AllFreeNovel
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“Oden?” Hannah asked, looking concerned.
“Oh, hell no.” I shook my head emphatically. “Someone else, a boyfriend from high school. It’s a really long story.”
“Well, congrats. When I’m not totally frazzled, you’ll have to fill me in.”
“Sure,” I said, pressing my lips into a thin line. “I’ll, um, talk to my folks and get back to you, but…I’m thinking I can probably work here this summer.”
“Are you serious?” Hannah asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.
“Yeah, I mean…I love my apartment, and Wyatt’s going to be gone for a month anyway,” I shrugged. “That’s his name.”
“Got it. Well, let me know for sure as soon as you can.”
“Will do. I’ll let you get settled in.”
“Thanks, I have calls to make, and then I’ll be out there.”
When I returned to the sales floor, both Dutch and Naomi were propped on the counter, munching on candy.
“Finally decided to share, huh, Dutch?”
“Nah, I bought my own,” Naomi said with a laugh before holding out a bag of Sour Patch Kids. “Want one?”
“Ooh, yum. I love these.”
“So…did you read the letters yet?” Naomi asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
I stuck my tongue out at her. “Not yet.”
“What letters?” Dutch asked, looking confused.
“It’s a long story, Dutch.”
“If you haven’t noticed, I’ve got nothing but time.”
I raised an eyebrow. Dutch wasn’t exactly known for his ability to keep a secret, but he was a sweet guy who never intentionally tried to hurt anyone, so I told myself there was no harm in telling one more person besides Naomi.
“Hmmm…I don’t know. Loose lips sink ships.”
“Cross my heart, Weezer.”
“Hope to die?”
“Well, I mean, no…but yeah.”
“Fine. Buy me a box of Swedish Fish, and I’ll tell you everything. But this conversation doesn’t leave this room. I mean it.”
Dutch shoved his hand in his pocket and pulled out a five dollar bill. “Naomi, ring ‘em up.”
“Whoa.” Dutch stared at me.
“What?” I asked, feeling a little defensive. I’d spilled my guts to Dutch about Wyatt and me, the letters, and the apple fritters. I told him everything.
“That’s way harsh,” he said, looking stunned.
“What do you mean?”
“You didn’t even open them. Homeboy was probably pouring out his heart and soul to you in those letters, girl. How could you just…not read them?”
