Page 14 of Beautiful Deceit
Jude runs through her work history and asks if she'd be comfortable being at the store at night. She's an acquaintance of his; there's some familiarity when they speak.
Soon, she and Jude stand.
Jude asks Beau, "Is there something special you'd like to try?"
Beau shakes his head no, "Anything's fine." Jude rubs his hands together as he gets that twinkle back in his eyes. He and Molly move behind the drink area. I see him explaining a few things about the vintage machinery before they get started.
Jude is twenty-five and has a degree in art history. In truth, he is seriously overqualified. He started working here after he got tired of working in a museum after a few years. He hated how lonely he got at work. He's definitely a people person and has brought the coffee cart into a serious money-making enterprise. I don’t know what I would do without all his great work.
"Is he your partner?" I shake my head, but Beau’s question gives me an idea.
"No, but maybe I need to change our arrangement." If Jude had more of a vested interest in the store, maybe he'd stick around. I look over at Beau, his lips are in a tight line.
"Arrangement?" He sounds bothered.
"Yeah, I was just thinking if I made him part-owner, at least in the coffee portion of the store, he'd stick around." I muse out loud. “He’s honestly too overqualified to just make coffee.”
Beau clears his throat drawing my attention again, "Is he quitting?"
"I don't think so, but Mark has to be done with his residency soon."
"Mark?" He prompts
"Jude's---" I tilt my head trying to indicate silently what I mean. I don’t want to out him in the store. I continue to answer, “He doesn’t share much about his personal life. He has a huge following, and they would lose it if they knew he was taken.” I tut and wave my hand in front of my face, "I usually possess a much better filter." I laugh quietly at myself.
"I like how you say what's on your mind." There is a sweetness in his voice which makes me look closer at him.
A question leaves my mouth before I can rethink it.
"Why do you always wear that hat?" He seems taken back by my question but doesn't have time to form a response as Jude and Molly walk up.
Molly sets a large tea tray on the table and begins pointing out which drinks are which. I taste two and find them agreeable. Jude and Beau split the other six.
"I don't really know what they're supposed to taste like, but they were all good." Beau offers.
"Thank you," Molly says sounding pleased.
"You did great. We have a few more applicants to see, but when we make the final decision, I'll let you know."
She smiles and gives Jude a one-armed hug, "Great! Hope to hear from you soon."
Jude has a seat in the chair Molly was in originally.
"So, what'd you think?" I ask him.
"She's good. My only concern is how many jobs she's had in the past year. She said it's usually lack of hours or money that keeps her looking for something more. I don't think she’d have that problem here. Jess could use help at lunch, and I could use an extra pair of hands with the after-work rush. It would free us up a bit if we need time off."
I nod my acceptance, "All right, but I have to ask are you planning on leaving?"
Jude's face scrunches up, "No, what gave you that idea?"
"Just overthinking I guess." I smile knowing I'm still going to offer him stakes in the drink counter. "I'm glad. You want to come in a little earlier on Monday?” he raises a brow at this, “I have a proposal for you."
His eyes sparkle, "Sammy are you propositioning me?" He acts scandalized.
"I sure am," I say low and breathless.
We both start hooting. Beau is sitting watching us with a frown.
