Page 49 of Dark Endures

“Nope. It seems she was bred accidentally before I got her.”

“What are you going to do with the babies?” Peaches’ babies would be so very cute.

“Probably sell them at Pit’s pet store. If there are any viable eggs. The vet thinks they might all be duds.”

Pit? These guys have some weird names.

“Have you had dinner yet?”

Could he hear my stomach complaining about being empty? No, he’s too far away. But if the growling gets any louder, he might. You can’t just keep taking food from a stranger.

He’s not a stranger. He’s your boss.

For how long? I should quit soon. There’s no way I can keep up with this schedule. “Sort of.”

Maddox leans on the door jamb and folds his arms. “What does that mean?”

I spent way too much on tacos and I’m still hungry. “I could eat again.” So much for avoiding him. Food wins out over the thought of the random awkward questions he might ask. “I’ll just change.” Why did I say that? My overalls would be a better option than the dress I have to wear. Maddox is going to think I picked this outfit to flirt with him.

It was the only thing left in my closet that was clean. I need to take a couple of hours and run down to the laundry room.

The booty shorts and bikini top from high school might have been a better choice than this dress. What was I even thinking buying it in the first place? It has more cutouts than dress to it. Outfits like this should only have been worn to the club.

Not to either of my jobs. This sweater is the only thing saving me from complete humiliation. Why did snakes need to be cold-blooded? I’m going to melt in this sweater.

Oh well, all you can do is live in the moment you have.

The scent of garlic and onions hit me as soon as I step into Maddox’s office.

Don’t drool.

Don’t drool. “What is that?”

“A little of everything.” He lifts the covers.

I practically levitate towards the food.

There’s a green pasta that I would sell my mother for a bite of the caramelized garlic on top. “What is that?” And why have I never seen it before in my life?

“Broccoli and spaghetti. It’s an Italian dish usually made with peas, but my friend makes it with broccoli when he can’t get fresh peas.”

Without grace or hesitation, I pile my dish high with every delectable thing.

“I think you might like this.” Maddox holds out a bottle of Mango Mania.

What? “How did you get that? It’s off-season. They’re sold out until the summer.” I know. I asked twice, cause yeah I love it that much, and I’m determined.

“They keep some in stock for friends and family,” he says that all too casually.

Friends and family? “You know the owners?”

Maddox nods. “Known them since they were kids.”

It’s a small world. That connection theory may just be right. “Wow. You should suggest that they make a caramel cookie beer.” Why did I just say that? Because it sounds fabulous. And the food or lack thereof combined with no sleep is making me feel a little punch drunk.

“I can do that.”

We’re supposed to just sit and eat, but that invites conversation which obviously I’m not good at right now, even though I’m usually great at it. Thanks Mom.

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