Page 44 of The Deal Maker

“I don’t know about that. Ice cream scooper, a server, and then an assistant.” Something about how she says that last word makes me wonder if there’s a story behind it.

“What did you assist in?”

“My father’s company.”

“Ah, so you had to put up with working for parents too.”

She nods, but the smile doesn’t come back.

“What does your dad do?” I’m usually great with details when I need to be, but I can’t remember if she’d talked about this.

“He’s the owner of an accounting firm.”

Nodding, I try to look supportive so she’ll feel safe continuing. “That’s cool. Where?”

“I’m from Virginia. He and one of his college friends started it a couple of years after graduating. There are plenty of people to help.” Again I’m struck by the way a slight bitterness hints at her words.

“What made you leave?”

Her eyes go wide and she looks as though she’s about to bolt. “I think we’re done here. Should we take the picture?”

I hesitate before pulling out my phone and snapping a picture of us. Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes, but I post the picture anyway.

I slip my phone into my pocket and the restaurant gal from earlier comes out. “Thanks for doing that, guys. That made my morning a lot easier. Here are some sushi rolls for helping.”

Maggie takes them with a thank you and I do everything I can to avoid being within a foot of the poisonous things.

We walk outside and I turn to Maggie, wanting to continue the conversation we’ve just had inside. Instead, she pushes the plate of sushi at me before digging into her purse for something. I’m pretty sure I touched a piece of raw fish with my thumb and I’m just hoping I don’t blow up like a balloon at this point. Or I’ll just break out in a rash. Also not ideal.

“Thanks for this morning. I’ve got to get back to the shop.”

“Me too. Can I walk with you there?”

Maggie pauses and then nods. “I’d love that.”

She pops a piece of sushi into her mouth and the corners of her lips turn up with a satisfied smile.

“Good?” I ask.

She nods. “Are you sure you don’t want any?” she asks after she’s swallowed the first piece.

Shaking my head, I say, “I’m good. Don’t worry about me.”

“What do you think will be on the agenda for tomorrow’s task?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe underwater basket weaving?” I say, trying to keep a straight face.

She raises an eyebrow. “Really? Is there such a thing?”

I chuckle and say, “I don’t know. It’s just something my dad always said.”

We aren’t far from our neighboring businesses and I’m now sad that we don’t have more time together. “What time are you done with work tonight?” I ask.

“I’m training our new hire and then helping out Hope make some decisions about the wedding.”

“I thought she hired a wedding planner.”

She nods. “Yes, but I took your advice and talked to Hope about doing something.” She gives me the cutest smile I’ve seen in a while and while I’m excited for her, I’m a little sad that my courage to ask her out has disappeared.

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