Page 51 of Butter My Biscuit

Harrison

Nah. I gotchu, babe.

Babe.

I read the word. He’s called me that a million times. Has he always been this flirty? I scroll up to last week and reread our messages with the blinders turned off. I scroll back further, and it’s still the same. Have I been oblivious?

“Yes,” I whisper and lock my phone, “I have.”

With my fingers on the keyboard, I stare out the window as I replay old memories.

“Ahem.” Debbie knocks on the counter. “Baby, you were on a different planet.”

“I feel like it too. Sorry. Whatcha need?”

“Can you help me change the toner?”

I nod, standing, happy for the distraction. When I pass Kinsley, she nods and goes into the break room. I don’t follow her. Once I’m finished with the printer, I keep my gaze forward, not bringing any attention to myself as I pass all the journalists.

The day passes by quickly, and when I clock out, I’m shocked that it’s already dark. It’s the one thing I don’t like about the winter months. I want more sunshine.

As soon as I step outside, Kinsley stops me. “I talked to my sister. She’s in. She said she’d text you this week so you can meet up and chat. Roommates!”

“Oh my God,” I say, giving her a hug. “Thank you!”

Then, I text Harrison and let him know the good news.

Harrison

Told ya it would work out.

Grace

You’re always right. Excited!

Once I’m home, I make sure I have pots and pans. Thankfully, I do.

And then I bide my time until Harrison arrives.

10

HARRISON

“Why are you walkin’ with a pep in your step like that?” Sterling asks when I turn the corner. He’s carrying a shovel full of shit.

Sterling is eighteen, and my youngest brother. After he graduated high school earlier this year, Beckett offered him a job at the training facility. We’ve been teaching him the ropes and giving him more responsibility. He works hard, shows up on time, and follows instructions. It’s been great having him around, even though I give him a hard time.

“Must be going on a date,” Beckett says from the hay loft as he throws a bale over.

“What the hell?!” I yell up at him as it drops right in front of me.

He chuckles and throws another one. “I ain’t got time for you to be walkin’ like a slowpoke. Go on vacation for a weekend and come back with no fucks to give.”

“Oh, he actually had fucks to give?” Sterling chuckles, and I turn to glare at him.

“I remember when you didn’t work here and Beckett couldn’t gang up against me with anyone.”

“The good ole days,” he says with a snicker. Beckett climbs down the ladder and grabs a bale in each hand. “Wait until I get Fenix training here and Emmett too.”

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