Page 62 of September

“I am?”

“Yes. But I like it,” Juliet replied and handed Gwen the bag with the cookie in it.

“Want to split it?” Gwen offered.

“No, thanks. I’ve had two this week already. My midday snack when I couldn’t get away.”

“And you had burgers two nights in a row.”

“Well, the only decent place in that town had burgers, and I was advised by the store employees not to get the soup and salad combo, so the burger seemed like the best option. It was really good, which was why I had it twice.”

“Yeah, but that can’t be healthy. I mean, I assume you’re standing and walking all day at work, but driving a bunch and then staying in the hotels at night and eating–”

“Yes, I know. Believe me, it’s not part of my long-term plan. I used to complain about cooking all the time, and now, I’m complaining about eating fast food all the time.”

“Grass is always greener,” Gwen said.

“Yeah,” Juliet replied.

“Do you cook?”

“Kind of.”

“Youkind ofcook? How does that work?” Gwen asked.

“Well, I had one of those meal subscription services. I had to learn to cook for one again after my ex left, so I got a service that delivered five meals a week. I cooked those, but it doesn’t really count because they have recipes and pre-portioned ingredients.”

“Did you put them on the stove or in an oven?”

“Yes.”

“Then, you cooked.”

“I guess so,” Juliet said with a little laugh. “It was pretty good.”

“You canceled it?”

“For now, at least. I won’t be home to eat it, so I’d be wasting food and money. I do have to figure out how to eat healthier on the road, though. Maybe when I drive, I can pack a cooler or something and pay for a room with a mini fridge.”

“That could work. And you could grocery shop when you get there, too.”

“I don’t know where I’d find the energy. I’m up at five or five-thirty at the latest, depending on how close the hotel is to the store I’m training, and I’m working until lunchtime and grabbing something we sell or something else that’s fast. Then, it’s more work until at least five; sometimes, six. After that, I pick up something quick on the way back to the hotel, and, well, I eat it while I talk to you, apparently.” She smiled over at Gwen.

“Yeah? We can keep doing that?” Gwen asked as she smiled back.

“If you want. But we don’t have to every night. I’m sure you’ll be busy sometimes with your friends and family.”

“My family is annoying, other than Elisa and her twins, but they’re at school now, and Elisa has Myra. She’s been nice enough to include me still when, I’m sure, she’d just rather be alone with Myra all the time, and I don’t like to impose.”

“I think Elisa loves you like a sister and wants to hang out with you, Gwen. I don’t think she feels like shehas toinclude you or wants to be alone with Myra instead when she’s inviting you over.”

“Maybe,” Gwen said.

“What about other things?”

“Other things?”

“Yeah,” Juliet said and then cleared her throat. “Like… dates and stuff. I mean, you’re single and obviously gorgeous and funny, so a lot of women probably want to date you.”