Maybe something good would come of it. When Shelby left for the season, I never thought I’d see her again online or otherwise, and now, she was on her way to being one of my closest friends.
Cassandra poked her screen. “I post a lot of dogs and my grandbabies. One’s having a birthday party in a few weeks, a princess theme. I’m still trying to decide what to get her.”
“Have you ever heard of a party princess?”
She widened her eyes. “No. That sounds perfect.”
“I’ll send you the info. Oh, and speaking of gifts, I got one for you.” I grabbed her designated bag.
She placed a hand over her heart. “For me?”
“Just in case Andre gets on your ass.” I handed the gift to her, my stomach tightening. What if she thought it was weird or mean? I hoped she’d find it funny. Or use it, at least.
She peered inside, then burst out laughing. “Belts?”
“Yeah. There’s a gift receipt, but–”
“Thank you, Nene.” She hugged me, then rummaged through the bag again. “I bet designer brands look good on me.”
Hopefully, she liked them enough that she'd use them regularly. “Work it,” I encouraged.
She showed off her belt all day. Every time she bent over to grab a shoe box she’d run her hands along the embroidered leather and say some variation of, “Do you see this belt? Designer. Friend got it for me. Still getting used to it, keeping everything where it’s supposed to be. Now, I can bend over as often as I like. Much less breezy.”
Maybe this special piece would be a bright spot in her day. I smiled and snuck a peek at my phone for the cute lock screen pic of me and Zack. Even when we couldn’t hang out at work, it was nice to see him. He was my bright spot every day.
Oh, I had a text.
Bells tinkled toward the shoe section. Was that Shelby?
I walked around the shoe counter and peered over the displays. Sure enough, I spotted a cute girl with reddish-brown hair strolling our way. But she wasn’t with her giant boyfriend today. No, she had a whole family entourage.
Her mom marched beside her, her chin up and gaze straight ahead. Zack’s mom, Coral, was in the middle, chatting, whereas May and Joon dragged a woman I guessed was their mom in different directions every time something caught their eye.
I tried to read the text before they got here.
My heart pounded.
Shelby caught my eye and waved, her smile bright even from fifty feet away. Her cheeks were tight, almost like she was faking it. Did Zack tell her about my feet? What about our fake dating? Our fight and reconciliation? How much did the rest of the family know about our relationship?
I dashed into the stacks.
If I had to face the music, I definitely needed Zack.
46
Positive Vibes Only
My sneakers shrieked against the tile as I hurried into the warehouse, shoe racks and dim bulbs blurring in my peripheral. I had to find Zack. My gaze shot from one big guy in a uniform to another. Even from the back, I knew my man’s silhouette.
“Zack.” My voice snapped through the warehouse like a leather whip.
Heads turned. Silence descended.
Wow, maybe I’d fit in with his family more than I expected. Loud, strong women thrived in the Turner clan.
Zack walked over with firm, steady steps. “Are you okay?”
