Page 126 of Aftershock
While he speaks, Alaric turns me around, his deft fingers fixing my hair.
“Who asked you?” the first man groans.
“Don’t worry about them. We’re going to walk out of here together.” Alaric spins me, kisses me, grabs his stethoscope, then pulls me behind him and looks at me over his shoulder. “I’ve got you.”
I nod, forcing a smile on my lips and hoping like hell it reaches my eyes.
27
LILITH
“I’m gonna run to the bathroom real quick.” Hope tugs at the knot of her apron behind her neck, then pauses. “Unless you need me to stay?”
My eyes skim over the crime scene that is the cafeteria.
Coffee and milk stain the counter by the coffee machine. A few napkins are scattered on the floor. The salad station is a mess. The sandwich and pastry display is empty. And the tables…yikes.
Usually, I like it when it’s busy, but wow. What was in the water today? The lunch crowd was brutal. So brutal that Delany, our boss, had to jump in and help because the line for the cafeteria never seemed to end. She stayed with us until we handed the last customer his order, then slipped away to make some phone calls, leaving just Hope and me at the front.
So, yeah, of course I need her.
But cleaning up can wait. Plus, I’ve been dying to have a few minutes to myself for a couple of reasons.
One, I’m pretty sure I have an unread text from Alaric, since I haven’t seen him around today.
Two, there’s a picture of a certain anonymous man I need to identify.
“Hey.” After placing her apron under the counter, she rubs my shoulder. “You know what? I don’t have to go that bad. You look like you could use a break. Go, I’ll wait.”
Her words cut through my scheming thoughts and send warmth through my body.
She’s always been a sweetheart, but working here has only made her even more considerate. I’m so impressed and proud, especially since she’s running on fumes. Spending her nights either writing down business ideas or experimenting with new recipes and perfecting older ones must be exhausting. Still, she doesn’t let it show.
“No, no.” I pat her hand, blinking furiously so I don’t start crying like an idiot. “I’m good. You go first.”
“Lil…” Genuine concern clouds her features. “Are you like this because Alaric hasn’t stopped by today?”
“No.” Well, maybe a tiny bit. But even if he had come to say hello, I wouldn’t have been able to spare him a minute. “It’s because I’m so fucking proud of you.”
“I’m just doing my job.” Hope’s cheeks flush, and she shifts on her feet. “Same as everyone else.”
“You’re notjustanything.” My eyes heat. “You’re responsible, hardworking?—”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Her cheeks burn brighter than before. Then she steals one look at the nonexistent line behind her and says, “Anyway, be right back.”
“Okay” barely leaves my mouth before she takes off.
As soon as she’s gone, I blink away the tears and snatch the phone out of my pocket.
The first five notifications are emails from the realtor about Hope’s bakery.
They matter, though they don’t get my blood pumping like Alaric’s texts do.
Alaric:Tell me one good thing about your day.
Alaric:I’d ask in person, but we’re backed up.
Me:Nothing special. Today was busy but fine. Are you eating? Drinking?
