Mona hadn’t exaggerated. Within minutes, the bell above the door started jingling once more. Fed, I greeted the new customers with a smile and started all over again, taking and making orders.
As soon as the flow slowed around one, I started washing up the tables and wrapping up a few of the less common sandwich ingredients. Mona had everything under control at the counter, so I went in back and sliced several more tomatoes to start her out for tomorrow to restock the empty container. While in the supply room, I wiped everything down and restocked the other things we’d used in the ingredient containers. Turning off the lights in the storeroom, I went to the coat rack to grab my jacket. When I came back out, the sign said closed and Mona sat at a table counting the tips.
“We were out of tomatoes, so I cut a couple up for tomorrow. I wasn’t sure how many you’d go through.” I put on my jacket and pulled the mittens out of the pocket.
“Not so fast,” she said looking up. From under the table, she used her foot to nudge out a chair. “Have a seat.”
I sat and she finished counted. At least, today I felt like I’d done more work. “Looks like you’re a keeper, Tess.” She handed me forty dollars with a wide smile. “We’re serving them faster than their used to and they like it. It doesn’t hurt that you’re nice and smile,” she added with a laugh. “I was toying with the idea of staying open for the afterschool crowd. Would you be willing to help out after school if I do?”
Inside, I frowned. Working after school wouldn’t be a problem in fall or spring. It was just the wrong time of year for that. “I’m sorry Mona. I have to be home before dark every night. My great grandma and great aunt live with us and I have to help out at home.” I hated using the religious excuse that my mom used.
“That’s what makes you such a good worker, knowing your responsibilities. If things change, let me know. Otherwise, we’ll keep it just like this weekend.”
I nodded in agreement and stood. She walked me to the door and locked up behind me.
A strong northern wind swept down the street robbing me of breath. The brave souls that walked the sidewalks downtown did so at a brisk pace. It wasn’t the weather for leisurely strolls.
I spotted Clavin’s car a short distance away and headed straight for it. Not bothering to knock on the window, I tugged open the door and slid in. Sure, he helped bash my face in a door, but he’d also cried in front of me and came to me asking for help.
Closing the door with a heavy thud, I turned toward Clavin who watched me tiredly.
“Need sleep?” I guessed. He nodded. “My mom’s home this time, but she’ll be okay with it.”
I didn’t add why she’d okay with it. Yesterday I’d barely gotten him out of the house before everyone came home. No one said where they’d been and I didn’t ask. I’d been too busy worrying that they would see something out of place or that they’d smell his cologne in my room. Inwardly, I cringed at the hopeful excitement his presence would bring everyone else.
“I brought homework just in case we needed a reason,” he added helpfully as he pulled out onto the road. With that comment, he broke down a little bit more of my deep aversion to him.
We parked in front of the house and Clavin grabbed his bag. Before he opened the door, I reached out to stop him from bringing his homework in. I’d removed my gloves because his car was warm. My bare hand skimmed his wrist as I reached for him. The flashed image of our future bulleted into my brain and I gasped softly.
Clavin heard and turned back toward me. As he turned, Morik took over.
“What did you see?” he asked.
“You’ve got to stop doing that!” I scolded.
He watched me patiently waiting for me to answer his question.
“I’ll tell you what I saw if you tell me how you always know just when to pop into someone.” The timing was too perfect.
“I stay close. I watch.” He spoke as if the answer should have been obvious to me.
“All the time?” I wondered. He nodded. The thought of him constantly watching me unsettled me, so I changed the subject. “It wasn’t what I saw as much as what I saw changed. It’s never done that before.”
I looked out the window toward the house and noticed a curtain move. My mom had noticed me. I wondered if she knew the car. They knew of Clavin’s involvement in the bruising of my face. Would they try to discourage me from choosing him?
“What changed?” he asked quietly as if sensing my distraction.
I tugged on my gloves as I turned back toward him, the temperature in the car already starting to cool. “Before he would have been a jerk, not mean, but selfish. Now, it looked like he’d be nice, very considerate of me.”
For a brief moment, Morik frowned before schooling Clavin’s features. He made no comment, but I knew he didn’t like the change in Clavin’s personality.
“I guess getting hit by a car changes a person,” I commented.