After a while, the tour flew by, and another lunch break occurred between the employees.

Hilary and Cody exchanged pleasantries while Melody sulked in the corner, waiting for them to stop.

"Work's going great so far," Hilary replied.

Melody groaned, covering her face. "I'm bored."

"What's the matter with you?" Hilary asked her, seeming to have heard what she said.

"Nothing much, I guess."

Hilary walked over and sat beside her. "You seem rather lonely. Is it alright if I join you for lunch?"

"If you don't want to bother me about that Cody guy again, then sure..."

"I just want to hang out, that's all." She flashed a smile. Melody couldn't help but feel stress released from seeing her.

"Don't bother," Cody said loud enough to get both of their attentions. "That brunette is spoiled rotten." Melody clenched her fists upon hearing that while Hilary’s blood boiled. "You wouldn't want to get involved with that woman. She won't change—"

Melody got up from her seat and marched over to face him. Hilary ran over to try and put a stop to them. She wanted to make sure they didn't get into a brutal fight in the middle of the market.

"Hey, I got something to say to you," Melody spoke in an unruly tone.

"Oh, and what is that?" Cody arched an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry," Melody said. "For everything I've done to you, can you forgive me?"

Cody's eyes widened at the response, but shook his head in protest, finding the tone to be unapologetic and lazy.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"See? She said sorry, it's your turn to apologize." Hilary replied.

"Why should I?" Cody asked.

"That's not nice!"

"All I did was my job, nothing more, nothing less." He turned and started walking, but stopped in his place for a moment. "Besides, I don't believe she meant what she said. You won’t convince me otherwise." He left the scene shortly after without looking back.

Hilary placed her hand on Melody's shoulder as her head slumped down. "Melody, I'm sorry, I didn't think—"

"It's ok," Melody replied with a weak smile. "I wanted to get that out of my chest, anyway. I feel better about it, so thank you for that."

"But he didn't—"

"That's fine; I'll handle this myself. You wouldn't understand, but I'll make him forgive me for my actions, just you watch."

"Ok then?"

"Do you want to talk while we still have our break?" Melody offered.

"Sure thing." Hilary chirped.

Work flew by in an instant. It felt short despite the long hours at work. Melody and Hilary walked around and talked about what to do after work.

Melody wasn’t certain why, but something about Hilary drew her in. Was it her welcoming ambiance? Her friendly attitude? Her patience and understanding? It hadn’t been long, but Melody didn’t want to leave at the first opportunity, which said something, considering her opinions on other employers and customers.

"I see you're co-operative this time," Cody commented from afar. He walked over to the duo and snarled at Melody. "I wonder what made you change your mind." Cody tapped his foot and scratched his chin. "Did the boss bribe you or give you a raise?"

Melody gripped her fist, then inhaled and exhaled to calm herself down and loosened her grip.

"You’re not going to get through to me that easily."

Cody shook his head in confusion. "Why are you acting so... different suddenly?"

"Is that a problem?" Melody taunted.

"Does the boss seriously value you more than me?" Cody asked under his breath. "Even though I've been here longer than you?" He stormed off in a huff. "I don't understand!"

'Whatever, he'll get over it soon enough.' Melody rolled her eyes. "I'll be right back."

She left briefly to find the boss and ask him who would work overtime. He replied that it's Cody's turn, much to her delight. Melody and Hilary discussed what to do — wanting to make up for past mistakes and take her to some place nice and have it be her treat.