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“Sure! I have your information, I’ll pass it along to her today.”
“Thank you, hon. By the way, I loved the green in your hair.”
April’s smile turned even bigger before she threw us a kiss and sauntered away.
When Mia and I were alone again, I asked quietly, “Danny?”
She nodded. “It’s a relief to know he’s divorcing that...person,” she sneered.
“You know what? It’s calmer today. What do you say I close things earlier and we go...I don’t know. Home? Out? Wherever.”
“Are you sure? It’s okay for me. I could stay here if you wanna close at your regular time.”
“I think we both need a breather. I’ll send April home, and we could just enjoy the rest of the day.” I was getting fond of that idea. “It’s getting harder to be up on my two feet for long periods.”
“You’re the boss.” She closed down the lid of her computer. “If you need any help closing things here, just order me around, and I can make it happen.” I took her up on her offer, and she was a good sport about doing the things I instructed.
After I announced to my patrons we were about to close, April, Mia, and I cleaned everything until the last person left. I sent April home and texted Ben, letting him know we were about to close Beans and head to Mia’s home, as per her suggestion.
Mia slid the strap of her backpack over her shoulder. We were finishing checking that the windows and back door were closed when I heard the wind chimes indicating someone was coming. “I’m sorry, we’re closed for the—” My skin broke out in goosebumps when I saw him. “The man,” I whispered.
Mia peered around. “What man—"
“Look whom we have here.” His friendly voice didn’t fool anyone. His evil eyes gave away enough to know he wasn’t someone to be messed with. “Hello, Mia. It’s been a while.”
Her shoulders tensed when she gazed at the man who’d been lurking around the cafeteria and creeping me out for the last few months. Contrary to me, instead of panicking at his approach, she remained calm, although her voice was surprisingly hard. “What are you doing here, Michael? Looking for another three teenagers to beat up your sorry ass?”
Oh my God, is that...?
Hiding the flash of anger from his features, he perused my body from top to bottom, making me shiver. “Can’t a man reunite with his long-lost son and his newfound family?”
“A man can.Youcan’t.” She shook her head like it was a normal conversation.
Ignoring Mia, he stepped closer to me, his hand outstretched in greeting. “I don’t think we’ve been introduced yet. Although I must say, watching you around was a lot of fun,Isabella. I’m Michael Walker. Benjamin’s father, and your baby’s grandaddy.” His grin made me shiver and coil away from him.
Mia stepped closer in protection so I could be diagonally behind her. She was so much smaller than I was that it should be funny. But I was more than grateful for having her with me. “What do you want, Michael?” Her voice was leaving no place for whatever he was planning.
He dropped his unshaken hand to his side and looked at her with hatred. “You were always an annoyance. Since a little kid, you were someone I would’ve loved to break and squash under my shoes. I should’ve ended you when I had the chance.”
“Oh, honey.” Her voice was dripping with sweetness and sarcasm. “Do you really think you had a chance? Are you that delusional?” Shetsk’din mock pity. I wanted to ask her not to engage, not to infuriate him, but my shaking frame wasn’t even allowing me to whimper in fear. “Do you think it’s all the booze you drank? Or is it from when I hit you on the head all those years ago? You know, when I was just thirteen.”
When he shifted his body closer, barely containing his rage, I made myself even smaller. She, on the other hand, lifted her chin and squared her shoulders in defiance. If she wasn’t about to get us killed, I’d have the hugest girl crush on her.
“You still can’t get over that day, huh?” She went on. “I don’t blame you. It was embarrassing for you. What with a trio of skinny minors defeating you and all. Have you ever thought about that day? Is that why you’re here?”
He tried to compose himself, but his tightly closed fists and flared nostrils were a dead giveaway Mia was getting to him. “Maybe I want another shot. Without your goons this time. Just you and me. What do you say?”
“I’m game. I have tons of shots for you. Would you rather get a nine-millimeter or a thirty-eight?” She tilted her head to the side, seemingly lost in thought. “Between your eyes, or on your heart? So many options,” she muttered.
“Do you really believe you could take me?” he scoffed.
“I think I did. And I know I could do it again.” One corner of her lips turned upward in a half-smile, and she winked. She freaking winked.
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s a guarantee.”
“I’d be more careful with your statements. What a shame it’d be if you challenged me and someone else got caught in the crossfire.” He peeked at my stomach. “I’d be devasted if my son never got to experience the joys of becoming a father.”
