eight
Portia
I clamp down on my bottom lip, fighting with every ounce of my soul not to burst into laughter. Christian is pacing back and forth in front of the huge Coffee Loft window, and if looks could kill. Ah, my stomach wrenches from holding in my giggles.
I should not be this joyful, but it's the day after Christmas and is my best recruiting morning ever. I’ve handed out hundreds of QR cards this morning, and I already got a full baker’s dozen of recruits into my apps. I’ve been so happy all day, I shimmy when I walk.
Dad never disappoints me, giving me a brand-new French press in my stocking yesterday. I’m so happy to see it, I’m drinking coffee straight from it. Of course, there’s no coffee grounds in it. That would be weird. Dad bought coffee from the shop down the street, as I’m not going to patronize Christian. I giggled when Dad passed over my favorite childhood loppystraw, and I couldn’t resist. I may look completely looney drinking coffee from a loopy straw, but I’m happy.
It didn’t surprise me that Dad stayed to help. He rolls his eyes at my recruiting, but he’s secretly proud of me. I couldn’t have a better partner in crime. Not only does he not flinch when I recruit, but he’s always a source of motivation. He reaches forward, offering help. “Give me a stack of QR codes.”
Before I can answer, Christian whips open the Coffee Loft door and wails in protest, “Oh, no, you don’t!” Christian pokes a slanted finger at me. “You’re not standing here. It’s private property.”
I’m in such a good mood that not even Christian can ruin it. His previously bright blue eyes were wavering toward gray now, hinting at sadness. I tilt my head, inspecting them from a different angle.
Maybe not sad.
More stress and exhaustion.
Do I feel sorry for him?
NOPE. He fired me on Christmas Eve.
I stride closer to the street, making sure my shoulders are back. The sun is at high noon, making it brighter than usual, but something catches my eye. I squint, catch my breath. Before my heart sinks, I straighten my spine and develop a plan. Who does Christian really think he’s up against?
I’m great with people.
All people.
Including this handsome police officer he’s obviously called on me. Christian is still lurking in the shadows under the Coffee Loft canopy when the officer approaches. “Good morning, Officer,” I bat my eyelashes. “Lovely day for a walk, isn’t it?”
Christian snorts so loudly it draws the officer’s sideways gaze. He must have felt the heat of the officer’s stare, because he immediately goes on the defensive, blurting out, “Officer, shemust be breaking some code. She’s right in front of my business, bothering all my customers.”
“It’s not against the law for someone to walk.” He motions down the sidewalk. “However, if you loiter, and harass citizens, that’s an issue, and that’s the report I’ve been given.”
“Ah, no, sir.” I widely wag my head back and forth, maintaining my innocence. “I’m simply enjoying the fresh air, but if it’s a bother, I’ll be on my way.”
“That might be best.” The officer’s gaze drops to my giant coffee with the loopy straw, and the cards I’m clutching, but he doesn’t ask about them. “You seem to be having a nice day. Maybe avoid this area if you can. You don’t look like you’re here, causing trouble.”
Christian emits one of those screeches that’s meant to be explosive, but he obviously suppresses it, leaving his face to flush a deep crimson as he runs back into the Coffee Loft. I pinch my side hard to stop cracking into laughter in front of the cop. I don’t want him to get even a hint that this was anything more than a coincidence of location. “Thank you for your assistance.”
“Absolutely.” The officer takes a slow step away, and I call back with an air of flirtation while jerking my thumb over my shoulder at my dad, “Don’t worry about me. Dad keeps me out of trouble.”
He nods goodbye at my dad, then smiles one of those flirty sideways smiles at me before he turns around to leave. I’m giddy as I quickly turn back to my dad, who is lurking behind me. The fact that he’s vouching for me to police officers warms my heart more than anything. No daughter on the planet has as much support as I do. Getting fired is stressful enough, but thanks to my dad who developed this plan, it turned into the most successful recruiting event.
Dad shoves his hand in his jacket pocket. “Well, honey, it might be best to move across the road for now.”
I eye the business across the street. A family-owned pizzeria. I don’t eat there often. They have excellent pizza, and the family is one of the sweetest in the area. They wouldn’t mind me there, but I only had the desire to bother one person. I certainly didn’t want the cop to circle back around to find me still standing here. This was only going to work if I wassmooth.
“You know,” I start, then pause. I’d gotten more recruits today than I usually do in three weeks. I’d call the day a success. “I’m getting ready for a break. We can go home.”
“Sounds good to me.” Dad’s lips curl into his proud dad smile, and we fall into step together and head toward his car.
“Afterall, I can come back tomorrow.”
nine
Christian
