when I noticed Kayleigh pinning up the poster about the new menu taste testing night.
“So this might sound a little strange,” I said, “but my boss is hoping to launch some new gluten-free and vegan options soon. She wants to test them out on a willing group of customers first. I don’t suppose you’d be interested?”
“Free samples?” Her face lit up. “Count me in.”
“Great, I’ll add your name to the list. Harper—”
“Harper Dixon. Can I invite some friends?”
“Sure, the more the merrier. Here’s a flyer with some more information.” I plucked one off the pile in Kayleigh’s hands.
“Got your first guinea pig,” I said.
“Excellent. You’re a student?”
Harper nodded, and the two of them started talking while I moved on to the next customer.
Harper was pretty. Kind and grounded. And she went out with a hockey player.
She’dtameda hockey player.
The urge to drag her to one of the quiet tables in the back of the shop and quiz her went through me. But I couldn’t do that without giving away mine and Austin’s little secret.
So I trapped the words behind my lips and focused on my job.
Telling myself that it was better this way.
* * *
Austin: Long day?
Madison: The longest. Imogen bumped her head at my friend’s place. I had to take her to the medical center to get checked out. We only got back an hour ago.
Austin: Shit, I’m sorry. Is she okay?
I glanced down at the sleeping ball of curls tucked into my side and smiled. She was okay now, but it had been touch-and-go there for a while. Pretty sure my t-shirt was still damp from all the tears and snot.
Madison: She’s fine. She’s got a nasty bruise, but her brain isn’t going to melt out of her ears.
Austin: Let me guess, she has a super active imagination?
Madison: You wouldn’t believe the half of it. How was practice?
Austin: Strange without Connor. But it’s good to be back on the ice.
Madison: How is he doing?
Austin: Better now he’s back in Lakeshore and has fixed things with his girl. Being stuck in the house is going to drive him insane though.
Madison: That’s good. I should get some sleep. I’ve got a double shift tomorrow.
