Page 85 of Trick or Stalk

I grab another book. “I'm very invested in our customers.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I am.”

“Yesterday you didn't nearly break your neck looking at everyone who walked through the door.”

“I didn't nearly break my neck.”

“Uh-huh.” She smiles. “You’re distracted.”

“I’m not.”

“You walked into the cart ten minutes ago.”

“That was unrelated.”

She laughs.

I narrow my eyes. “Don't you have bookstore-owner things to do?”

“I’m doing one.”

“What?”

“Observing my employee.”

I laugh. “Creepy.”

“Educational.”

I point toward her office.

She laughs and walks away.

Penny's tail thumps against her bed.

“You're both annoying.”

I resume shelving books.

And I absolutely do not look at the door again.

For almost four minutes.

At twelve thirty, Margaret waves me away from the register.

“Go eat.”

“I'm not hungry.”

My stomach immediately growls.

She looks at me.

I give her a sheepish grin.

Margaret laughs. “Take your lunch.”