“I haven’t actually told her yet, but you don’t need to worry about her work ethic. She’s incredibly quick and efficient…”


    “That’s wonderful!” Karen cut Alessia off, pping her hands in delight.


    “Your dad and I have been discussing where on earth we could find someone to help. The café’s been so busy, I barely have time <i>to </ie home and cook for you all anymore. Poor Zachary’s been picking up the ck. You two are in your senior year–this is such a critical time–and Ivan’s still growing. If he doesn’t get proper nutrition, we could have a problem.”


    “Exactly. The interviewstely haven’t gone well at all, so we’ve been racking our brains. If you’re willing to vouch for someone, Lessie, then we know she’s got to be solid,” Brendan chimed in, nodding in agreement.


    At this point, anyone who still doubted Alessia’s judgment would have to be out of their minds.


    “But you said you haven’t asked her yet. Are you sure she’d be willing?”


    “I’ll go out and talk to her now.”


    “Now? It’s sote. Let Zachary drive you, or your dad can go with you. It’s not safe for a girl to be out alone at night.”


    “No need, I’ve already called a friend. She’s here now, actually–just outside. No


    worries.”


    “No, I really think I should walk down with you,” Brendan insisted, concern in his voice. Karen quickly agreed.


    Alessia sighed inwardly, but faced with theirbined insistence, she nodded her


    agreement.


    When the three of them stepped outside, they found Ste waiting by her motorcycle. Ste looked a bit surprised to see the small entourage, quickly climbing off her bike, helmet still in hand–clearly meant for Alessia.


    “This is Ste, my best friend,” Alessia announced confidently, standing beside her


    as she introduced her to the Mortons.


    “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Morton.” For once, Ste seemed a little nervous, worried her earlierid–back attitude might have left the wrong impression.


    “Evening, dear. I have to say, a young woman on a motorcycle is pretty impressive,”


    <b>14.44 </b>


    Karen said warmly, Immediately picking up <b>on Ste’s </b><b>nerves </b><b>and </b><b>trying to </b><b>put </b><b>her </b>


    <b>at </b>ease.


    Ste rxed, a bit embarrassed, scratching her ear sheepishly.


    “She’s right–just be careful, you two. And when you have time,e by for dinner. I know my way around the kitchen, and so does Karen. You should stay for a real meal sometime.”


    “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Morton, I’d love that.”


    “We’ll head off, then,” Alessia said, checking her watch and taking the helmet from Ste.


    “Alright–just let us know when you’re back,” Brendan reminded them, worry still etched on his face.


    The girls promised they would, urging Brendan and Karen to head back inside before finally setting off.


    “Lessie, do you think your parents see me as some kind of delinquent now?” Ste asked as they rode away.


    Alessia chuckled. “What’s this? The fearless Ste, worried about making a bad first impression?”


    “It’s different with your parents. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t care–I’d just brush it off. But with them… maybe I should try to look a little less rough next time?”


    Riding behind Alessia, Ste couldn’t see the bright smile spreading across her friend’s face beneath her helmet.


    “No need.”


    “What?” Ste called over the wind and the roar of the engine, unable to make out the words.


    They stopped at a red light, and Ste leaned closer. “What did you say?”


    my friend “I said, you don’t need to change a thing! Just be yourself. Anyone who’s doesn’t need to put on a show for anyone else–not even my parents. Right now, you’re honestly the coolest, and I’m proud to call you my friend!”


    Beneath her helmet, Ste’s ears burned red. She managed a soft “mm,” her smile betraying a rare, bashful shyness that was utterly adorable.