Snippet #2296092

Gently, he transferred the treats from one tray to the other, arranging them into presentable rows with a clean hand. James dumped the metal tray in the sink and tucked one end of the rag inside his pants pocket before he reopened a register. Usually they timed their small breaks well, but today seemed to be the exception for three people were already in line. Addressing them quickly, the Paterson was just about to finish with the last customer when Benji arrived, making a b-line toward his brother. Ever observant, it didn't take much for James to notice his nervousness but he ignored it for the moment as he finished the customer's order.

"Thank you dear." The woman replied as she dropped a few cents into the modest tip jar before taking her niece aside. The young girl's eyes were fixed on the tall Paterson, but was scolded for staring once her aunt took notice. He didn't mind, and even returned a polite smile toward her guardian. The child's absolute and silent attention was always preferable to the chatty teenagers that seem to flock to the Pawprint. Turning his attention back to Benji, he merely extended a hand to the side of the register, palm open and expecting. If the rabbit was here for anything, it would be food, and even if this place was family-run, they still had to pay for it.

Whatever unsettled Benji was none of James's concern, though he had his suspicions.