Words Unspoken

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The three continued talking and eating, Steph only needing to step out of the booth a couple times for customers. Alex knew that this was defeating the purpose of her working there, but Steph insisted on taking care of them, even when Alex offered, if weakly. She wanted to help, but just wasn't quite confident about it.

The time came to start closing up, so Steph walked Alex through the process again, but now also her dad. At some point, maneuvering around was easier using Steph than her crutches in some tight spaces. At least Alex told herself that when she attached herself to the other girl. There were times that she swore George gave them a knowing look. She wasn't sure, but she hoped so, because it also seemed approving.

They eventually were outside the record store, Alex back in the wagon.

"I think they're going to want us to spread out our hours so that we stay open a little longer. They implied you having a later start time."

Alex's smile fell until Steph said, "Don't worry, I'm staying with you even if that happens. Off the clock."

Alex felt relieved.

"Yeah, I think we have a couple weeks still maybe. Convinced her it was the time we needed to have you all trained up to be left alone."

"It would be, at the least. Thank god you'll be there."

"We stick together. I can't take care of you if I'm not there."

Alex smiled and George said, "That's my Stephy. So nurturing."

"Please tell the others," Steph said.

"So, I'm meeting them soon?"

"Ah shoot. Walked into that. Yeah, I guess so. I'll ask them if they want to meet up tomorrow maybe."

"Great," George said grinning, looking victorious.

Turning to Alex, Steph asked, "You want to stop by The Black Lantern and get more of Gabe's stuff?" Steph asked, checking the door one more time to make sure it was locked.

"Yeah, I was just thinking about that," Alex replied, pleased with how thoughtful Steph was being.

"So, yeah?" she asked again.

"Yeah."

Steph's dad turned to Alex and said, "Let me know if you want me to carry anything."

"Thanks, George," Alex said gratefully.

"Not sure I have person carrying strength like Stephy here, but I can carry some. When did my daughter become stronger than me?"

"You're still stronger," Steph said, indicating that he must be joking.

"Maybe," he responded playfully.

They continued on until stopping in front of The Black Lantern.

When the wagon stopped, Steph looked back and said, "I assume you don't mind going up those stairs to pick out what to bring back?"

"Yeah. It's not as bad when you help me."

"That's why I'm here," Steph said as she walked up to her, then leaned in to whisper, "Among other reasons." A hand trailed down her back, but started from her neck, first coming up to run fingers into her hair, almost automatically as if she couldn't help it, before going down. Luckily her own body blocked view of this action from her father. Her hand stopped on Alex's lower back.

Steph's tone and touch expressed a complex intimacy that made Alex uncertain whether she wanted to be kissed or just held, but either way, she really wished they were alone.

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