Page 23 of Gin & Jewels

I grabbed my purse from my locker and met Brad out on the floor. “Ready.”

He gestured for me to walk ahead of him, and after the guard opened the door for us, Brad asked, “What are you in the mood for?”

“I usually have a sandwich or something.” In fact, I had a sandwich in my locker that I was planning to eat.

“I know a good sandwich place.”

“Oh yeah?”

We stopped in front of a large black truck, and he opened the passenger door for me with his good arm. “Yeah, it’s just down the street.”

“Freshly Baked?” I asked as I hoisted myself up into the cab. For some reason, I felt comfortable getting into his truck. I wasn’t used to getting in strangers’ vehicles or being around men in general, but something about Brad’s demeanor and charm put me at ease. Plus, it didn’t hurt that he’d tried to protect me during the robbery.

“Yeah. Ever been?”

I grinned. “I used to work there in high school.”

“No shit?” I nodded. “Then you’ll have to tell me what the best sandwich is on the menu.”

I nodded as he closed the door and then rounded the hood. Brad slid in and started the engine. “Everything is good on the menu, but I love the peppered turkey.”

“I like that one too.” He drove toward the small sandwich shop.

“The salami is good also.”

“I think anything on the bread they make would be a killer sandwich.”

“True.” I smiled. We were silent for a few moments as he drove down the street and into the parking lot. “Thank you for what you did during the robbery.”

He cut the engine and looked over at me. “Not my first time being outnumbered by men with guns.”

I blinked. “Really?”

“I was in the Marine Corps for ten years.”

“Oh, wow. That’s cool.”

He smiled. “Yeah. I loved it.” He motioned for me to follow him as he opened his door. “Let’s talk inside. You only have an hour.”

When we went inside, my old boss was behind the counter like he always was, and his wife was at the register. Their faces lit up as soon as they saw me. “Cassie!” Verlene beamed. “How are you?”

I grinned. “I’m good. How are you guys doing?”

“We’re doing well.” Verlene’s gaze moved to Brad and then back to me. With a knowing smile, she asked, “What can we get you two for lunch?”

Brad and I both ordered the peppered turkey sandwich with everything on it, a bag of chips, and a bottle of water.

“We’ll bring them out to you,” Verlene stated.

“How much is it?” Brad asked.

She waved him off. “They’re on the house.”

“No, don’t do that,” Brad argued.

“It’s our pleasure,” Verlene admitted, and my heart swelled. “Cassie was one of our favorite employees, and we hated to see her leave.”

I gave her a warm smile. “Thank you. That means a lot.”