And with that, I walk away from her to retrieve some meals from the kitchen to deliver.
It’s a wonder that I don’t drop the plates, my hands are shaking so hard.
I established with Luna last night that I’mnotgood with any type of confrontation, but I’ve also resolved myself to having my own back.
I can’t be walked all over anymore.
“Here you go,” I say brightly as I set the meals in front of the family of four. “I’ll grab you some ketchup and another round of Cokes. What else can I get you?”
“This looks great,” the dad says with a nod, and he smiles up at me. “Thanks a lot.”
“You’re welcome.”
I walk away with a spring in my step. That simple smile was all I needed to make me feel better.
It’s so simple. I’m not asking for the world.
When I pass by Angela, she’s not speaking to me, but that’s fine by me.
“What’s up there?” Sunny asks as she joins me in the kitchen where I’m filling cups with ranch.
“She asked me to cover her shift tomorrow so she could go pick up her kid from her ex in Newport. I turned her down.”
“Good girl. She wants to go to aconcertin Newport, and her kid is spending the weekend with her mom, right here in Huckleberry Bay.”
I stare at Sunny for a full ten seconds. “You’re kidding me.”
“Nope, it’s the truth. You take your day off and get some rest. Or bounce on that fine man you’re seeing. Hell, do both.”
“You know what? I think Iwilldo both. I like Angela. I know that she’s moody sometimes, but I thought she was my friend.”
“Whoa.” Sunny holds up a hand, stopping me. “She’s aworkfriend. And that’s not to say that those can’t also carry over into real life, but I’ve been doing this job a long damn time, and I’m going to tell you something. Be friendly. Be kind. Laugh together when you’re on shift. It makes the days so much better.”
“But?”
“But watch your back. Just because you get along well doesn’t mean that you can trust her, or anyone else, to haveyourbest interests at heart. I wouldn’t do you dirty like that, but I don’t know that I’d say the same about anyone else here, aside from Gordy.”
“That’s a good reminder. Thanks, Sunny.”
“Also, if she flips you any shit, you let me know.”
“Nah. I’ll handle it. I’m no longer accepting any extra shit in my life.”
“Good girl,” Sunny says with an impressed nod. “I love it.”
The rest of my day goes way better than the previous one. Customers are happier, andI’min a much better mood.
Is it possible that I’ve been feeding off of the bad energy, and vice versa? Probably.
Tanner picks me up at three, looking sexier than any man should be allowed to in a blue polo and jeans, and when he takes off his sunglasses, he takes me in from head to toe.
“Trust me, I know I need a shower and clothes that aren’t covered in food.”
“I was just thinking that you look good enough to eat.”
I smile over at him. “Well, thanks. How was your day?”
“Profitable. And now I get to spend some quality time with you, so it just got even better.”