Page 18 of Unexpected Pickle
Do they talk about me?
Suddenly, I’m sure of it. They’re friends. Max is my boss. I’ve known him for years.
What are they saying? I glance through the window of the door that leads to the restaurant. Everyone out there is occupied.
I tiptoe through the kitchen to the corner of the offices. I press my back against the wall. I can hear Max and Hex talking.
“You killed it,” Max says. “You ready for the big time?”
“I don’t know. I’m going to talk to my manager.”
“You could see if Colt’s around. He’s been down this road.”
“And remember what happened to him?”
I draw in a breath. What happened to their friend Colt? I should follow this more.
Max makes a grunting sound. “That was a situation. Call him up. Or I can put us all together, like we did that night at Aces.”
“I don’t know if we should repeat that night at Aces.”
Now I wonder what happened at Aces.
“How is it with my chef today?” Max asks.
I hold my breath to make sure I don’t miss a word.
“That’s why I’m back here.” I hear a clatter that must be the belt on the desk. “I’m giving this to her.”
“And she took it?” Max sounds surprised.
“I’m not sure. I might have pushed.”
“Don’t push. Not with her.”
“I’m trying not to.”
I have to let out the air I’m holding, but the rushing sound makes me miss the next thing Max says.
“Have you got me in?” Hex asks.
In for what? What did I miss?
“I’m trying. You know I will.”
What is Max trying to get Hex into?
My pants?
My life?
Why are these two men conniving on my behalf?
Heat rushes to my face. I’m not some poor, pathetic single to be manipulated.
Vera pushes through the kitchen door with an empty cheese bin.
Crap. I shove away from the wall and move toward the fridge. “Which one are you out of?” I ask.
