Page 195 of Swallow Your Sorries

“I have faith in you,” Stassi says, and Hale’s fingers twitch before he reaches for her and pulls her in front of him, hugging her from behind. His calculating eyes never leave me though, even as he drops a kiss to her forehead. Stassi seems so comfortable in his arms, but I’d never seen them touch before.Ever.

Is it because Zedd’s always lingering around?

“You’re the only one that ever does.”

My heart flutters at their cuteness as Stassi grabs his forearms and tilts her head back to stare up at him. “And now you need to have some faith in us.”

“Us?” Hale and I ask in unison.

“We can help you,” Stassi says. “With a brand new employee,” she points to me. “And the renovations—”

Hale’s hold on her slackens. “I don’t want your money, Stassi.”

A hurt look flickers across her face. “I know you wouldn’t, but that’s not what I mean. Elle grew up poor and who has a better fashion sense than me? I’m sure together we can come up with a plan on a budget.”

“I’m standing right here,” I say, before turning my attention to the dingy walls.

“I know,” Stassi says cheerfully, oblivious as Hale rocks them lightly. “Elle, didn’t you tell me that you renovated the dance studio at your old school?”

I had. In fact, I love DIY projects and I’m sure I could get the place sorted for far less than fifty grand. Maybe fifteen because of the roof repairs. Then again, I didn’t know what elaborate vision Hale had in mind. “I did and for a lot less than fifty grand.”

I can already see the wheels turning in Hale’s head.

“What’s your budget?” I ask.

“Twenty grand, give or take.”

Rich kids.He had twenty grand, andhe was moping over it?

I bite my lip and watch a moth flying helplessly around a lamp. “But there’s no way I’m helping with the renovations if you’re not going to hire me.”

He nods to the bartender. “Rie Rie take a break. I want to see her mixing skills.”

“Me too,” Stassi says, taking Hale’s hand and leading him towards the bar. “I’ll have a Bellini.”

“No, you won’t,” Hale says, seriously guiding her onto a bar stool.

Her smile falters. “Why not?”

“You’re not eighteen yet.”

“Hale, youknow I’ve drank before.”

“But not at my bar.”

She frowns. “A-are you being serious? You’re just like Zedd.”

As Rie Rie slips into the back, I take her position.

“I’mnothinglike your brother,” Hale says seriously, and the two exchange a look for so long I have to clear my throat to remind them that I’m still here.

Hale’s eyes snap to mine. “Let’s start off simple. I’ll take a Jack and coke. Get her a Shirley Temple.”

“Hale!”

He leans in close to Stassi’s ear, his voice so low and measured that it even sends a shiver down my spine.

“If you keep acting like a petulant child, I’ll put you on my lap like one.”

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