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“It feels like one. And I don’t have anything to wear but work shirts.”
Rachel’s gaze brightened. She still loved to shop. That hadn’t changed in all these years, but her budget was more limited than mine now.
“I can help with that. Missy works at Janet’s Design. She could probably get you a discount. We could go there now if you have some time.”
“Sure, but—”
“All done, Miss Footit.” The new delivery guy stepped out of the storage room and gave me a long look that made me uncomfortable.
“Right.” I took the electronic clipboard from him and signed on the screen.
“What was your name again?” I asked. I knew most of the delivery guys by name, but not this one.
“I didn’t give it.” His dark eyes narrowed, and the fine hairs on the back of my neck rose.
“I’ll need it now, please.”
“Steve Ricci.” He popped a toothpick in his mouth and leered at me again. “But everyone calls me Mad Dog.”
Shit.I didn’t like this. I’d bet anything he worked for Martin.
I exchanged a glance with Rachel. Based on her pinched expression, she had similar suspicions.
I didn’t know how Martin had gotten one of his guys on staff with my distributor, but I’d have to change companies now. That would be a hassle, but no way was I letting this guy back inside my building again.
“Well, thanks, Steve. I appreciate it.” I pointed with my gaze. “Let me walk you out.”
His lips pursed around his toothpick. “That won’t be necessary.”
“I disagree.” I hooked my arm with my sister’s. “Rachel will come with me.”
Seeing the writing on the wall, he nodded. “Let me grab my dolly.” He ducked back inside the storage room.
I eased back on the rubber sole of my tennis shoe to keep an eye on him. I well-remembered Martin’s camera fetish. I didn’t want his lackey leaving recording equipment behind.
After we saw Steve out, Rachel let me have it. “Is Martin still bothering you?”
“Not bothering.” I glanced away. Him being the ever-present bane of my existence wasn’t the same as bothering.
“What’s going on with him?” She moved in front of me, so I had to look at her.
“I’ve only seen him once since I left him. He’s with someone else. I don’t know why he sent this guy here after all this time. I don’t like it any more than you do,” I said, giving her little kernels of truth. “But from now on, let’s use the buddy system coming and going out of Footit’s. I’ll have the staff take extra precautions too, make sure our new busser knows to watch for anything suspicious on the surveillance cameras.”
“Okay, Addy.” She sighed. “But let me know if he tries anything with you again.” She put her hand on my shoulder. “You’re not alone anymore to deal with Martin. Got it?”
“Got it,” I said. Despite my unease, knowing my sister had my back felt good. Really good.
Addy
“Idon’t know.” I made a face at the second low-cut blouse Rachel pulled off the rack.
“Do you want to be friends with this guy?” She quirked a dark blond brow. “Friends with benefits, a boyfriend? Or what?”
I’d been out of the dating scene for almost two decades now, but my staff were mostly in their twenties, sexually active like most their age, and I overheard them talking. I knew friends with benefits was still a thing. I knew about all the hookup apps. I knew it was more the norm to go out and have no-strings sex than it was to get emotionally involved. I’d been in limbo a long time, but not much had changed in that regard.
“Can I be honest with you?” I asked.
“I wish you would.” A tiny crease appeared between her brows.
