Chapter 7

Gen grabbed the paper bag containing her food and stepped out through the back door of the restaurant. The air was warm and nicely quiet. The only sounds she could hear were the distant sounds of Richie, the chef, barking orders as always, and the music from the restaurant itself.

Taking a deep breath, she dug into the chips she had gotten for lunch but failed to eat yet again. It was cold now, and her first attempt to swallow sent her coughing. She searched about her for her water bottle, only realizing then that she had come out without it.

Tears were pooling in her eyes and running down her cheeks; her throat was burning; her sight was blurring when she felt somebody push a bottle of water into her hand and encourage her to drink.

After downing half the bottle, she took in a huge breath then turned to face her savior. Of course, it could be only one person: Trevor, her closest friend for the longest time and the owner of the restaurant.

“You’re always in s