Page 8 of Wanna Bet?

“Careful,” she said softly. “It’s hot.”

“I can handle it,” he replied.

Her eyebrow lifted slightly. “Can you?”

He took a slow sip, meeting her eyes over the rim of the cup. “It’s manageable.”

The corner of her mouth curved again, slower this time. “You’re on a roll today.”

“It’s a good Thursday.” He wasn't sure why he said that. He doubted it even made any sense.

She shook her head, smiling like she’d uncovered something she hadn’t expected.

A comfortable quiet settled between them, not awkward and not strained. Cars passed in the distance. Someone walked a dog down the sidewalk. The world moved around them, but neither of them rushed to end the moment.

“You work today?” she asked.

“Yeah. In about fifteen.”

“Issaky opening?” She cocked a brow.

He tried to hide the shock of her knowing Issaky on his face, “Probably. He likes pretending he’s disciplined.”

She laughed again, softer. “He’s pretty disciplined if you ask me.”

He paused at that, not because it startled him, but because she’d said it so plainly.

“Why do you think that?” he asked, curious.

She nodded, as if that confirmed something for her. “He used to come here every morning to get Ellis a spritzer before the poor guy finally agreed to go out with him. If that isn't discipline, I don't know what is.”

He wasn't sure how he felt about her knowing his close friends so intimately. Not that it would be a bad thing if she did, he just once again felt like he was on the outside of a friend group.

“I should go,” he said eventually.

“Yeah,” she replied, though she didn’t sound like she wanted him to.

As he stepped back, she called his name, making him turn around to look at her.

“Tomorrow,” she said casually, “I’m testing a new drink.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I want you to try it,” She shouted over the car that pulled into the window spot.

He nodded once. “I’ll prepare accordingly.”

She smiled like that answer pleased her. The walk to the record store felt shorter than usual.

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The bell above the shop door chimed softly when he walked in. The familiar scent of vinyl and old paper wrapped around him, grounding him in the way it always had.

Ellis stood behind the counter, flipping through a stack of new arrivals. He looked up as the door closed and then he paused.

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Well,” Ellis said slowly. “Look at you.”

Jace set his bag down. “What.”