Page 35 of Severed Heart

“I don’t know why you even bother when you always order the same thing.” This voice comes from my left as I look up to greet Sean’s latest obsession. An obsession who’s hustling shifts between Horner Tech and Sean’s parents’ restaurant to earn her way through cosmetology school.

“Sup, Layla,” I greet as she peers down at me, wearing jeans and a form-fitting long-sleeve Pitt Stop shirt, her gorgeous blonde mane secured in a messy bun. “Didn’t feel like dressing up?”

“I’m too boring these days and work too damned much,” she says with a sigh. “I swear, if I didn’t know everyone in this town, I’d rob Triple Savings and Loan.”

“I might help you,” I joke, “restoring my truck might cost me an internal organ.” I glance around the bustling restaurant. “Looks like business is pretty good.”

“Yeah, today. But the last two shifts, I only had a few tables. I was better off saving the gas money.”

“Sorry to hear it. How close are you now?”

“To getting my cosmetology license?” She frowns. “Not much longer, and believe me, I can’t wait. Between sweating in that fucking factory during the summers”—she lowers her voice—“and dealing with some of the old-timing assholes here that think tipping pocket change is enough, I’m about to go batshit.”

“It’ll pay off,” I tell her, tucking this conversation away to suggest her as a possible recruit on Tobias’s next trip home. Layla is good people and trustworthy, and despite T’s misogynistic hangup, it wouldn’t hurt us to have a lady bird within our ranks.

“Well, tell you what, if you’ll have me, I’ll be one of the first in your chair.”

“I’d be honored to get my hands on that beautiful head of hair before the United States Marines lop it all off,” she says, playfully running her fingers through it. It’s easy to see why she’s Sean’s current obsession, but unclear to him at the moment is that she’s in a league of her own and way out of his wheelhouse.

“You really on the menu for something else?” she drawls suggestively, which gives me a little pause.

“Not a bad idea to switch it up sometimes,” I shrug.

“I agree, but”—she glances behind her, biting her full bottom lip—“from the daggers Kayley is shooting our way, it could get tricky for you.”

“Nah.” I grin. “Kayley knows you don’t fuck with High School.”

“As if she could judge,” she muses. “But you’re right, I don’t, so relay that to your idiot starting quarterback, would you?”

She nods toward the kitchen where Sean’s currently flipping burgers on the line.

“Yeah, he’s a bit slow on the uptake in that respect, but he does throw a mean spiral.”

“He does, especially for a junior.” She cocks her hip. “Though, aren’t you aseniorthis year?”

“Yeah, I’ve got Dom and Sean beat in age by a few months shy of a year, which they both hate, and Mom started me in kindergarten when I was four. Probably because she knew I was smarter than that paste eater.” I toss a thumb toward the cut-out between the kitchen and dining room.

Timing impeccable, Sean looks up from where he’s helping man the grill, eyes flicking between the two of us as we share a laugh.

“Well, I don’t disagree with her.” Layla sweeps me appreciatively. “The maturity shows.”

“Wouldn’t be so obvious if he didn’t act like an overheated stray dog,” I chuckle as Sean narrows his eyes on me. “So, do yourself a favor and don’t give him any kibble, and he’ll eventually find another porch to stalk.”

“Got to give him credit.” She grins as she eyes him, “He’s persistent.”

“You’ve got a boyfriend, though, right?” I ask her.

“In between. The last one was an asshole, just like the one before him.” She shakes her head. “I think I might have developed an unhealthy weakness for bad boys.”

“Do me a favor and don’t mention that to Sean. I have a feeling it would not bode well for any of us.” I extend my menu toward her. “I’ll take my usual, please.”

Grabbing the menu, she gives me a wink. “On it, and don’t forget you promised me that first haircut.”

“It’s a date,” I say, just as Sean snaps an “order up!”

“I think you’re being summoned,” I draw out, unable to help my grin.

“Which is idiotic”—she elevates her voice for Sean—“considering that’s not at all how we do it here!” She rolls her eyes. “I’ll be back.”