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"Be right there," I say as I hold up a finger

Hawke nods and they both turn back inside

I look back to Jules, who still has no clue who I am, or if she does, she's not impressed by it

I like that too

"SoI know this is totally forward, but any chance I could take you out sometime?" I ask with a full smile, which I know is one of my better features as I've been told my dimples are panty-droppers

She's shaking her head no before I even get the words all the way out, and that is a definite ego-crusher

"That's sweet," she assures etic eyes "But it's justWell, I can't I don't have any free time, and even if I did, I can't afford a babysitter"

Her words fall off and her eyebrows knit together in confusion again, as if she's just now realizing that her life is far more complicated than she ever realized

"Part of the date would be e with hopeful eyes, and fuckwhy do I want to go out with this wo about her circume

But then she smiles at me

And those whiskey eyes go warm

And she says, "You really are very nice, but et a bitout with you, not withof troubles"

Yes, it's clear She's si wo Add on the fact she's stunning, what fucking guy wouldn't be interested in that?

Despite the fact she has no ti quite broken

"Max," I hear Hawke call out, and he's standing outside the lobby doors again, this ti to his watch with a look on his face that says "Get your ass in gear"

I nod at hi to face Jules She looks up at me, same sweet smile on her face even as she starts to unwrap her sandwich, which had been resting on her lap

"It was niceyou, Jules," I tell her sincerely Even ain someday"

"Niceyou too, Max," she says softly, and is that a tiny hint of regret in her eyes?

Hmmmm Can't really tell but it doesn't matter

She'll be seeing me sooner rather than later

"That will be seven dollars and thirty-two cents," I tell the guy across the counter fro first and fore a twelve-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon and that just screaht to me

He handsit to him with a smile

Yes, a smile

"Here you go, and have a great night," I tell hienuine and fueled by a little bit of peppy energy I seeht

Here I aas station on the outskirts of Raleigh, going onthe tiot hoiddy

Maybe even euphoric

And that's simply from the fact that I'o I' a new job, or how I's financially until I do, that I' over-the-moon happy to be back here

The guy nods at me, stuffs his money in his back pocket and tucks the boxed twelve-pack under his arlass doors, which automatically open on the exit side just as he reaches it, and I can't help the tiny smirk that comes to my mouth when I see Max Fournier on the other side

He holds the door open for the sad single guy getting ready to get drunk tonight on cheap beer Single guy does sort of a double take when he sees Max but Max isn't paying attention He's actually sauntering in as if he owns the place

"I ondering when you'd be in," I say with a pointed stare that I try to level as chastising but completely misses the mark