Page 25 of Moonlight Hearts

His smile reached his eyes, and his expression was one of deep approval, as if I’d done something momentous, like making famous art or saving drowning children.

“Well, uh…”

Ben saved me, walking through the door in his winter hat and warm jacket, gloves too.He hurried toward me.

“Sorry, sir.”

I raised my hands.“It’s fine.I just got here.See you later, Jules.”

“Of course.Have a great day at work, Mr.Saintclair!”

Ben gave Jules a curious look before falling into step next to me.

“I hope I didn’t pull you away from anything,” I told Ben.

“Of course not.”

“Soyer was busy, and I thought I’d head to work early.They hired a co-manager.”I sighed.“And you’re getting more time off.And a raise too.”

“Sir?”

“I got you a raise.You think you can call me Amory now?”

Ben looked at me with big eyes.“You got me…a raise?What did I do?”

I chuckled, the cold air rushing into my lungs and making me cough.“You’re just doing a good job and are basically on call whenever I decide to leave the house.I think being ready to drop what you’re doing at a moment’s notice deserves a raise, don’t you?”

“Uh…sir…”

“Amory.”

“Right.I’ll…remember that.”

I almost said something snappy back, but Ben sounded genuinely impressed.And, unless I was mistaken, genuinely happy too.I was going to count it as my good deed for the day.

We arrived at the diner during an afternoon lull.As I was about to pull the door open, I spotted Levi and Ant behind the counter, engrossed in hushed conversation while pointing at the menu.

They straightened and looked our way when the silver bell above the door twinkled with our entrance.

“Welcome to the Moonlight Diner!”

Ant said it with full excitement, while Levi, who was both taller and broader than Ant, hunched and whispered as if he were trying to hide behind him.

Ant gave me a toothy grin.“Boss, you’re early today!Checking in on us?”

He seemed extraordinarily excited about being checked in on.I was about to tell him no when Ben stepped in front of me.

“Aren’t you busy?And mind your manners.”

I looked past Ben to watch as Ant went from excited to pouting.

“I’m working,” he mumbled.“Just being friendly.Human-friendly.You know what that’s like.”

I glanced around to make sure no one was sitting close enough to overhear, but it didn’t look that way.I recognized a few pawns—supernaturals—who had become regulars outside of my regular shift too apparently.

“I think he’s okay, Ben,” I said, patting Ben on the shoulder.

He shrugged.“Have to earn my raise is all.I’ll be at the bar.”