I nodded. It was all I could do. I didn’t trust my voice.
She looked at the folder now clutched to my chest for a moment. Then, when she met my eyes again, her words sparked joy. “You’re a brilliant woman, Margo. Never forget that.”
A few minutes later, leather folder in hand, I headed across campus to my next class, riding a high that I foolishly thought would last forever.
“Well, that certainly is wonderful news,” Rossy murmured, studying the title page, a small smile playing on his lips.
After my classes, I came straight to work, not bothering to stop and change on the way. I was too excited, practically giddy. “She said I was brilliant!” I whispered, looking over my shoulder in search of Carrie. I couldn’t wait to tell her.
“Of course she did, darling,” Rossy replied, pulling off his glasses, his brows coming together. “Because you are.”
I smiled at him before grabbing my apron, hooking it around my neck. As I reached back to tie it around my waist, Rossy gently closed the folder and leaned his hip against the counter. “Now, I do have a question for you, Margo, before you dive into your shift.”
The cautious tone of his voice had my spine snapping straight. “Oh. Well, shoot, boss man.”
“Shoot?”
I picked up a mug, needing to keep my hand busy. “You know, ask the question.”
“Oh, right. Yes, of course.” He chuckled, putting his glasses back on. “Are you able to work this Sunday?”
I moved to the espresso machine, my body mindlessly starting to wipe everything down. I loved Sarah, but she always left my coffee counter a mess when I was in class. My white towel was covered in coffee stains by the time I had an answer for him. “I have a shift Saturday night at the Buoy.”
“Another shift?” he asked, crossing his ankles. “That’s the third Saturday in a row.”
I nodded. “Yeah, but it pays my bills.”
He was quiet for a moment. “Margo, you know I’m immensely proud of you for everything that you’re doing, but I want to give you a word of caution.”
I already knew what was coming. With a sigh, I flipped the towel onto my shoulder and turned to face him. “Rossy, there’s no need.”
His head tilted to the side. “No need for what.?”
“Cardinal already gave me the burnout lecture.”
“And I see you are ignoring her advice.”
“I am not.”
“Right, and just for clarification, when was your last day off?”
My mouth opened, but nothing came out.
Dammit.
Rossy’s kind brown eyes scanned my face before he clicked his tongue. “That’s what I thought.”
“Well, I—”
He waved his hand. “I’m not here to scold you. I am just looking out for your well-being. Rest isn’t a reward, darling; it is a need.” Before I could respond, the shop door opened, the bell above jingling. I looked back, finding three younger women heading my way. “I’ll leave you to it,” he muttered. “I have to run down to the stationery store anyway.”
“Hi!” the girl in the middle greeted, her eyes on the menu.
I ignored them for now. “Where is Carrie?” I asked Rossy as he slipped on his tweed jacket.
“Out to lunch with Grayson,” he answered, pulling out his pocket watch. “They should be back soon.”
They?