Page 49 of Saving the Last Heir
“You know what I mean. What’s up?”
“Random question, do you know that Cuban place on Market Drive?”
“Uh…yeah. Why?”
“I need you to head over there. I’m about to put in a big order for lunch, and I need you to deliver it to the garage.”
“The place that’s fixing the car?”
I’d messaged him a couple times since our disastrous evening of theft, so he knew what was going on.
“Yes. You know where it is?”
“Yeah, yeah, Am I seriously playing delivery boy?” Christian asked, and I could actually hear the eye roll in his voice.
“This is a favor, okay? I’m buying lunch for the shop. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for, is it?”
Christian sighed, and I knew the answer before he spoke. “All right, fine. I guess that means I need to put on pants. I’ll see you with the food in like an hour.”
“Thanks. I appreciate you.”
“Next time we’re out, food’s on you,” Christian said with a chuckle and then hung up.
After ordering a dozen large Cuban sandwiches, five pints of red beans and rice, as well as a big order oftostonesandmojo, I pulled up a grocery delivery service and ordered a big supply of paper towels, toilet paper, and hand soap for the shop bathrooms. I’d noticed how little they had when I used the restroom earlier. Once that was done, I wondered if it would offend them. Oh well, too late now.
I headed back inside and helped Shyanne and Carlo install the new upholstery. The three of us together managed to do the job in under an hour. According to Carlo, that was record time because it could take three hours or more.
Reggie poked his head into the paint room. “Shyanne, there’s another pretty boy at the door. He says he’s got food. Are you buying today?”
“That’s my friend Christian.” I shrugged and gave Shyanne a sheepish smile. “I thought I’d treat you all.”
“Thank you,” she said, then waved to Reggie. “You heard the man. Help the guy bring the food in.”
Over the next thirty minutes, I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was to hang out with people. I’d spent so much time alone, or with people who relied on me, that I’d forgotten how good it was to simply enjoy the company of others. Even though I’d only known them a few hours, I already felt comfortable with them in a way I couldn’t describe. Even Christian fit in. He and Reggie hit it off almost immediately—they both enjoyed dirty jokes.
When we were done eating, Christian stood to leave.
“See you later,” I said.
Christian nodded, then glanced at Reggie. “Seeyoulater too, douchebag.”
Reggie burst out laughing. “Yeah. See ya, limpdick.”
Shyanne snorted and pulled me close. “I never thought I’d have to worry about another Reggie, and you go and bring a fucking white version of him?”
“Sorry. He’s cool, though.”
“If Reggie likes him, then that’s for sure,” she said.
“Hey!” Carlo barked, having overheard her. “What about me?”
Shyanne put a hand on her hip and looked at the other man. “Well? Do you like them?”
Carlo tapped his finger on his chin while inspecting me, then nodded once. “His friend is cool, and this guy’s cool too.” He then shrugged. “For a rich asshole, anyway.”
Shyanne’s eyes went wide, and the muscles in her jaw rippled as she gritted her teeth. Carlo appeared wholly unconcerned.
Instead, he walked over and slapped me on the shoulder. “You can’t help being a rich asshole, right? I mean, it’s who you are. It doesn’t make you a bad person. In fact, you’re pretty awesome. Thanks for lunch.”
