AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The girls did as I asked, Lemon gave me a fierce look while Apple looked worried. Those were my girls. Lemon was the protector. Apple the nurturer. They would both make fierce adults, women I’d be proud to stand beside.
The girls shared a room, and I had my mother’s old room. Once the door was shut and locked, I took a blanket to drape over my shoulders and my pillow to cry into, sank into a corner behind a chest of drawers, and cried until I’d exhausted myself.
* * *
Danica
The next day, good as his word, Brick picked me up at four-thirty for my shift to start at five. Deacon would pick the girls up at seven so they could get breakfast before school, but Apple always made them breakfast. Likely, the little imp would make breakfast for everyone in the school carpool. That’s who she was. And she’d still be trying to impress Deacon.
Once at the coffee shop, I went about my morning, readying for the day. Surprisingly, Jordan showed up when she was supposed to at seven with a smile on her face. She worked hard which was, again, uncharacteristic. I wasn’t about to question my good fortune, though. And I didn’t mention what had happened a few days before.
Wylde didn’t show. While I was grateful to not have to deal with the drama, I couldn’t help but miss him. Which was so not good for me.
“If you want to go on home, I can close up.” Jordan grinned as she looked up from her phone. She’d done her fair share of work today, but she was still attached to her phone. I didn’t mind, and I got it. Apple and Lemon were much the same. Weren’t most people?
“I appreciate it, Jordan, but I’ll stay. It was one of the things I promised Henry when I took the job as manager. I’d always open and close.”
She shrugged. “Suit yourself.” She picked up her stuff -- including what was in the tip jar -- and left with a wave. I shook my head with a sigh. For someone who was willing to let me go home, she sure booked out of there in a hurry. And her actually working today was probably her excuse for picking up all the tips instead of dividing it out like we usually did.
The last hour was busier than usual. I could have used Jordan’s help, but as always, I managed. As the last customer left, Henry Dorson walked in. The owner of the shop greeted me happily. He was in his sixties. This shop was his retirement project. It had been something he’d wanted to do before he retired. To make his living with it. He came in and worked from time to time now, but mostly, he left it to me. It made him money and I took care of the day-to-day running, so all he had to do was write the checks.
“You’re here by yourself? I thought we always had two people from seven to five?”
“We do. Jordan had some stuff to do so I let her leave early. It’s fine, though. Only got busy this last hour and I kept up.”
“I know you did,” he sighed. “You always do. But part of being a manager means you need to keep your people where they’re supposed to be. You always cover for her, but we both know Jordan draws a check. She doesn’t actually work.”
I sighed and shook my head. “She tries. Sometimes.”
He snorted. “It’s the sometimes part that pisses me off. We need to talk, Dani. On the clock, of course.”
“Is this about what happened the other day? Because it was all taken care of.”
“Look, Jordan’s parents are big in this town. They’re making a ruckus. They say you lied or whatever and ruined their relative’s and friends’ lives. The two cops involved are on administrative leave pending an investigation. The hobby shop manager has left town.” He reached out and took my laced fingers into one of his. “I’m not telling you this because I’m firing you. On the contrary, I’ll probably give you a raise if you stay through this.” He grinned. “I just wanted you to know, because I’m sure they’re going to make life uncomfortable for you for a while. This shop goes under without you, Dani. I’m well aware of who makes this place successful.” He smiled gently. “I’ll make sure I’m around more for the next couple of weeks. It’ll help keep the fuss down.”
“I’m so sorry about this. I never thought anything would blow back on you.”
“From what I’m hearing, none of it was your fault. Jordan’s parents are the only ones involved who don’t believe that.” He stood. “You’re a good girl, Dani. Know that I’m solidly in your corner.”
“Thanks, Mr. Dorson. I appreciate the support.”
“Always. I think of you as one of my own kids, Dani. So does Mai. She sends her love.”
I couldn’t help myself. With everything that had happened with Wylde and how raw my emotions still were, a couple of tears slipped from my eyes.
“Now, now, sweet girl.” Henry pulled me into his arms and gave me a big hug. He and his wife were never shy with affection. “None of that. A girl as beautiful as you are should never cry.” He pulled back and looked down into my upturned face, a frown looking back at me. “If it’s this situation with Jordan, don’t worry about it. If there’s something else, tell me and I’ll fix it.”
“I’m afraid that’s my fault.”
The voice came from the open door. Wylde stood there, in snug-fitting jeans and a tight, white T-shirt, showing off the tattoos on his arms as well as his muscles. He was mostly lean, but he was extremely fit. Veins roped his arms, and his shoulders and chest tested the material of the cotton he wore. He was simply to God mouthwatering.
I groaned. “Not now, Wylde.”
“I’ve seen you here before,” Henry said, moving away from me to extend his hand to Wylde. “Henry Dorson.”
“Wylde.” He took Henry’s hand in a firm grip, nodding at the older man. “I’m around here often.”
“Well, as you can see” -- Henry pointed to the closed sign he’d obviously turned over when he came in. --”we’re closed.”
