Page 34 of Cinder
He looks at me solemnly. “I’m big.”
“I can see that. Very big. But even big people check their footing.”
Behind me, there’s a bright laugh.
“Max! I turn around for five seconds.”
I glance back to the owner of the familiar voice, and smile before I can stop myself. “He was moments from faceplanting.”
Remi’s grin widens. “Thanks for the rescue.”
“You’re welcome,” I say lightly, lifting her son properly onto the stool and turning him so he’s secure. Max bangs his heels against the stool, delighted with his elevation.
“Didn’t expect to find you here,” Remi adds, eyeing the apron.
“Trial shift,” I say. “Jury’s still out.”
“I heard you were looking,” she replies, amused. “The boys were very invested in your cinnamon bun crime yesterday.”
I groan. “I ordered one fair and square, though they tried to derail me with Spice Girls propaganda.”
“They don’t get much entertainment.”
“That’s mildly concerning.”
A shadow shifts behind her, and Colt steps in, with a baby tucked against his chest.
“Max,” he says mildly, clocking the stool situation in one glance. “You climbing again?”
“Penny saved him,” Remi tells him.
“Ah.” His mouth tips slightly at the corner. “Appreciate that.”
“It was nothing.”
The baby stirs and lets out a small, indignant noise.
“And this,” Remi says, reaching to adjust the blanket, “is Zela.”
Zela’s eyes are enormous and unimpressed by everything.
“Hi, Zela,” I say softly.
Max twists to look at me again. “She cries loud.”
“I believe you,” I whisper.
Remi laughs again. “You’ll see us around a bit.” She gestures to Colt. “Though he’s in here with the boys more than we are.”
“Occupational hazard,” Colt says dryly.
Behind me, Gwen finishes the order I abandoned and slides the drink into place.
“Don’t get adopted mid-shift,” she says under her breath.
“I’ll try not to,” I reply.
Remi hears it and grins.
