Page 64 of Just Ten Seconds

“Does he know that Gomez doesn’t have fangs?” I ask.

She grabs two sodas. “No. And don’t tell him. I think they’re sexy.”

“You have way too many Twilight fantasies.”

“Girl, I’m still reeling from the fact that Robert Pattinson didn’t play Christian Grey. All my Twilight fantasies were going to be doubly fulfilled when I saw him in the red room of pain.”

“You read too many romance novels.”

“You don’t read enough.” She hip-checks me as she walks over to the tables.

“Funny!” I shout and then stick my tongue out. I’d say I’m acting immature, but I’m currently dressed as a nerd with long shorts, a plaid button-down tucked in, and rainbow suspenders. My hair is in two long braids down each side of my head, and I have painted-on freckles under my thick plastic glasses.

Since it’s a weekday, Jackie and I are the only two in the café. She works one side of the room while I take the windows. Mr. Kenner’s regular table is vacant, which is a shame. I’m getting used to having that curmudgeon here. It makes the days he’s not here kinda boring.

The bell to the front door rings, and I try not to drop the tray I’m carrying at the sight of the sexiest cowboy I’ve ever seen. Not that I’ve seen many, but Dean Delgado dressed in chaps over dark jeans with a holster around his waist is quite possibly the most attractive thing ever. He’s wearing a long suede coat over a crisp white shirt and a red handkerchief around his neck.

“Howdy,” he says with a cool drawl. His eyes are extra hooded, as they’re covered by a brown hat, dipped just low enough to let those smoldering blues pour through.

And did I mention he has stubble? About three days’ worth.

“You really get into character.” I point to the hair on his square jaw.

“You haven’t seen anything. Wait until Amanda walks in.”

As soon as the words are finished, Amanda comes walking down the sidewalk in front of the picture window. When she gets in front of the window, she waves wildly, her Halloween bag already halfway filled with candy.

Her hair is spray-painted a bright purple. Her lips are fuchsia pink, and she has some serious eyeliner on.

“You let her wear makeup?” I ask, surprised.

He groans. “I’m the one who had to put it on. I mean, it’s Halloween. How could I not?”

“That’s great. So, when she wants to wear mascara to school next week, you’re gonna—”

“Already hid it. My baby girl gets to wear makeup on Halloween only.”

“And for plays,” Amanda says as she appears next to Dean, having walked in from outside. “I get to wear makeup on Halloween and when I’m in plays, which is at least twice a year. Next year, there’s a fourth grade dance. And a father-daughter dance, so I’ll definitely be getting glammed for that. And some of the girls have already started wearing lip gloss, so I think I’ll be wearing some when we eat out. But don’t worry. No blush. That’s for harlots.”

Dean is looking at Amanda, absolutely flabbergasted.

I can’t help my wide smile. “Well, at least she has her makeup priorities in order.”

“I’ve created a monster,” he says, stunned.

Amanda pats her dad on the back. “You did. Be proud.”

Dean shakes his head and then lets out a small laugh, mostly because his gaze is now focused on my tube socks. “Nice costume.”

I do a curtsy. “I’m not afraid to admit, I had all of these items in my closet.” I push my glasses up my nose. “We’re closing soon, but I’m sure I can keep the kitchen open for a few more minutes.”

“No. We’re just stopping in on our trick-or-treating run,” he says.

Jackie must hear this because she comes over with her cauldron of full-sized candy bars. Amanda practically screams at the sight of the display.

“Just one,” Dean tells her as she dives in, her eyes roaming over the various amounts of candy she can choose from.

She pulls out a Hershey’s bar. “One for me,” she says and then grabs a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups package and holds it out to her dad. “And one for you.” She looks at me and Jackie. “Don’t let him fool you. He loves this just as much as I do.”