Chapter 77

JASMINE

On Saturday morning, I arrived at work at seven thirty, right on time for the late shift. Valerie was inside working the register when I walked in. I quickly dropped all my things in the back and came out front to help her make drinks. After the rush was over, I grabbed the spray bottle and rag to wipe down all the tables and chairs.

When I made it back behind the counter, Valerie came out. She looked me up and down and asked, “How’s your leg? Are you okay?”

“It’s better, good as new,” I replied.

She then put both her hands on my shoulders, stared into my eyes, and said, “How are you?”

“I’m fine,” I replied, confused by the question. But she didn’t remove her hands.

“How are you taking the whole thing with Lucy? I know it can’t be easy to know your friend’s pregnant with your mate’s baby.”

I almost choked, feeling uncomfortable. “What have people been saying? What has Lucy been saying?”

She removed her hands from my shoulders and replied, “Well, people talk, but who car