Page 59 of Break the Rule
“Is Eden working today?”
Eden squeezes Rosio’s leg so hard, he’s surprised she doesn’t kick him.
“Eden?”
“Yeah, you know sassy little blond guy. Works here. Very pretty. Very mouthy.”
Little. That absolute fucker.
“I couldn’t say,” Rosio lies. Eden knew he liked her for a reason.
“Are you sure? I thought I saw his head bobbing around through the window just a few seconds before I came in.”
Eden frowns. Nosy, observant shit head.
“No sé,” Rosio shrugs.
“Are you sure he’s not—“ Charlie starts, attempting to lean over the counter when Rosio stops him with a hand to his head. “Shoo. Employees only.”
“You could make an exception for me, couldn’t you, Rosio?”
“That works with Juanita, not me. You’re a troublemaker, Mr. King.” She waves a napkin at him. “Go sit down and wait for your order.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Charlie sighs, the beep of his credit card followed by the sound of his Crocs squeaking on the freshly mopped linoleum, letting Eden know he’s retreated. Rosio looks down, making a face at Eden, who tries to smile but fails and ends up half-crawling towards the kitchen.
“Dios mio,” Rosio grumbles. “What’s going on,mijo?”
“Would you believe me if I said it was complicated?”
“That I would definitely believe.”
“Just don’t tell Juanita, please. I know she loves Charlie, and I’m not looking to get fired. I promise I won’t do that every time he comes in, I just—” Eden sighs, slumping down next to the metal shelves where they store the salsa ingredients. “I dunno.”
“Help Armando in the back. I’ll cover the front until he’s gone.”
“Thank you, Rosio. You’re the best.”
“So everyone keeps telling me,” she says with a shake of her head. “Do me a favor and tell Juanita that I’m your favorite next time you see her.”
“Won’t that make her mad?” Eden questions.
“Probably.” Rosio cackles to herself as she slides Charlie’s order slip to Armando then moves out to the front again.
No sooner does she make it to the register then Charlie engages her in conversation again. Not willing to risk it, Eden slips into the back.
“¿Necesitas ayuda?” Eden questions.
If Armando is confused by why Eden is suddenly in the back with him when he usually works the front end he doesn’t show it, but Armando is a pretty quiet guy by nature so that’s no surprise.
“Si,” Armando answers, “pica las cebollas y los jalapeños.”
Relieved to have an excuse to continue hiding, he washes his hands before he starts chopping. He’s made a decent headway on refilling the containers by the time Rosio comes to let him know Charlie is gone.
Somehow the relief he expects doesn’t come. He should be glad Charlie gave up so easily, glad he’s gone and Eden doesn’t have to face him, right?
“Can we talk?”
Eden startles, the mop slipping from his hand as he threatens to fall down with it. Strong hands curl around his arms, keeping him steady. They’re familiar, but different, and Eden can do nothing but stare at the mirror of a face he’s been avoiding.
