Coyote (Hawks MC Next Generation #1) - Lila Rose Page 0,46
Stanley as he made his way into the back with a smirk. “It was more like I knew of him, and one day he saved me from a bullying situation,” I explained as I put on some gloves to prepare the rolls for the lunch crowd who would come in within an hour. “I left school and moved out of town, so we hadn’t seen each other since. Until that day in here.”
“When you hid.”
“Yes, when I hid. I knew he wouldn’t know me, but I didn’t want to risk it. That scene in high school cemented itself deep inside me, and I couldn’t get over the humiliation.”
Denise walked closer. “And now what’s going on with you two?”
“We’re friends. Well, becoming friends after everything that’s happened.”
She smiled. “And you like him?”
“As a friend, yes.”
“But Stanley said—”
“Stanley is seeing things that aren’t there. Anyway, who were you talking about earlier?”
“Bryson. He hasn’t been in for a few days. I have a feeling it’ll change today.”
Well, bugger. I hadn’t even noticed, and now I felt guilty for it. Then again, my mind had been consumed by work and Cody.
“Yeah, maybe,” I said with a shrug. “Here, let me take that tray out the back and I’ll grab some more pies.”
“No problem.” She smiled.
Was I supposed to text Bryson in the last few days to make sure he was okay? I didn’t know if friends did that after their male friend wanted to date but the woman wasn’t interested. God, I sounded like an idiot even in my head.
“Stanley, you’re a man,” I said, taking the tray to the sink.
“Last time I looked, I still had a penis.”
“Well, thank God it hasn’t fallen off.” And why in the heck did I say that?
Stanley snorted. “What do you need, kid?”
“You know how Bryson asked me out—”
“Don’t stress over that meat—” I shot him a look. He amended with “Ah, that guy. He’ll get over his heart shattering.”
“I didn’t shatter his heart,” I told him snippily.
“Uh-huh.”
“I was going to ask, should I have texted him to check on him since he hasn’t been in?”
“Nope.”
“Why?”
“I’m rooting for Coyote.”
Dear God, why did I ask Stanley for advice?
“There is nothing going on there.”
He laughed. “Shit, you’re funny. Go on and get, or I won’t finish my work.”
Grumbling under my breath, I grabbed what I needed and went back out the front.
“Here she is,” Denise said with a smile.
I froze because in front of the register was Clary from Cody’s work. She wasn’t alone either. A tall, slender, yet fit man stood beside her with a beaming smile, as well as a woman with gorgeous long dark brown hair and a warm grin.
“Channa, hello,” Clary greeted.
“Um, hi, Clary.”
“I was just telling Denise I got to try your food at Cody’s shop and wanted to bring some friends with me.”
“She’s right, buttercup. She went on and on and on.”
Clary nudged the man in the side. “This here is Julian.”
I nodded, smiling. “Hello.”
“Aren’t you just delicious!”
My brows dipped, confused by what he meant. However, Clary pulled my attention away when she said, “And this is Zara.”
Zara… why was that name familiar?
“Hi, Channa, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You also.” At least, I think it was. “Thank you for dropping by. What can I get you all?”
“Let me take that while you serve,” Denise said, removing the tray from my hands.
“Thanks,” I told her, and faced Clary, Julian, and Zara, who were all talking about what they should get.
Julian stepped closer. “I don’t know what these two want, but I would kill for a skim milk latte to go with one of those apple turnovers.”
“Skim milk, Julian?” Zara questioned.
“I’ve got to balance it out, SIL, or your brother will have some extra love handles to grab on to.”
Zara rolled her eyes. “I don’t need to know what my brother holds on to.”
Oh, Julian was gay and dating Zara’s brother. It was sweet how close they were.
Zara went on with her order. “I would love a hot chocolate and a pink donut, please.”
I nodded. “No problem. What about you, Clary?”
“I’ll also have a hot chocolate, but I want one of those mini raspberry cheesecakes, thanks.”
“Got it. Are these to take away or have here?”
“We’ll grab a seat,” Julian said.
“Sounds good. It won’t be too long.”
“I’ll get the coffee and hot chocolates,” Denise offered.
“Thanks.” I plated their cakes and had started around the counter when the front door opened. My belly twisted in guilt when Bryson stepped through.