“It always was.” Would she come back for the holidays? Would she wait that long?
Oksana’s line was modest compared to Desiree’s and Rance’s, but she still had about thirty people. As he’d expected, he was the only guy.
The rest were an even mix of women and young girls with many mother-daughter combos in line together. He recognized a few but didn’t know any of them well.
They acknowledged him with a nod followed by an amused smile when they caught sight of Oksana’s book in his stack. He was clearly an outlier.
“Your reputation will never be the same,” Jordan murmured. “You might have to turn in your man card.”
“I don’t know about that. I’m standing here with a hot woman who clearly enjoys my company. I’d say my rep’s in fine shape.”
That earned him a grin. “Thank you. That was nice.” She took a breath. “What do you think of Cole?”
“I like him.”
“He’s never been without a job, at least in my memory. The minute he had any skills he was canvassing the neighborhood offering to cut lawns, wash cars, walk dogs, whatever people were willing to pay him for.”
“Are you worried about him? You looked kind of unsettled when he made that announcement.”
“I was. It’s not like him to quit work without having any idea what he wants to do next.”
“People change.”
“He doesn’t. Or he didn’t.”
“My dad used to say you couldn’t grow without it.”
“And we all miss him like crazy, don’t we, Marv?”
“Harry and Marv?” Jordan spun around. “Oh, my goodness. I finally get to see you guys!”
“You know them?” Luis turned to face what everyone called the barber twins. They weren’t related, but they had a similar chunky build and identical handlebar mustaches. And now he wasn’t the only man in the room.
“These guys were kind enough to make room on the sidewalk so I had a place to stand and watch the parade,” Jordan said. “How long have you been behind us? I thought we were the end of the line.”
“We’ve been here a while.” Marv’s eyes had a suspicious twinkle.
Luis had seen that twinkle before. Marv was up to something. “You sure were quiet.”
“That was on purpose.” Harry gave Marv a look. “He was eavesdropping.”
“I was and I make no apology for it. I have a horse in this race and I’m collecting evidence?—”
“A horse in what race? What evidence?” Was the guy losing it?
“Okay, a horse race is the wrong analogy. I have a personal record to uphold, one I’ve maintained for… how long has it been, Harry?”
“You told me twenty-six years.”
“Then let’s say twenty-six years. Close enough. I’d hate to see it broken. For my sake, obviously, but mostly for yours and Jordan’s.”
Luis glanced at her. “Do you know what he’s talking about?”
“I do.” Her cheeks turned pink. “During the parade, when you and I caught sight of each other… I don’t know if you remember, but?—”
“I remember.” Did he ever. Looking into her blue eyes again had been a gut punch he still hadn’t recovered from.
“When Marv found out I knew you, he had a premonition about the two of us. I assured him he’s very much mistaken.”
