You’re seated at the counter at Luke’s, watching Jess begrudgingly refill someone’s coffee cup. He’s grumbling under his breath when he walks back behind the counter, tossing a towel over his shoulder.

“Rough day at the office?” you tease, stealing one of the fries from his plate.

He smirks, leaning on the counter in front of you. “Yeah, well, I’m only here for the company.”

“Lucky me,” you reply, rolling your eyes. “What would Luke do without you?”

“Probably hire someone who actually cares,” Jess deadpans, but there’s a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

Just then, Luke pokes his head out of the kitchen. “Jess, less flirting, more working!”

You laugh, and Jess groans. “Yeah, yeah, I’m on it.”

He leans in closer before walking away, his voice low. “You’re sticking around, right?”

“Of course,” you say, grinning.

And as he walks away to serve a table, you can’t help but feel that maybe Jess is starting to realize just how much he values having you there.