“Oh, wow,” Leslie says- and it’s what I’m thinking. “Sorry,” I smile, “this one’s mine.” “Of course he is,” she sighs. Axel strides towards us and for the first time ever I wish for the athleticism to hop over the counter. His footsteps stop when he’s directly across from me. “Hey.” His simple greeting, lined with a hint of uncertainty, turns my smile into a grin. “Hey, Big Guy. What brings you to my little corner of the world this morning?” There’s a tiny shift in his stance as he sheds any last trace of doubt. “I think morning ended a couple minutes ago, Baby Doll.” I glance at the clock,
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