She stares at me with dark eyes for what feels like forever.
“If you can’t help me, that’s fine. I’ll make my own judgments, but I figured it didn’thurt to ask.”
Moving toward the glass case, I watch as she pulls out a chocolate croissant and a muffin. Putting both into a bag, she sets it on the counter. Before I can speak, she puts her hand up, silencing me. Working behind the counter, I watch in confusion as she puts together two drinks.
“That’ll be thirty-six dollars and eighty-five cents.”
“Bullshit. There’s no way that’s more than like twenty dollars.”
“You’re right, but for you it’s double the cost until I hear otherwise. You can take it, or you can leave. I don’t care either way but just know that if you talk to Cora like that again, you won’t have to worry about her quitting. You’ll have to worry about me, and that’s far worse.”
Done questioning her logic, I pull out my card and tap to pay on the little icon.
“Don’t forget a tip. Thirty percent is standard for apologetic jerks.”
I stay silent as I pay, leaving her the tip before grabbing the bag and drinks. Juggling my apologies, I only take a few steps when she tells me,“Go with the iced coffee first and the croissant. It’s one of her favorite pairings. The tea and muffin are her breakfast tomorrow. She usually has it once or twice a week.”
Turning back to look at her, I nod in appreciation and understanding. Her arms are folded across her chest. “Oh, and don’t forget what I told you. I’ll be seeing you, Atlas.”
Well shit, that didn’t sound ominous at all.
Chapter Thirteen
Cora
There’s no practice today for Noah, which means it’s back to the shop for me tomorrow. I left the library earlier than I’d intended, but seeing Bea had me shaken up. I knew it was too good to be true that she hadn’t shown her reptilian face in a while. There is no reason for her to see either of us. It felt like everywhere in the library had been tainted by her presence. The children’s room didn’t have the same shine as it did before. All I could see was Bea’s calculating gaze looking over everything, assessing it.
Annie was confused about my change in demeanor for the day. Leaving before Reading with Dogs wasn’t like me, but I couldn’t stay there. How do you explain to someone that your grandmother was a monster and raised an even bigger monster?
Instead of teaching you to bake or spoiling you, she sat with you at the emergency room and pinched you when you almost told the doctor that your father broke your arm for being late. Anything to protect her precious son.
The need to make sure Noah was okay was overwhelming. I was early at school to pick him up, and we spent the evening hanging out and watching movies. He was surprised but didn’t question it.
He’s still only eating lightly, which I don’t mind. Some vegetable soup and bread is perfect for the weather we are having. It is only a matter of time before winter sets in.
“Matt said if the snow comes too early, we won’t have soccer anymore,” Noah says sadly, his head resting on my shoulder. We’re camped out in the living room. Soup, blankets, bread, and a superhero movie are all we need. It’s been so hectic lately, I think we both need a night off, just the two of us.
“That’s okay. Do you like it, though? You have a game on Saturday. Feeling good about it?”
“Yeah. Matt says I’m a good runner, and I have a boot. Whatever that means.” He looks confused. “I thought we had cleats.”
Laughing, I ruffle his hair. “It’s an expression. Basically, he thinks you can kick really well. Lots of power. Super strong.” Flexing my nonexistent muscles, I give him my best tough look. Naturally, he laughs at me. It’s good to hear it.
“You’re so weird, Cora.” Rolling his eyes, he fights back a yawn.
“Alright, bud. Bedtime. Brush, floss, mouthwash. Let’s go.” Pointing him toward the stairs, he doesn’t even argue with me. He must be really tired.
Grabbing the bowls off the table, I shut the TV off. We’ve already seen it a dozen times anyway. Loading them into the dishwasher, I wipe down the counters and look at the wall calendar. So much to do. Events at the library, hours at the shop, and of course, Noah’s first game
After turning out the lights and double-checking that the doors are locked, I head upstairs to my room. The water in the bathroom turns off as I walk past. I sneak a glance into Noah’s room and make a note to grab his overflowing laundry basket and change his bedding. His walls are painted a light blue color with dark gray accents. The twin bed with navy blankets sits off the wall opposite the window.
Mila thought it would be better to have something more neutral. When he gets a bit older, he can redecorate it if he wants to. Hissoccer stuff is strewn over his desk chair, and I make a note to clean his uniform as well.
“All clean!” Noah shouts. “Night, Cora!”
“Night, Noah. Love ya,” I holler back.
“More than chocolate, right?”
