DESI
I knockedon Scout’s door, but no one opened it. I stood back and scratched my head in confusion. That was odd. We had made plans last week for today. We had plans to go shopping for Thanksgiving dinner and cook. It was the last I’d ever celebrate, and I had been looking forward to spending it with her. She wasn’t answering calls or responding the messages I left on her machine, and now, she wasn’t answering my knocks. Or, she just wasn’t home.
I knocked again and a deep booming bark came from inside. I shrunk away back to my car. Oh, that’s right. Her roommate had a dog. There was one last place to try, and relief flew through my body when I saw her in her uniform, serving a table. I sat and waited for her to come over. She froze when she saw me. I waved and smiled, but she didn’t do the same.
“What are you doing here, Desi?”
“You’re not answering the phone. And you weren’t home.”
“I picked up an extra shift. I needed the money.”
“Why didn’t you tell me, then? I don’t care, but I thought we had plans.”
“Well, we don’t. And I don’t think we’re gonna have any more plans.”
I stood quickly.
“Scout, can you take a break real quick?”
She looked toward her waitress friends. They nodded, and she waved me forward. We went outside and walked to my car. She leaned against it and crossed her arms. I shoved my hands in my pockets.
“I’m so confused.”
“I know about your fiancée.”
Her words were like ice shards. I stared, shocked and panicked.
“Fiancée?” I asked, feeling so idiotic. “What are you talking about?” I took a step toward her with my arms out.
“I was at the mall last weekend with Catrine and Birdie and I went into that mystics shop. I was going to buy you a present when the girl said she knew you, and she found it weird that you had a girlfriend because last she heard, you were getting married!” Scout shoved me away from her.
“I’m not!” I yelled back. “She must have gotten me confused with my brother, Gianni. We used to go in there all the time. He is married now.”
“Gianni?”
“Yes!” I said with a forced laugh. “My brother got married this summer. I’m not entirely a huge fan of Gloria, but love is love. The girl at the shop must have gotten us confused. We do look alike.”
“So, you’re not getting married?”
“No. Now, this is why you were avoiding me? Can we make up now?” I spread my arms out and she leaned in to hug me.
“Yes, please.” She sighed. “I’ve been crying for days.”
“You should have come to me about this,” I chastised. “I’ll take care of everything from now on.”
“I gotta get back. I’ll make up to you. On your next day off.” She pulled away and sniffled.
“Sure. Sounds good. Have a good rest of your shift.” I kissed her forehead and got into my car. I gnashed my teeth as I gripped the steering wheel. More lies. The more I lied, the harder it was going to be if she found out. What were the fucking odds some stranger would be the one to expose me?
I turned onto the road that led to the mall and sped up.
The mall was just opening, which meant there were hardly any cars in the parking lot. I parked and stormed inside, heading straight to the mystic's place Scout had gone to this weekend. I pushed past the curtains and my anger shifted. I cooled, knowing exactly how I wanted to play this. I had seen my father, my brother, and even my grandfather on occasion, in action. I could do it too.
“Hello?” A female’s voice came from the back.
I looked around, picking up a crystal ball. I turned it around in my hand. “Hello.”
She stepped out and froze. “Desiderio, it has been ages since your last visit. How may we help guide you today?”
