Falling For Mr. Sundae | ✔

31. Making Bets

Putting on the ugly orange shirt that was the Sprinklez uniform had somehow become my favorite part of the week. It meant that I got to spend the next few hours with Julian. Well, in the same vicinity at least.

Sprinklez had been so busy lately that Julian and I didn't have time to relax. Tom even asked us to start using the employee parking lot so the customers would have more places to park. I didn't even know it existed because I've never once used the back door. I always thought it just lead to an alleyway full of a dumpsters.

Now, I handed two cones of mint chocolate chip to two girl who looked to be about twelve. As they left out of the store a familiar face walked in. I nearly screamed at the sight of my best friend. Finally back from her trip.

Throwing out any bit of professionalism I had, I ran around the counter to hug her. Talking over the phone could never top talking in person. And there was a lot I had to tell her that was better done face to face.

"When did you get back?" I demanded once we pulled out of the hug. "Why didn't you tell me you were back?"

I stepped back, looking her over as if I hadn't been stalking her Instagram since the day she left. Her light skin was a couple of shades darker with a tan. She switched out her long, thick, braids for shoulder length micro braids. And her tiny shorts revealed a large floral tattoo that I'd only seen parts of in her photos. It's like I was looking at a complete different person.  

"You know I always have to make an entrance." That was conformation that she was, in fact, the same Raquel I knew and loved.

The bell above the door rang as a group of college aged people walked in and I remembered I had a job to do. Alone, since Julian was in the back working his magic on two banana splits and one root beer float for a family in the corner booth.

I cursed under my breath as I walk back behind the counter to take orders. Kells lingered by the counter, staying out of the way as she looked around the newly renovated Sprinklez. Once I was done taking their orders the group piled into an empty booth to eat their treats.

"Question," Kells said, leaning her elbows on the counter. "Why the hell are you still working here? I thought the whole point was to keep tabs on Adam."

I never told her the real reason I bailed on our trip. She already knew though. That's the thing with best friend's. They know you too well. It was embarrassing to think I was that desperate to save a dead relationship. Even worse, she mentioned that as soon as Julian came up from the back with the orders he worked on arranged on a platter.

I warned her to be quiet under my breath, but she was too focused on Julian.

"So, that's the fling?" She said a little lower this time, turning back to me with an impressed expression on her face.

"Not a fling," I corrected.

"So he's your boyfriend?"

I shrugged, watching him as he gave the family their ice cream. "We haven't officially labelled anything."

"You know who doesn't use labels?" My brow quirked up, questioningly. "People in short term relationships."

I could barely contain my eye roll. "We're just not at that point yet."

"Didn't you just have a sleep--"

She stopped talking when Julian walked over. Thankfully.

"You must be Julian," she said, flashing him a friendly smile. She extended her hand for him to shake. "I'm Raquel. The bestie."

One moment she was bubbly and sweet. The next she was yanking his arm so he was forced to lean over the counter closer to her. "And I carry a taser," she said. Her face was cold and serious. "Do not forget that."