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“It’s nice.”
“Nice?”
“It’s like school but with more freedom.”
“You can get that in the real world as well.”
“Along with more responsibility than I’m ready for.”
I didn’t agree. “You’ve been running this place by yourself for two weeks. I’d say you’re doing pretty well.”
“It isn’t my business, though.”
“True, but even if it was, I have a feeling you’d do just as well.”
A thoughtful expression crossed her face, but whatever came to mind, she kept to herself. “Well, looks like I’d better get moving. The line’s already started.” She gestured to the patrons standing outside, then went to unlock the door.
Meanwhile, I removed the wrapper from my muffin and tried to look as inconspicuous as possible. I was so used to getting up before dawn that I hadn’t even considered what time it was.
I’d been talking with Kate for close to ten minutes, by myself, inside a locked shop. Which, given the looks I received from some of the other patrons, couldn’t have been good.
With any luck, they’d mind their own business, grab their food, and leave. Then again, living in Oaksprings, I knew that wouldn’t be the case.
Mrs. Parks was the first to notice me, and sure enough, she scurried over as soon as she had the chance.
“Good morning, Liv. How are you today?”
“Pretty good,” I said as she looked from me to Kate, then back again. The curve of her lips made me half-sick to the stomach. “How about you?” I asked in hopes of taking the attention off of me. “How are the girls?”
“Oh, you know. Dogs being dogs. Pumpkin got hit by a skunk a few nights ago, so we’re still trying to get the smell out of her fur.”
“Man, that’s rough. Does that mean she’s staying outside?”
“Oh goodness, no. She’s sleeping in the basement.” Mrs. Parks beamed, then helped herself by sitting in the chair across from me. “She’s pretty, isn’t she?”
Here we go.“Hmm?”
“The new girl.”
“Who? Kate?” I tried to look disinterested, but Mrs. Parks clearly knew me better than that.
“Yes Kate. My goodness, you’re acting like I’m blind or something.”
“We’re just friends.”
“Would a friend meet up with you this early in the morning?” She passed me a knowing smile.
“She wanted some help, so I came in early.” Which was only half true, but Mrs. Parks didn’t have to know that.
“I’ve asked for your help plenty of times in the past.”
“And I was working.”
“You’re off?” She paused, then spoke in a whisper so low that only I could hear her. “I thought you were supposed to go with your folks.”
I let out a long breath. “I didn’t feel like it.”
“Because of Kate.”
