The French Man

Lucia's hand landed with a soft thwack on Rose's head. "Don't be silly, you're too poor to quit. Man up."

"Ow, hey!" Rose exclaimed, rubbing the back of her head with a mock scowl. "What was that for?"

"For being silly," Lucia retorted, already striding towards the kitchen.

"Hey, while you're at it, make me a sandwich too!" Rose called after her.

"Why didn't you make it yourself?" Lucia's voice floated back.

"I forgot," came Rose's sheepish reply.

Lucia rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. Despite her protests, she made two sandwiches.

Sandwiches in hand, Lucia returned to the dining room, where Rose sat waiting. 

"Should I come pick you up? It's Friday, and I'll be leaving work early today," Rose offered.

Lucia hesitated, her mind flashing to her planned outing with Bradley. "Uhm, I'll pass. I have things to do," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.