Page 35 of Possess

“Thanks.” Allyson’s muscles relaxed.

“Then I’m done here.” Linda stood and left.

“I agree with Linda’s assessment and yours. You’ve never shown favoritism to anyone that I’ve noticed, especially not Riggs or Starr. You write them both up when things are not done correctly.”

“I haven’t had to write Riggs up for a while.” She had in the beginning, mainly minor stuff. But just like the missing plug cover, she wrote it on her report; that was her job, and she took pride in it.

“You’ll do fine. Was there anything else?”

“No. I wanted you to be aware.” Allyson stood up and left. Well, that was out of the way, for now anyway. She would tell Zeke what was said. Life was about to get interesting.

* * * *

Allyson pulled up to Sweet and Savory on Friday with a smile. She needed this lunch with Dani. After seeing Zeke Wednesday, she needed to talk to her best friend. This morning, she’d found a box sitting on her desk.

Zeke. He must have forgotten to not send her any more gifts at work. She opened the box to see a miniature rose encased in glass. A beautiful paperweight. The note made her smile.

Last one at work, I promise. I saw this and knew you needed it. Z.

She put the paperweight on her desk. If anyone asked, she’d say it was from a friend. Rudy could make all the remarks he wanted.

A part of her was tickled pink that Zeke was being so thoughtful and attentive.

Dani already had a table, and Allyson waved to her as she entered. “Want me to get our lunch?” she offered as she set her bag on the empty chair.

“Sure. You know what I like,” Dani said as she dug her wallet out.

“I’ll get it.”

“You got it last time.” Dani handed her some cash. “Don’t argue with me.”

Allyson laughed and took the money. She took her place in line, ordered, and was handed a number. Lara told her to put it at the end of her table, that they were trying something new.

“They’re bringing the food to the table now?” Dani asked as Allyson placed the number at the end of the table and handed Dani her change.

“Looks like it. It makes sense with the café being so busy. This way, they don’t have people stacked up waiting.” Allyson noticed how the tables were full, and there were more employees than before. This was good for Lara and her business. And if Allyson remembered the timeline right, the wall between the café and the ice cream shop would come down this weekend.

“Movie tonight?” Allyson asked.

“I can’t. I’m working,” Dani said.

“How? You’re working in the dark now?”

Dani giggled. “Sorry, I’m working at the club.”

“Oh?” Allyson leaned forward. Ever since Zeke told her he was a member, she wanted to know more about Wicked Sanctuary. “What are you doing?”

Dani tilted her head and stared at her. “Checking people in, that’s all.”

Allyson looked up as their food was delivered. “Thank you.” They both dug in, and after a few minutes, Allyson came up for air. That’s what she got for skipping breakfast.

“So you’re checking people into the club.” Allyson had a thousand questions swirling around in her mind.

Dani polished off her sandwich. “Yes. I can see you’re curious, but I’m restricted in what I can tell you.”

“I understand.” She scrunched up her nose. Maybe that’s why Dani hadn’t told her Zeke was part of the club. She thought about how to phrase the question she wanted to ask. “Do you think I’m submissive?”

Dani choked.

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