it was closing time at the deli & only a few of the regulars & staff were hanging around. Leo was tasked with cleaning the grill after whipping up some sandwiches for the closing crew, which included himself & Riley. “extra mayo, if i remember correctly?” he said while spreading mayo on the underside of a brioche roll for Riley’s sandwich. he piled the ingredients together, serving it to her with a smile as he tended to the grill. Leo didn’t mind the closing shift; in fact he preferred it to the early-morning opening shift & over time, he & his dad had an understanding where Leo would work mostly closings during the week & opening shifts on the weekends, allowing him some time to actually enjoy the day. “how’s that sandwich, Riles? the best you’ve ever had, right?” he asked through the window, his attention on finishing up the grill cleaning, when he heard what sounded like sniffling coming from the counter. he turned his head & saw that they were coming from Riley. “uh-oh, this can’t be good” he thought to himself as he made his way through the door. he & Riley had a sibling-like relationship, though he’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel some attraction towards her. they had been working pretty closely together ever since she started working at the deli & he took an immediate interest in her. he pushed his feelings aside, however, as he didn’t want to ruin what was becoming a great friendship. he nodded goodbye to the last of the closing crew & sat in the open seat at the counter next to Riley, who was visibly crying now. he placed a hand on her back and asked “what’s wrong? did someone say something to you?” he couldn’t really make out what she said between sobs, and before he knew it, he head was on his shoulder & he pulled her in for a hug. as he rubbed her back, Leo said: “it’s gonna be okay, whatever it is. i’m here for you, ok? don’t forget that.” he was suddenly overcome by the smell of her shampoo, “is that...coconut?” he thought as she continued to let it all out. “i hope this isn’t because i made you a shitty sandwich...” she sat up with a laugh at his comment & Leo looked at her. even through the tears & redness of her face from crying, she still looked beautiful. “just tell me if i need to kick somebody’s ass or not.” another laugh. Leo pulled her in for a hug & kissed the top of her head. “ you can tell me anything, y’know. i’ll always be here for you, Riley, don’t forget that.”