Page 32 of Novel Problems

You need to take a leaf out of your own book and get better at addressing your issues head on.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

GEORGE

Feeling somewhat refreshed after a latte, Romina’s tasty muffin, and a hot shower, I walked back into Novel Gossip. The morning rush was just starting, and Ben was behind the counter, serving Betty and her friend, who were lining up as usual to order the cake of the day. Looking around, I spotted Hannah clearing tables and frowned. I’d told her to go home, but she clearly hadn’t listened.

As Hannah headed back toward the kitchen, carrying a tray of empty coffee cups, she wobbled unsteadily on her feet.

“I’ll take the tray. You, go home,” I said, channeling my best authoritative boss voice while I studied her face. Even paler than usual, with dark rings under her eyes and slightly messy hair, she still looked beautiful. Stubborn, but beautiful. “Come on, you’ve done enough.”

“I’m fi—” Hannah swayed, and I grabbed the tray with one hand and her shoulder with the other to keep her from falling.

“Hannah, you’re exhausted.” I placed the tray on the counter so I had two hands ready in case Hannah collapsed on the floor. “I can’t let you keep working in this state. You’d be exposing me and Novel Gossip to liability.” I had no idea if that was actually the case, but it sounded convincing. Hopefully it would persuade Hannah to go home.

Hannah frowned and grabbed the counter to steady herself. “Maybe I just need to take a little break. I think all those coffee beans I ate are finally wearing off.”

I furrowed my brow. There was no way she was going to be able to walk or drive home in this state, but I also didn’t have time to drive her. While we’d been speaking, another five customers had entered, and Ben needed help. There was only one option I could think of.Thank god my apartment is relatively tidy at the moment. “Why don’t you lie down upstairs? I’ve got a spare bedroom. Ben and I have everything under control,” I said gently.

Hannah looked unsure. She took her hand off the counter for a moment, swayed again, and then nodded. “If you’re sure that’s okay, maybe a little nap would help.”

“Of course.” I carefully led Hannah through the kitchen, ignoring Romina’s inquisitive eyes, and up the stairs to my apartment.

Max greeted us with excitement. “Sorry, I forgot to mention Max. I hope you don’t mind dogs.”

“Not at all. Hello buddy.” Hannah bent down to give Max a pat and lurched forward, nearly losing balance.

I grabbed her by the shoulders and righted her.God, sleep deprived Hannah on a caffeine come down was kind of adorable.“Let’s get you into bed. Plenty of time to shower Max with affection later.”

Holding her arm, I took her down the hallwayto the spare bedroom and gently sat her on the bed. “Here you go. Just make yourself at home. I’ll leave a spare towel out for you and a change of clothes in case you want a shower.”

“Thank you,” Hannah managed, leaning down and pulling off her shoes.

Wanting to give her some privacy, I left her to it and walked back down to Novel Gossip, ready to start the day for a second time.

As I passed through the kitchen, I grabbed a plate of zucchini and corn fritters that was sitting on the counter and delivered it to one of our regulars. On my way back, I paused to clear a table behind Betty and her friend.

“It’s a shame this place has gone downhill lately. The food and coffee are still excellent, but it takes forever to order, and a few times, I’ve had to move dirty dishes to another table just so I had somewhere to sit,” Betty’s friend muttered. “Honestly, I think I’ll just start going to Dippin’ Donuts like some of the others—at least they’re fast.”

My stomach tightened.Shit.

Betty frowned at her. “They’re just having some temporary staffing issues but I’m sure George will have things sorted soon. There’s no way I’m going to Dippin’ Donuts and missing out on the cake of the day.” She shoveled a fork of said cake into her mouth and let out a little moan of enjoyment.

My heart warmed at Betty’s words. As concerning as her friend’s comments were, hopefully most of my regulars felt the same as Betty. While I assumed that Hannah would no longer want to work at Novel Gossip now her mistaken identity had been cleared up, at least Ben was back. And hopefully the woman who’d told Ben she was interested in a job would reappear soon.

I walked back into the kitchen to find Romina eating one of the replacement cornbread muffins I’d made last night.Oh shit.I braced myself.

“You did a good job on the cornbread, George. A bit more sugar than I’d put in, but it works,” she said, poker-faced.

I exhaled and grinned. Not much got passed Romina including, it appeared, my attempt to replace the cornbread unnoticed. But Romina’s comment was high praise coming from her and I was relieved she didn’t ask any questions.

The rest of the day passed quickly, with Ben and I falling into our usual rhythm.

Mid-afternoon, a delivery driver came to pick up the boxes of signed books, and I let out a sigh of relief. The back of the bookstore was no longer an eyesore or tripping hazard.

While I was clearing tables after the afternoon coffee rush, I noticed a white woman, her hair pulled up in a long brown ponytail, chatting to Ben at the counter. After I dropped off the dirty dishes, Ben waved me over.

“George, this is Josie. She’s the person I mentioned the other day who’s interested in working here.”

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