I shrug. “I don’t know. This thing… it sort of wiggles a bit. I don’t know how to describe it. Anyway, you’re avoiding the question.”

She sighs and her shoulders sag. “I think they put whole milk in my peppermint tea instead of skim. It’s not a big deal.” She lifts the cup off the table to take a sip as though to prove what a big deal it isn’t, but I snatch it from her grip first. “Hey!”

“I’m going to have them make it properly for you and ask them to make me a new sandwich without the tomato like you asked for.” I walk over to the counter and explain the issue to the girl.

She apologizes and is more than happy to make a replacement drink and a new sandwich. When she slides the new items over the counter to me, I accept them with a smile, go back to our table, sit, and eat my sandwich again.

“You didn’t have to do that.” Kenzie looks at the cup as though it’s personally offended her.

“I don’t like that you won’t stand up for yourself. I’m not saying you have to be an asshole, but don’t let people take advantage of you. You’re too nice.” I grab my drink and take a swig of it.

“I just don’t feel comfortable complaining. I mean, what will they think?”

“That they fucked up your order and need to fix it.” I take another bite of my sandwich.

She frowns. “But what if they think I’m a bitch?”

“First off, you couldn’t be a bitch if you tried. You’re basically a ray of sunshine in human form. And second, you care too much about what other people think of you. Do you know you’re a good person with good intentions?”

She looks at her hands in her lap. “Yeah…”

“Then what’s it matter what anyone else thinks?”

“I guess. I just like it better when people like me.” She spins her cup around in place.

I can’t help but think that her need to be liked is somehow tied to the lack of attention she received from her parents growing up, but I’m not idiot enough to say that.

“Listen…” I take her hand. “I just don’t want to see anyone take advantage of your kindness because you’re afraid to speak up for yourself, that’s all.”

She squeezes my hand and nods. “I know. I know you only want what’s best for me.”

With a nod, I let her hand go and finish off my sandwich. “You ready to make good on our deal?”

Pink suffuses her cheeks. “Ready, willing, and able.”

Kenzie always knows the right thing to say.

Chapter Thirty

Kenzie