Page 138 of Left on Read
He swallowed hard and passed me the note.
Riv,
I told Biggs you’re not coming in tonight. We pooled our tips so you don’t have to worry about missing a shift. Have fun. You deserve it.
No backsies,
Z
“I can’t believe they did this for me.” He took the note back and put it, and the cash, back in the envelope. “The night off is one thing, but sharing their tips is just…”
“They love you.”
“They do. And I love them. They’re my family.”
Again, I bit back that I also loved him. It wasn’t time yet.
“Okay.” He tucked the envelope in his pocket. “Before I get all mushy for the second time, how about we bring all this upstairs so we can get to work?”
“Let’s do it.”
“Can you grab the toolbox, and I’ll get the rest?”
“That I can do.” I picked up the box, half expecting it to pop open and spill tools everywhere.
River expertly stacked the boxes in his arms. “Ready?” he asked.
“Ready.”
“That should do it.” River rested his hand on one of the rungs of the ladder and gently pushed it back and forth a few times. The wheels squeaked faintly. “That should fade once they get broken in. But I’ve got a spray that’ll take care of it if it’s bothering you.”
“It’s fine. I barely noticed it.” I stepped back and took in the full effect.
The ladder was a few shades lighter than the bookshelves, but other than that, it looked like it had been made especially for it.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“It’s perfect.” I beamed at him. “Exactly what I’ve always wanted.”
“Here.” He motioned me forward. “Get on it so we can give it the real test.”
Eagerly, I stepped onto the first rung.
“Hold on.” He gave the ladder a little push.
The ladder slid a few feet across the floor, moving over the track we’d installed. The system wasn’t built to withstand someone taking a running leap on it or even moving the ladder more than a few feet at a time, but it was perfect.
“How did that feel?” River asked excitedly.
“Amazing. My inner nerd is in heaven right now.” Using my foot, I pushed against the floor. The ladder slid smoothly, like it wasn’t even on a track.
“Has your Beauty and the Beast fantasy come true?”
“So much.” I jumped off the ladder. “You try.”
Chuckling, he climbed up on the first rung and used his foot to slide the rest of the way down the track.
“Well?” I asked.