Mona caught me behind the counter during a breather. “Black nail polish? I would have never pictured you with a bad boy.”
My eyes shot to Morik, but with those sunglasses on, I couldn’t tell if we held his attention or not. “We’re friends,” I mumbled quietly.
She smiled knowingly, but wisely said nothing. There wasn’t time. We faced the last rush together. Morik never moved. When the clock struck one, Mona didn’t comment on his presence, just flipped the sign to ‘closed’ and took the tip jar to the back. Taking the washcloth and sanitizer, I started the processes of closing down.
“You like working here.” His voice carried in the now quiet shop. It wasn’t a question but a statement of fact. I nodded anyway. “Why?”
“What’s not to like? I love the smells, the people are nice, and Mona’s a great boss. Plus I get paid.” I moved to wipe down his table. He surrendered his empty cup.
Mona walked into the room saying, “Of course I’m a great boss! I can’t afford to lose another employee to crappy wages.”
She handed me a few folded bills, the outer one a single. I tucked it into my pocket and finished wiping the table.
“Get her out of here now. She’s worked enough for today,” she smiled at Morik not commenting on his hat or glasses.
He smiled in return and stood. “Yes ma’am.”
I left Mona to tease Morik while I grabbed my things. If only she knew what those glasses hid… would she still tease him?
Outside, the sun had melted the snow from the roads. Relieved, I willingly ducked into the helmet and climbed on back the motorcycle. It still chilled me to ride, but at least our chances of crashing were lower.
On our way home, I thought of my plans for the rest of the day. No matter what I did, I’d ask Morik to help me sleep tonight. Another night tossing and turning didn’t appeal to me.
At home, the garage’s bay door stood open, it’s dim cavern empty. Puzzled, I wondered who had left. Usually, we spent Saturdays together. Last Saturday had been a welcomed oddity, but two Saturdays in a row? It didn’t make sense.
I managed to tug the helmet off without hurting myself as Morik kicked the stand into place. “Do you want to come in? I’m not sure who is home.”
“Just your Aunt Danielle.” He joined me on the sidewalk after placing the helmet on the seat.
“I was wondering… if Aunt Danielle died at seventeen, why does she look Gran’s age?” We walked slowly to the front door.
“The same reason she’s still here. They’re linked. One soul in two bodies. When your Gran passes, so will Danielle.”
It made me sad just thinking about it. I couldn’t imagine my life without all of them. Mom once told me that after she and dad had me, they lived on their own for a bit. After he passed away, she’d brought me back to Gran’s house. Aunt Grace had already lived there then, her own husband gone. It’s just what they did when a husband died. They banded together to protect their children as best they could.
Lost in thought, I opened the door. Morik followed me in.
“’Bout time someone came home. It’s boring without company,” Aunt Danielle called from her chair more animated now that she’d exposed her secret.
“Where is everyone?” I asked while shedding my mittens and scarf.
“Your mom went to the office. Grace and your Gran walked to the store a little while ago.”
“I’m going to change real quick,” I said to Morik.
He nodded and looked at my Aunt. “If you’d like, I can join you.” She nodded with a grin. Removing his cap and glasses, he moved to sit by her.
I left them to visit. Checking my pocket, I put the folded twenty-six dollars with the rest of the tip money I saved. I’d been honest with Morik. I couldn’t have asked for a better job. If things don’t go as I hoped, at least I’d have a job to help support me after my nameless husband died. Annoyed with my turn of thoughts, I focused on the present.
After changing, I used the phone in my mom’s room to call Beatriz.
“Sorry I didn’t call sooner. I have free time tonight if you still wanted to do something.” I spoke quietly not yet sure where Morik fit into my plans.
“Sure. My parents just left and my brother is making calls. There will be a lot of people here. You’ll have a blast.” She rattled off her address and suggested I show up after dark.
A party? I’d thought it would be just the two of us.
Hanging up the phone, I glanced at the address. No parents, so there would be drinking. It could work for me and for Morik. No one would find a guy with a cap and sun glasses out of place. They probably wouldn’t even notice his horns or eyes without the cover if they had enough to drink. We could mingle with other people and I could watch him. Not only would I be spending time with him getting to know him better, but I’d also be close if he shows interest in someone. My mom couldn’t object because it presented me an opportunity so search out my choice.