Staying late after closing at the Blue Farm cafe had become normal recently. You didn’t know when it started, but you began slowly staying later and later, until you and Joe would walk out together.

Today was no different. You sat at the counter as Joe wiped it with a cloth. You poured yourself another half glass of whiskey and he side-eyed you.

“You know…You do work here too, right?” He tried to seem serious, but a small smile spread across his lips. “Could help with the cleanup?”

You nodded as you sipped at the amber liquid. “I could.” You chuckled when he finally giggled. “Or, I could sit here, drink whiskey, and watch you clean the mess up.”

“How kind,” Joe muttered, lifting your glass to clean the counter beneath it. He glanced at you as you took another large sip. “Are you driving home?”

You glanced up at the question with a shrug. “I might.” He gave you a disapproving look. “I’ll…walk and get my car tomorrow?” He shook his head and you sighed. “Sleep on the street?”

“I’ll drive you.” Joe kept his eyes on the counter, scared of what you’d see in them if they were on you. “I can pick you up in the morning too, to get your car.” He was thankful for his beard at this moment. You undoubtedly have seen the slight blush spreading across his face without it.