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Aspen grinned. “Maybe I’ll see you there.”
That was an odd thing to say. What are you up to, Aspen?
A couple hours later, all was quiet. The parents and children had left and Troy was nearing the end of his shift.
“You did great today. Think you’re ready to take tomorrow all by yourself?” Pippa asked, opening a new box of comics.
“Yes. And if I need anything, I have your number.” Troy winked.
He was definitely flirting.
“You—”
“Are you the owner?” an angry voice demanded. A man marched up to them, his fists clenched, his face red as his gaze lasered on Troy.
Troy stood straighter. He had a couple inches on the other man.
“I am,” Pippa said. “How can I help you?”
The other man’s beady eyes darted to her before his lip turned up with disgust. He stepped closer, his shoulder brushing against Troy’s chest. “You’re the bitch that kicked my daughter out earlier?”
Lady growled beside her.
“You better watch the way you speak to her,” Troy interjected.
The men stared each other down. The last thing she needed was a fight to break out in the middle of her bookstore and for her new employee to be assaulted. Why was all this shit happening today? Was it Friday the thirteenth? A full moon?
Pippa stepped between the two men, trying to calm things down. “Cara was insulting another patron and I kindly asked her to be nicer. When she continued to be belligerent, I asked her to leave and not come back until she could change her attitude. I have that right as a business owner. And I’m going to have to ask you to do the same.”
“And what if I don’t?” Cara’s dad leaned over the desk as if to intimidate her.
“Then I’ll call the police and have you escorted out.” She picked up the phone and dialed the local sheriff’s department, but paused before she hit call.
“This isn’t over. No one disrespects me and mine!” The angry man snarled and swiped his hand over the counter, knocking the books and business cards onto the floor.
Pippa flinched.
Troy walked towards him. “Feel like a real man now?”
“Troy,” Pippa said. His gaze met hers and she shook her head. Cara’s dad stormed out of the shop, slamming the door behind him.
“Does that happen often?” Troy asked, bending over to pick up the mess.
She walked around to help him pick up. “It’s never happened before. I’m sorry you had to deal with that.” Pippa restocked the books on the counter.
Troy reached over to touch her arm. “Are you okay?”
She sighed and nodded, forcing a smile. “Absolutely. You can head out if you want. I’ll be here at nine to open the store and make sure you’re good to go before I leave for the day.”
He hesitated, studying her a little longer before conceding. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” He grabbed his water bottle from the desk, gave her a salute, and walked out the door.
She checked the clock. Usually, she wasn’t in a rush to close the store. But today had been one thing after the other. She needed some rest, good food, and to curl up with a book to escape the drama of the last twenty-four hours. She sighed and tipped her neck to the side, stretching it. Her hand moved to massage some of the tension from her shoulder. At least tomorrow she’d be off work.
Aspen’s mischievous smile flashed in her mind. Hopefully there will be no more surprises.
