There was a brief knock on the door and then Kyle was walking in. He was all confidence and swagger as he looked Noelle’s way. “Good. I was afraid after Hutch’s performance that you would have run. He should be back in a few minutes and then we’ll get you to work.”
“Hutch performed?” MaeBe asked.
And then Kyle wasn’t so confident. His eyes flared and then softened. “Hey. I didn’t know you were in here. Uhm, everything okay this morning?”
MaeBe gave him a smile. “Yes. I’m good, and thank you for walking me to my car last night.” She nodded Noelle’s way. “I had a date go bad and he works in the building. He seems to think if he bugs me enough, I’ll go out with him again. Big Tag has a bodyguard walk down with me. Kyle got the job last night, and lawyer dude did not show. I think after Jamal stood over the guy and told him if he ever saw him near me again, he would be the one who needed an attorney, he got the message. Jamal has a foot on him and way more muscle.”
“I still think we should keep it up for a while,” Kyle replied, his voice softer than before. “And you have my number. I’ll be on a job for a week or two, but I still want a call if he bugs you again.”
“Sure. It will teach me to date lawyers. My dad always warned me,” MaeBe said with a grin that lit up her face. “I’m sticking to geeks from now on. If a guy can’t speak computer or doesn’t own a bunch of board games, this shop is closed. How about you, Noelle? You’re a science girl. Do you date other scientists?”
Noelle was fairly certain MaeBe didn’t notice the way Kyle’s face had flushed slightly.
He liked the woman but he didn’t think he was her type.
“I don’t date much, but I think opposites can attract. I wouldn’t want someone who was too like me, you know.” Which was why she should stay away from Hutch. Why had he not gotten an undergrad degree? Why didn’t he carry himself the way the other military guys did? “It’s good to have someone in your life who can bring a different perspective. As long as that person is willing to listen to you as well. It’s hard when you meet someone set in their ways and their views.”
“Hutch called her a hick,” Kyle said with a shrug.
MaeBe’s eyes went wide. “What? Hutch wouldn’t say that.” She turned to Noelle. “I don’t know what you heard, but Hutch is like the best. He’s a great boss, and he’s one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. Super laid back.”
“He threatened Tag,” Kyle continued.
MaeBe turned his way. “What? Dude, I need the lowdown on this meeting. What did Tag do? Did they fight over those awesome muffins? Did you try one or are you watching your carbs?”
“Watch my carbs?” Kyle frowned. “I don’t have to watch my carbs. And Noelle brought them in.”
“My Aunt Lisa knows Mr. Taggart from way back and told me the best way to soften him up was to offer him something lemony,” Noelle replied. “I like to bake. I got it from my mom. I like to think that all those times we spent in the kitchen together were my first experiments. I’m glad you liked them. And I wasn’t that offended by what Hutch said. It’s not like I’ve never heard it before. I’m from small-town Southern Louisiana. I’ve been called a hick many times.”
“I never used that word.” Hutch was in the doorway, frowning her way. “And I’ve apologized. I know what it’s like to be stereotyped, so I shouldn’t have done it. Now, MaeBe, do you have our credentials?”
MaeBe stood up taller. “All done, boss. Anyone looks and you are from Papillon, Louisiana, by way of Dallas. You and your brother Kyle were born here in Texas. You moved to Louisiana when your dad took a job at a place called Beaumont Oil. I can’t change your accents so you can’t be born there. You met your girlfriend in high school. The rest of the story you two need to work out, but let me know if I can get you anything. You’ll find you have a credit card, library privileges at the Papillon Parish Library, and a grocery store discount card. I also Photoshopped some pics of you and your bro