“Hot and Cold is still in its early stages.”
“We’re doing fine.”
Sadie glanced up, grateful but uneasy from the genuine support softening Joan’s face. “But you need me.”
“I appreciate every single thing you do,” Joan said.
“And I really like working here. We have so much fun.”
“I love working with you. But the food truck wasmydream, not yours.”
“It’s not the right time,” Sadie insisted. “I’m the face of the truck so you and Mark can lay low.”
“Mark and I can be less in the background. Enough time has passed. The Supers have seen we really did go legit.”
“I’m still the best for customer service and dealing with people.”
“I’m not bad with it,” Joan said.
“Hon, you were fired from a customer service job for melting your desk after a difficult phone call.”
“That was a long time ago. I’ve matured.”
Sadie stepped out of Joan’s arms. “Who are you gonna get to work with you? It’s not like you can hire just anyone with your unique cooking styles.”
“That’s not your concern.”
“Everything about the truck is my concern.”
“We can find a norm who got out of the criminal life,” Joan said. “An old associate who wants steady employment and understands keeping our former identities quiet.”
A shadow crossed over her face that she quickly shook off.
“Remember our deal, Sadie Eagan. You helped me get on the straight and narrow. I help you open your dream café.”
“I’m just…” Sadie gave a weak shrug. “I’m not ready yet. And whether or not you want to admit it, you need me to keep eyes on the money and things for Hot and Cold.”
“That’s what Perry does.”
“Yeah, but you two don’t listen to Perry.”
“We do. We just pretend like we don’t.”
That was pretty doubtful. Even with all her hang-ups and fears and anxiety about opening her own café, the biggest factor in not pursuing it was the need to make Hot and Cold stable and profitable.
Joan tilted her head. “Per said he’s been waiting to go over the research he’s done for you.”
Sadie uttered a sound she hoped sounded like words.
“He’ll meet you anytime.” Joan smirked. “It’s paperwork. His favorite.”
“Some other time. I just want to go home, have a warm cup of tea, and relax.”
“All right, but meet with him soon, okay? He keeps bugging me.”
Mustering up a smile, Sadie said, “I will.”
Joan enveloped her in a comforting hug. “I’ll be the first person in line when you open your doors. I’ll be so proud, I’ll tell everyone, ‘This is my girlfriend’s café. She’s amazing and can do anything.’”
