Page 45

A loud knock on the staff door startles me.

“Colton? Elle?” I recognize Maggie’s voice immediately. What is she doing here?

Elle throws me a panicked look, and without thinking, I push her behind one of the fake bushes, just as the door creaks open.

Maggie enters and her eyebrows shoot up. “What’s with your hair?”

“I don’t know.”

“Are you hiding a girl in here? That looks like make-out hair.”

She tries to take a peek behind me, but I block her view with my body. All those workout sessions come in handy after all. Who knew broad shoulders would be useful in a situation like this?

“Oh, it’s nothing. There’s no one here.” I clear my throat. “How can I help you, sis? My shift’s about to start, so you’ve got to keep it short.”

I need her out of here, stat. The last thing I need is for her to find out Elle and I have been making out back here when right outside that door, guests are queuing for a meet and greet with us.

“Have you seen Elle? I thought she’d be here.”

I shrug, feigning indifference. “Can’t say that I’ve seen her.”

She frowns. “Didn’t you just say your shift is about to start?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then shouldn’t she be here?” Once again, she tries to get a peek.

I put my hand on her shoulder and steer her back to the door. “She’s in the bathroom.”

“Oh, I get it,” Maggie says. “Her bowels are probably acting up because of her nerves, right?”

“You bet. She had to run out of here fast, if you know what I mean.”

“Ouch, that’s rough. Well, tell her I dropped by to wish her luck on her first day, okay? And that she shouldn’t be nervous. She’s got this.”

“Great, I’ll pass on the message.” I push Maggie out of the door as the clock tower strikes ten. “I’ve got to go now. Can’t keep our guests waiting. See you later, sis.”

Before she can reply, I bolt the door and lean against it. Having your sister interrupt a secret make-out session with her best friend sure is a great way to cancel any cheeky thoughts.

Elle appears from behind the bush. “That was close.”

“Yeah, we should probably be more careful about our kissing locations.”

“And about messing your hair up,” she says with a laugh. She pats my hair down as best she can. “There. We should go. I heard the clock strike ten.”

I extend my arm and she slips hers through it. “Let’s get this show on the road, Princess Charlotte.”

Chapter Seventeen

Elle

I didn’t think I’d end up at Casa Mama Pizzas this soon after my disastrous date with Zeke, but here I am anyway. This time I’m in great company, though. No talk about baby teeth, no one cutting my food or forcing me to eat cheesecake. Not even a post-date questionnaire.

Maggie has brought me here to celebrate my promotion from hot dog girl to Princess Charlotte last week. Because I don’t have to busy myself answering questions about my dental health, I now have the time to fully take in the coziness and beauty of this place. Quaint checkered curtains adorn the windows and green cotton tablecloths cover the small wooden tables. Floppy houseplants are scattered around the room, giving the traditional look of the place a more tropical atmosphere.

“Do you know who it can be?” Maggie asks.

“Sorry, I was admiring the décor. Do I know who can be what now?”