A week into the new system, Willow came downstairs expecting the usual — and found something had already shifted without her.
She came in from the back with a delivery note still in hand, expecting the usual quiet chaos of opening, and found Ava already behind the bar, inventory sheet out, checking bottles against it without anyone telling her to.
She wasn't waiting to be asked. She was just doing it.
Willow stopped and watched for a moment. Ava noticed.
"You planning to stand there all morning?"
"I was admiring the efficiency."
Ava looked instantly suspicious. "Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Make it weird."
Willow glanced at the sheet in her hands. "You're using it."
"I am."
"Without me asking?"
"Yes."
Willow smiled. "Should I mark this day on the calendar?"
"No."
"Feels historic t
