CHAPTER 9
MARI
It was the first time Leo had appeared genuinely scared, a reaction I’d grown accustomed to from the residents of Green Valley, but tonight, it bothered me. I blamed the anxious undertone to our evening on the fact that I’d worn this ridiculous dress on the chance he’d show up.
And then, when he’d stepped up wearing all black, hair styled, beard trimmed short, and looking like he made a genuine effort, my heart had stuttered, temporarily distracted from the goal. As the night went on and our conversation extended, his nerves grew.
He was going to tell me no, and I refused to accept that answer. I dragged out the evening as long as possible. Told stories about the kids, about the money struggles. It wasn’t exactly torture to hang out with the guy, either. He turned out to be pretty funny, and his admiration of Janice was incredibly sweet. When he started a new story or was particularly excited about something, he’d grip his thick curls and tug them back. Or if he was getting ready to tell me bad news. Like right now.
“But I really need to tell you something. I can’t help—” Leo started.
I looked up to see the owner of the Front Porch trying to sneak out the back door. “Oh, hell no!”
I grabbed my bag and stood.
“Wait? Where’re you going?” He stood too, reaching for his wallet.
“I got it.” I beeped my watch against the machine the bartender had ready and extended to me. “You get the tip.”
Leo’s eyes widened. “They take e-payments now?”
I rolled my eyes. “I have to go. He’s leaving out the back.”
Leo threw down a few bills that would have covered our meal and not just a nice tip. “Wait, I’ll go with you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m not sure how long this will take. You can go.” I sped away, through the kitchen, not worrying about the surprised faces of staff finishing their closing duties.
“Mari, wait. I still need to talk to you.” Leo was right on my heels, reaching for my arm.
“Shoot. He’s as slippery as an eel. That tight-fisted so-and-so,” I mumbled into the rest of my cursing.
“Can you slow down?” Leo asked, bringing me to a stop.
“Not really. My only setting is wogging. Don’t slow me down.” I brushed him off.
He growled and continued to follow me. “I really need to tell you something.”
“And I really don’t have time to hear it right now.” My excuses quota had been reached for the month.
The owner was already in his running car when I stepped out to the back parking lot. He glanced up at me and rushed to start backing out before even buckling, pretending we hadn’t locked eyes.
“Oh, thatsonofa!” I would chase after him. I would leech myself to his hood if that’s what it took to get his dang attention. The students needed these donations. People needed to stop trying to get away from me.
Leo lurched forward to stop me by grabbing my arm. I twisted out of his grip easily.
“Now who’s slippery as an eel.” He hooked his arms around my waist, and I beat at his hands. “What is your plan here?”
I stopped struggling and turned in his arms. “Are you laughing?”
He chuckled more. “I’m sorry.” He tried to clear his features. “It’s just nice not to be the one receiving your wrath.”
“I can’t believe he just left. He saw me. We made eye contact.”
“Maybe if you weren’t chasing after him with that look in your eyes.”
I stomped my heel, my anger making me shake.
“That’s the look.” He leaned back.
