Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
I snort with amusement and gesture at the buns. “After these are cut, what else can I help with?”
“Oh, it’s not necessary,” Ruth-Ann says. “You’re all dolled up and here to celebrate.”
So she noticed how I look today? I want to preen and toss my hair, but…food service and long hair don’t mix. With one hand, I tug my long ponytail into a knot atop my head so it stays out of the way. “Correction. I’m here to spend time with you, not to party.”
She glows at my words. “In that case, we’d love the help.”
CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
RUTH-ANN
Simone came to see me. To apologize for hurting my feelings. To tell me that she missed me.
It’s a wonder I’m not a puddle of happiness on the floor. I can’t stop smiling.
I’ve missed seeing her, too. I’ve been tortured this last week, wanting to go and apologize for being weird, and knowing that I can’t. I would love to explain the truth to her, but it’s not just my safety that’s at stake. It’s Ruthie and Ruth, too. We’re all clones, and as much as I want to be at Simone’s side every day, every hour, I can’t tell her the truth of who and what I am. I’ve told myself over the last week that it’s best to not get too invested, to just let things die, no matter how much it hurts.
But she showed up today, stunningly beautiful, with a cake in her arms. And while she claims the cake is for everyone, the look in her eyes tells me the truth. She’s here because of me.
I can’t tell her to leave. The thought never even crosses my mind. All Simone has to do is smile and I’m lost, fascinated by her pretty face and the warmth in her eyes. The way her fingers brush against mine when we reach for the same plates.
Zaemen and I have the kitchen handled between the two of us, meanwhile Jerzec is swamped out on the floor. As the extra pair of hands, Simone opts to wait tables with him. I offer to, but Simone is better with people, and every time I peek out the door, she’s in a lively conversation with seated patrons, making sure they’re enjoying themselves. Pluto behaves himself, curled up on a towel behind the bar that Ruthie thoughtfully set down for him. He probably thinks he’s guarding all of us, which is sweet.
By the time the last orders are in, Zaemen and I are both exhausted. My feet hurt and my clothing smells like seed oil. We turn the exterior lights off, lock the door, and all collapse into a booth in the back of the cantina. Ruthie leans on Kazex’s side, her eyes heavy and tired, while Aithar and Erzah count up the credits. Simone scoots in next to me, our arms brushing, and her smallest finger brushes against mine under the table.
I know it’s a bad idea, but I twine my fingers with hers anyhow. Pluto pushes his way under the table and lies across our feet…and starts licking my ankle. It’s ticklish, but I know it’s because he loves me, so I don’t mind.
“The tables need to be cleaned,” Jerzec says, propping his head up in his hands.
Zaemen slides out of his seat and dramatically sprawls on the floor. Before anyone can comment, he sits up with a grimace. “Ugh. Remind me not to do that again. The floor’s sticky.”
“Tables and floors,” Jerzec amends. “Who wants to volunteer?”
No one says anything.
“Don’t everyone volunteer at once,” he drawls.
“I vote we have Dopekh do it, since he abandoned us today to go moon over Salvotor,” Zaemen says.
“You know what? I second that,” says Erzah.
Ruthie just tucks herself closer to Kaz and lets out a huge yawn. “And we get to do it all over again in the morning.”
“It’s a good problem to have,” I say. “There are worse things than being wildly successful on your opening day.”
Kaz grins and presses a kiss on Ruthie’s now-drooping head. “I’d say we should have a drink and celebrate, but that would involve getting up from here.”
Ruthie doesn’t open her eyes and just groans.
Under the table, I feel Simone’s thumb stroke over the heel of my palm. My nipples prick in response and heat throbs between my thighs. I keep my expression bland, but my heart races at her small touches. “If you guys need help again tomorrow,” Simone says, “I don’t mind stopping by once my cart is empty.”
“You’ve helped plenty,” I protest. “And you have to wake up super early to bake. We can ask Ruth.”
This makes Ruthie open her eyes. “Bad idea. She had major back pain today. Straik’s been hovering over her like a mama bird. He’s not going to let her out of his sight.”
“Okay, not Ruth. Maybe Sakkar, then,” I amend.