Page 41 of Secret Spark

“And you get a steady paycheck from this?”

“More or less.” Her lips twitched.

“Don’t give her the third degree,” Sadie said.

“Somebody has to,” Amit said. “Have you been convicted of a crime, major or minor?”

Joan grinned. “I haven’t.”

“Clean driving record?”

“Yes.”

“And you’re single? Not in any sort of complicated relationship with an ex?”

Sadie rolled her eyes. “She lives across the hall.”

“I don’t have a secret wife hiding in my apartment,” Joan said. She seemed to be enjoying this, fortunately, because Sadie was not.

Amit gave Joan an up-and-down appraisal. He wound up to ask another inappropriate question, so Sadie gestured to their regular customer. “A valued patron is waiting, Mr. Manager.”

His frown suggested he wasn’t done yet, but he turned to take the guy’s order.

“Sorry,” Sadie told Joan. “He’s trying to protect me.”

“It’s all good. I like that you have someone looking out for you.”

Nyah walked over with the tub of dirty dishes. Sadie introduced the two. Her coworker said, “I heard you like to cook.”

“I do,” Joan said.

“What’s this about you opening a food truck?”

Joan shot Sadie another quick glance, then said, “It’s something I’ve had an interest in. I’m learning more about everything involved with them. If I do it, I want to do it right.”

“They’re a lot of work.”

“I thrive in high-stress situations.”

Nyah considered her for a moment, then gave a decisive nod. “Okay. As long as you respect my girl here, we’re cool.”

“Thanks,” Joan said. “I’ll do my best.”

Ny continued on her way, pausing behind Joan to raise her eyebrows and mouth, “Wow.”

Sadie gave her a look in return likeRight? I told you this one was different.Joan kindly pretended not to notice.

“So what can I get you?” Sadie pointed at the black-and-white menu board on the wall.

Joan surveyed the options. “Why don’t you surprise me?”

“Okay.” Not like she hadn’t been thinking about what Joan would want. “I have just the thing. Hot coffee’s okay, right?”

“Hot drinks are my jam.”

Sadie whipped up an espresso with cayenne pepper and honey. She poured a steamed whole milk heart on top. Offering Joan the paper cup, she said, “One Kick Me Up to go.”

“Thank you. Aww.” Joan smiled at the heart. “Cute. I’ve never tried to make latte art. Will you teach me how to do it?”

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