From Across The Hall – 19

“Ruben,” Steven stages whispers to him from the door of the stock room, “free samples.”

“Samples?”

“Yeah,” he says a little louder, “free food.”

Free food is free food, Ruben thinks as he marks the last page of stock he was checking and stands up, following Steven out. He comes to an awkward stop at the sight of Sam holding out a tray with cut up samples of sandwiches, muffins, and cakes.

“Hi,” Sam says with a warm smile for him that Ruben does not preen at receiving.

“Hi. What’s ...