Page 20 of Finding My Charming

“Wonderful. Just write down what you want, and Elise will go get it.”

I shot her a glare, but she successfully avoided my gaze.

Twenty minutes later. I waited in line to pick up our food. I’d done several sly scans of the restaurant, but Dallin was nowhere to be seen. I took a deep breath and finally began to relax when someone tapped my shoulder. I turned around and looked up, my insides turning to ice. Oh no.

“Never thought I’d see you in here.”

I looked around, wondering how he’d suddenly appeared and why he was talking to me. No other employees were out beyond the counter, but here he was in front of me.

“I got sent over.” I studied my hands.

“I put that together.” He held up his hands that were full of to-go bags. “I’ve got your order here.”

“Oh. Thanks.”

He nodded and turned toward the doors.

“I can take them.”

“No need. Sherrie didn’t have to send you over in the first place. She knows I walk their orders over.”

Oh really? Then why had she made me come over? That sneaky woman.

He was still walking in front of me when we neared the street. At least I didn’t have to continue to make awkward small talk, but he could have waited for me.

I took a few long strides so we’d arrive at the door at the same time and quickly swept it open so he didn’t struggle with the bags at the same time he was ignoring me.

Wait. Why do I suddenly care if he is snubbing me? Things always turned awkward with him, and he basically insulted me every time we saw each other.

Remembering this changed my mood instantly.

I walked around him and sat down in my chair. Frank, Cindy, and even the quiet accountant, Ted, began talking to Dallin like he was a long-lost friend. Who is this guy? I was the one that worked here, and these people barely spoke to me. Stupid Dallin comes in and everyone emerges from their caves to talk to him. Stupid Dallin whose smile haunted my dreams. Not that he was dream worthy. Oh gosh.

I ignored their conversation and pulled the bags toward me to begin sorting. This time, only one nasty veggie burrito was in the bag, and I immediately shoved that to the farthest side of the desk. Yuck.

My chicken stir-fry looked and smelled amazing. Maybe I could get on board with this place after all.

Someone stepped right in front of me, and I looked up to see Dallin staring down with a heartbreaking smile.

“Does that one look better?” He obviously knew what I was thinking.

I bit back my initial thought and plastered a smile on my face. “Yes, it looks delicious.”

His smile grew “Glad to hear. If you ever want recommendations, I’m the person to ask.” He leaned forward until his eyes were level with mine. “I don’t even eat the crap Sherrie orders.”

Despite my efforts to keep a straight face, my laugh broke through the surface.

Dallin seemed just as surprised with my reaction before stepping back and winking.

“What’s one thing you wish you were better at, Elise?”

I’d almost gotten used to his random questions, but I could never prepare for them.

“Singing.” I said the first thing that came to mind and immediately regretted it. I’d admitted a real weakness to him.

He walked backward out of the lobby and waved before turning around and striding away. “You guys enjoy the rest of your day.”

Cindy said thanks before walking back to her desk. Ted followed silently behind.