She snorted. “Please, I’m happy to deal a smackdown when it’s warranted.” She glanced towards the door. “Guess she’s going to have it out for me now, too, huh?”

I winced. It was not fun to be the center of Patti’s focus. And it was even worse if you’d done something that she found offensive. “The least I can do to make up for it is make you lunch.”

Shay’s lips quirked. “I take it that means I need to watch my back around the nosy B.”

I chuckled. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“Then cook me something delicious. But make yourself something, too. You’re looking a little pale.”

I was feeling just a little bit wobbly on my feet. I took a sip of my juice that was on the counter. “Two delicious concoctions coming up.”

After some food and conversation with Shay that centered around nothing too serious, I felt a lot better. As Shay got to her feet, I pulled her in for a quick hug. “Thank you. I know we don’t know each other all that well, and it means a lot that you stepped in for me.”

Shay looked a bit taken aback by the hug and my sentiments but squeezed my shoulders. “Anytime. You’re a good egg, Caelyn O’Connor, and no one should be treating you poorly.”

“Thank you. And we should do this again sometime. Maybe you can come over for dinner, meet the tiny terrors.”

Shay’s mouth opened and then closed, a hint of wariness flitting across her features. “That’s really kind of you. Maybe one of these days when I get some time off.”

I knew a brushoff when I heard one. I just wasn’t sure why. “It’s an open invitation. But no pressure either.”

The set of Shay’s shoulders relaxed a fraction. “Thank you.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

“See you.”

I waved Shay off and went about cleaning up my station. I glanced up at the clock just as Molly came running into the store. “I’m here! I’m here! I’m so sorry I’m late, Caelyn.”

I grinned at the young girl. “You’re five minutes late. Don’t sweat it.”

“Thank you. You’re an angel. Get going. I’ll finish cleaning up.”

I grabbed my bag from under a cabinet. “Appreciate it. Just text me if you run into any issues.”

“I know.”

I pulled out my keys. “And Mr. Walters will be here to help you close up.”

Molly chuckled. “Yes, Mom. And I promise, I won’t have any boys over.”

I stuck out my tongue at her as I passed. “Make good choices!”

“Hugs not drugs!” she shouted as I left.