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When I raise my head, he looks like he wants to say something, but he’s hesitating. I tell him honestly, “I would feel so much better if you’d just tell me what’s on your mind.”
He nods. “Okay, I just don’t want you to get offended or anything.” I raise my brows expectantly. He starts, “I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to hug or anything anymore.”
Quite frankly, I am a little offended. Or is that embarrassed? Maybe it’s shame. But I don’t let it show. “I agree. I’d hate for someone to cause problems like this again.” I shoot him a smile and stand. “I’m so glad things are back to normal.”
“Yeah, and you’ve only be here a week. I can only see good things for the future.” He deadpans, “Yippee.”
I laugh in relief more than anything. “Oh God, you’re an ass.”
We laugh together and I feel peace ease into my bones. I stand to leave when he says, “You know, we can still hang out and do things. I’ll be at The White Rabbit this Saturday again, so if you’re there, we can have drinks. I don’t want things to turn awkward.”
He didn’t have to say that, but he did. Not out of obligation, just ‘cause he wanted to. I smile. “I’d like that.”
Decision made, I will definitely be at The White Rabbit this Saturday.
Chapter Eighteen
Helena
My lunch break is an hour long. If I quicken my pace, I’ll be back in forty-five. Thank God for sneakers. I breathe deeply, exhale slowly, and speed-walk down the sidewalk in the sunshine. The city doesn’t smell too good, but I smile regardless, knowing I’ll be there soon. Panting a little, I slow when I reach the entrance. It’s busy, but I think I’ll make it back in time.
Five minutes pass, and finally, I reach the front of the line.
Verna smiles. “Welcome to Icing on the Cake. What can I get you?”
All but beaming, I place my order. “I’ll take a cupcake sampler box, please.” Just as she moves to get me one, I ask, “Can I freeze them?”
Verna nods. “Sure are, hon.”
I mentally squeal, jump, and clap, then adjust my order. “Make it two boxes, please.”
She places the boxes on the counter. “That comes to forty-six even.”
Yeesh! This habit is going to burn a hole in my pocket.
I mentally shrug. Meh. I’m so totally okay with that.
I hand over the money with a smile and reach for the boxes, when the other mature worker lady runs out of the kitchen and whispers something into Verna’s ear. As I reach for the boxes, Verna pulls them away. Her eyes apologetic, she asks, “Are you Helena Kovac?”
My eyes widen. I respond a slow and drawn out, “Yes.”
The other worker whispers loud enough for me to hear, “I told you so!”
Verna snaps at her. “How was I meant to know, Tammy? She looks different in the picture!”
Tammy argues quietly, “You old bat, wear your damn glasses.”
Verna squabbles some more. “You’re older than me! You’re the dinosaur!”
But I just want my cupcakes. “Excuse me,” I cut in. “Can I have my cupcakes now? I have to get back to work.”
Verna shakes her head, handing me back my money. “I’m sorry, dear. I can’t serve you.”
My heart speeds up and is soon racing. I’m confused. “What? Why?”
Tammy leans forward over the counter, and whispers loudly, “You’re banned!”
My mouth gapes. I sputter, “B-but why? What did I do?”
