Page 39 of Tarnished Hands

Chapter Twenty-Two

EZRA

Aqua is amazing. Probably the best hire I’ve ever had. She doesn’t ask questions. When I tell her what to order, she knows precisely what to do. I can honestly say I feel like I have the right fit with her.

“Got you lunch,” she says as she strolls into the garage and hands me a burger.

“Thanks, you didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to talk to you, actually. Figured food was the right angle.”

I wipe my hands and pull up a seat. Pushing a chair Aqua’s way, she thanks me as she takes a seat in it.

“Go ahead.”

“I love this shop. I really do.” She smiles. “I want to know if I can buy it from you.” The burger pauses at my mouth. “I mean, you can still stay on. You are amazing at what you do, there is no doubt about that. But I’d like to buy it.”

“It’s not for sale.”

“Come on, everything has a price.”

I put the burger in my lap. “Aqua, it’s not for sale,” I say again.

“Okay, what about a business partner?”

“No. I don’t need anyone else running my business with me.”

“But—”

“I’m sorry, but no. Will this be an issue going forward?”

“No, it’s fine. I can take a hint. I just really love it, you know? And what I’ve learned over the last year is… if you love something, go for it. So I was trying.” She shrugs, then unwraps her burger and takes a large bite.

“So, are you leaving?” I ask.

She shakes her head as she chews. “Oh, gosh, no. I want to stay as an owner or employee. Just figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I didn’t mean to offend you. I was only asking because I have too much money and I don’t know what to do with it.” She laughs.

“Must be nice.”

“You do well here. I’ve seen your books. This place brings in good money. I’m proud to work here.” She doesn’t know about the other money it brings in—the jobs I do for Keir that aren’t on the books. And, yes, my business does amazingly well. It’s an incredibly well-known shop now, and for that, I am thankful. “I also wanted to know if you wanted me to start you a TikTok, Instagram, or even a Facebook account. I saw you don’t have any social media, and they can one hundred percent set things in motion for you.”

“I don’t have any of that stuff.”

“Yeah, but people love to see before and after’s. I think it could bring in even more business and revenue.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“I won’t show your face if you don’t want, but I don’t reckon the ladies would complain about seeing you.” Aqua laughs, and I smile.

“This is cute.” I look past Aqua to see Piper standing in the garage doorway. She’s in a skirt with heels so high I wonder how she can walk in them—though I know even drunk, she won’t fall—but they sure do highlight those come-fuck-me legs.

“Piper.” Aqua stands and walks over to Piper. Piper looks her up and down as Aqua wipes her hand up and down her shirt before she offers it to Piper. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Aqua.”

Piper glances at Aqua’s hand, then raises her gaze to me. “Am I being nice?” she asks, ignoring Aqua’s outstretched hand.

“Yes,” I say as I stand.

Piper nods to Aqua. “Pleasure is all yours, I presume,” she says before she sidesteps Aqua and approaches me. “We need to talk.”

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