Page 25 of When Forever Falls Apart

“TikTok, no. Porn, yes.”

She rolls her eyes. “That’s such a guy response. Fine, but if I tell them you’re busy, expect a shitty tip.”

My shoulders tense as I mutter, “This is not what I signed up for.”

I try to ignore the group staring at me while Madelina is at the table chatting to them. Whatever she is saying seems to hold their attention, but I keep myself busy at the counter to avoid being called over.

Minutes later, Madelina returns, remaining quiet as she attends to the coffee machine.

“See, that was easy,” I say with satisfaction.

“Hmm, not really. I had to make up a story about you being emotionally unavailable and possibly gay,” Madelina responds at the same time she pulls a mug close to her, only for some coffee to spill, missing the apron and hitting the side of her dress. “Oh no!”

It’s hard to keep my smug grin to myself, but based on what I know of Madelina, she will notice my expression and call me out for it. “Baking soda and vinegar. There’s some in the kitchen. You may want to use it, or your dress is a goner.”

Madelina releases a huff, disappearing into the kitchen, then returning minutes later. I briefly glance at her dress and notice the stain is gone.

“You’re a genius.” She sighs with relief. “So, I guess a white dress wasn’t a good idea?”

I hold back from mentioning she looks cute and has fantastic legs, and instead say, “A potato sack will be more appropriate.”

A customer walks to the counter, ordering a dozen takeaway pineapple mini-donuts, which is Eva’s specialty. As soon as I’m done serving the young man, Madelina grabs my hand and starts leading me across the café.

“We’re doing this for Eva, remember? The girl we both love so much. Now suck it up and stop being my grumpy boss.”

“I’m not your boss,” I remind her, realizing only now she’s making me join those girls for a so-called video.

“Oh, hey, thanks for being in our video. I’m Meadow Rain,” the girl introduces herself with an over-the-top grin.

Meadow Rain.She’s got one ofthosenames. Upon looking at her plate, she ordered the vegan chocolate donut and, of course, a matcha. Madelina pinches my arm, forcing me to smile politely.

The following five minutes are pure hell. I’m instructed to partake in some trend with Madelina while the girls film. The moment it’s over, I bail to the kitchen and scour the cupboard for anything remotely alcoholic to erase what just happened. As I come up with nothing, I remind myself that there is only an hour left before the store closes, and a bottle of bourbon on the boat is calling my name.

Madelina walks into the kitchen, laughing. “They’re gone, but you’re a natural. Girls will froth at the mouth seeing you on screen,” Madelina continues with a grin, but then she diverts her gaze, lowering her head. “I mean, you know… Forget I said that.”

We both pivot away as we get ready to close up for the day. Suddenly, Madelina’s cell phone blares, slicing through the quiet buzz as she halts her rhythmic wiping of the glass.

“Uh, really?” she murmurs under her breath, her brow furrowing slightly. “Eva asked me to swing by the house and check if the kitchen tiles were installed correctly.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Do you even know what you’re looking for?”

Her voice trails off for a moment, and then a playful smile dances across her lips. “Yes… Wait, okay, no. Please come with me. That way, if it turns out wrong, we can both claim ignorance together.”

“You know I have a life outside of this place?”

She rests a gentle yet firm hand on my shoulder, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “But do youreally?”

I cross my arms beneath my chest, cocking my head slightly. “Wow, you’re already throwing jabs at me? Impressive.”

“Right…just like a big brother. I miss Aston,” she sighs with her lips curved upward.

“Your brother is with my sister, you know. Off doing things we’d rather not think about,” I remind her. “In case you’ve forgotten.”

Madelina shakes her head with disapproval. “We don’t discuss their private life, deal?”

With a resigned chuckle, I nod. “Deal.”

She leans closer, her expression shifting, and she grabs my hands and pleads, “So, you’ll come with me? Pretty please, with a cherry on top?”