Page 78 of Nine-Tenths

"Hey!" Hadi says, getting right in my face, blocking my line of sight. "This is my place, not yours!"

"It's her fault they took your beans!"

"We've already talked that out, and she's apologized."

"I can't believe that after all this time she has the balls to—"

"This isn't her first time back."

"What?" I ask, the revelation like a slap to the face, fury crystallizing to shock. "What did you say?"

"I've, uh, been timing my trips to your, um, breaks," Pedra confesses softly.

"Unbelievable," I mutter, fury crystallizing to shock. "And you helped her?" I ask Hadi, who nods. "Unbe-fucking-lievable."

"You don't get a say in who I allow in," Hadi scolds.

Hadi.

One of my most cherished friends. A great boss, who made sure I ate, and slept, and studied when I was failing because I was still grief-stricken and dealing with Dad's loss. Who teamed up with Gem to bully me into staying regular with Dr. Chen. Who wrote me the Rules because she wants to see me happy.

Hadi.

Standing between me and the person who ruinedeverything.

And telling me I get no say on whether I have to see her every day for the rest of… for the rest of my… until—

"Fine then." I sound calm.

Am I calm?

I might be calm.

I might be shrieking.

I can't tell.

My heart is in my throat, my ears rushing with blood, every sinew and muscle pounding with the desire tofight scream rage hurt lash out.I do none of those things.

Instead, I strip off my apron, and drape it over the arm Hadi has out to keep Pedra and I separated.

"Fine," I repeat. "Your business. Your decision."

I pull my keys out of my pocket, and wrestle the one for Beanevolence off the ring.

I don't say -But I've been here since day one.

I don't say- You've always relied on me. You've always trusted me.

I don't say -This place means as much to me as it does to you.

I don't say -I need this to feel wanted and useful. Please. I don't have anything else.

I do say - "Bye, Hadi."

And put the key in the apron pocket.

Chapter Twenty-Two