Page 9 of V is for Valentine
“This is?” he asked.
“Peace offering. Donuts.”
His eyes widened when he noted the Cakery Bakery sticker on the side of the box. “Do I get them all?”
“All but the raspberry jelly. That one is mine.”
“If this is how you make peace now, I may have to annoy you more often.”
“Not possible,” she murmured, stifling another yawn.
“You really aren’t a morning person, are you?”
“I wouldn’t lie about something like that.”
He set the cardboard box on the makeshift table Pete had made from two sawhorses and a half sheet of plywood, untied the string, and opened the lid. Inside were four of Cakery Bakery’s best, including the lemon bismark, his favorite. He took the bismark, then held out the box for Felicity to choose. She went straight for the raspberry jelly.
“Did you bring coffee?” she asked, lifting her travel mug.
“Drank it all on the way here.”
“I have a thermos in the car. I’ll share.”
“I’m good after two cups.”
She gave him a look of horror, then shuddered.
“Inhuman,” she muttered before taking a bite of donut. She followed it with a slug of coffee, then set her cup down and went to the wall to adjust the thermostat. A few seconds later a rumbling came from beneath their feet.
“Bertha,” Felicity said. “The furnace. Dad warned me about her. He said she’s noisy and just a touch temperamental.”
“Quaint,” Danny said.
“The city ran out of funds. She’s on the list for replacement next year.”
“Ah.”
“Dad’s getting together paperwork for you to sign. He’ll pay you the same rate as Zach. I assume you’re good with that?”
“Actually, I hadn’t planned on payment.”
She gave him a surprised look which quickly shifted to business face. “My dad will feel better if you accept the salary.”
“Would he feel better or would you feel better?” he clarified.
“Does it matter which? You’re getting paid.”
“Like it or not?” he asked.
She folded her arms over her chest, drilling him with a look that would have made a lesser man squirm. “My dad made me promise to go easy on you because you’re saving his bacon, as he put it.”
“As are you.”
“I’m his daughter. It’s my job to bacon save.” She studied him a moment longer, her full lips pushed into a thoughtful pout. “Are you employed?”
“I am.”
“How’s business?”
