Not good for you

10;

Whenever we crossed a crossroad or turned around the corner with Perkyn, I kept looking to my side from the corner of my eye, mainly because I didn't want any of the boys to show up and ruin my possible partnership.

If Casen or Austin would pop out of nowhere, I was sure they would humiliate me in the worst way, and I didn't need that at the moment.

"So, this would be it," he stopped in the middle of the busy sidewalk while tourists and excited kids surrounded us.

I turned to the side and glanced up at the brick building, which looked old school but also cozy. The name Twa Corbies was lightning above us like a rumble of thunder.

"Twa Corbies?" I asked, and Perkyn shrugged.

"The owner likes classics, I suppose." He shrugged and opened the door for me.

When I stepped into the lively diner, I was immediately welcomed by the sweet smell of cakes and coffee.

I hadn't expected to see many kids, but half the diner teemed with them. Almost everyone had a piece of cake or muffin placed in front of them, and they weren't letting their parents off the hook.

"Why don't you take a seat?" Perkyn asked, nodding toward the back of the diner. "I'll get you something really delicious."

"I don't trust you enough to leave you alone with my food." I narrowed my eyes, and he raised his eyebrows.

"We are co-workers already, Heddy." He reminded me of the obvious. "Why would I put anything into your food?"

I crossed my arms and tilted my head to the side.

"I mean, I don't trust you not to eat it," I corrected myself, and his eyes lit up.

"Oh, my bad," he put his hands up in defense. "I didn't know you were such a glutton."

I gasped and leaned back dramatically. I had never met someone who would insult me right away after they had just met me. I could also pull that out of my bucket list.

This summer has already promised to be different and new. I was skeptical but also excited.

"I'm not," I said indignantly.

"Are you sure you aren't?" he asked with a suspicious face while his wrinkles deepened under his few days-old stubbles.

"I might be," I said, turning my head away like a child. "But I don't want to hear it from anyone else."

"I see," he pursued his lips. "I'll watch my mouth from now on."

"Thought so," I agreed and walked away from him. I sat down and leaned on my elbows, enjoying the friendly fuzz of the diner.

Now that I'd gotten to know Perkyn a little more, I wasn't stressed about my first day at the hotel. I knew that no matter what happened with my new colleagues, I'd have Perkyn there, who was the embodiment of coolness.

I couldn't wait to tell Leigh and Emilia about my job and my first impression of Caleb and Perkyn. I almost didn't believe that I got this lucky. What would happen if I paid attention to myself and had my priorities in line?

"I haven't touched a crumb on it, I swear," Perkyn brought two plates in each hand and put a piece of creamy cake in front of me.

"Yeah, right, now you feel threatened," I teased him as he put his plate on the other side of the black table.

"And now..." he murmured, stepping behind me with a still posture.

I furrowed my brows and glanced back at him over my shoulders, only to see him getting ready for something.