Page 24 of The Anaconda Downstairs

“Well,” I said, attempting to sound confident, “what would you recommend? I’m in the mood for something... adventurous.” I tried to quirk my eyebrow the way Everett did when he was being charming.

Javi’s eyes widened slightly, and I worried I’d overdone it. But then he laughed, a warm, rich sound that made me relax a little.

“Adventurous, huh? How about our special? It’s a spicy chicken sandwich with a mango habanero sauce. It’s got quite a kick.”

I nodded, relieved to have navigated that interaction somewhat smoothly. “Sounds perfect. I’ll take it.”

As Javi prepared my sandwich, I leaned against the counter, trying to look casual. “So, how are you liking it here compared to Cool Beans?”

“It’s different,” he said, glancing up at me. “But I’m learning a lot about food prep, so that’s good. I’m studying hospitality, so I guess this gives me some kitchen experience. Plus, the customers here are just as interesting.” He winked at me, and I felt my cheeks warm.

Oh god. Was he flirting with me? Crap. Was I supposed to flirt back? What would Everett do in this situation?

“I bet they are,” I managed, then immediately cringed internally. Smooth. I was so, so smooth.

Javi didn’t seem to notice my awkwardness. He finished wrapping up my sandwich and handed it over. As I reached for it, our fingers brushed, and I nearly dropped the sandwich.

“Careful,” Javi said, steadying my hand with his. “Wouldn’t want you to have another spill like yesterday.”

I froze. “You... you saw that?”

He nodded, looking a bit sheepish. “Yeah, I was just coming back from my break. Hope you weren’t too embarrassed.”

“Oh, you know,” I said, trying to laugh it off, “just me being my usual clumsy self. No harm done, except to my pride. And Everett’s shirt.”

“Everett,” Javi repeated, his smile faltering slightly. “You two seemed pretty cozy. Are you...?”

“No,” I said, perhaps too quickly. “No, we’re just friends. He’s, uh, helping me with something.”

Javi’s smile returned full force. “Good to know. Hey, listen, I was wondering...”

Oh no. Oh no, no, no. Was he about to ask me out? What should I do? What would Everett tell me to do? I should listen to what Javi said and respond so he knew I’d been paying attention.

Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, “Did you know that the habanero pepper can be up to a hundred times hotter than a jalapeño?”

Javi blinked, clearly thrown off by my random fact. “Uh, no, I didn’t?—”

“And mango trees can grow up to 100 feet tall,” I continued, my voice rising an octave. “Isn’t that fascinating? I mean, who knew fruit could be so... tall?”

Javi opened his mouth to respond, but I was on a roll now, words tumbling out of me like a broken dam.

“Speaking of tall things, did you know giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans? It’s true. They’re justmuch, much bigger. Kind of like how this sandwich is much bigger than I expected. Is this a footlong? I don’t think I can fit a footlong in my mouth. Maybe I should get a six-inch instead.”

Oh god. Did I seriously just say I couldn’t fit a footlong in my mouth? Please don’t let him think that was some kind of innuendo.

“Maybe I’ll just have a salad. Do you have salads here? Of course you do, all delis have salads. Silly me.”

I finally paused to take a breath, and in that moment of silence, I became acutely aware of how loudly I’d been talking. The entire deli had gone quiet, and I could feel every eye on me.

Javi stared at me, a mix of confusion and concern on his face. “Sure, Pen. I can get you a salad instead.”

Before I could answer, or spout more random facts, the bell above the door chimed. A customer behind me in line asked loudly, “Is this some kind of performance art?”

My face felt like it was on fire. “I... I have to go,” I mumbled, backing away from the counter. “Thanks for the... the...” I gestured vaguely at the sandwich still sitting on the counter, then turned and practically ran out of the deli.

It wasn’t until I was halfway back to the house that I realized I’d left without lunch. My stomach growled in protest, and Kelsey was expecting something to eat too. I’d rather starve than face Javi again after that spectacle.

I was never setting foot in that deli again. Or Cool Beans. In fact, maybe I should just swear off all food-service establishments for the foreseeable future. It seemed safer that way.

---