Mom shouted on speakerphone through her car console. “I’m just pulling into the parking lot; should be there soon.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you outside,” I said, glancing over my shoulder as she hung up.
Angel combed through his fluffy, cloudlike hair.
“Are you two dating?” his friend asked.
Angel chuckled ruefully. “No. She’s too sweet for me.”
What was that supposed to mean?
“Too sweet? No such thing,” his friend insisted, and I agreed.
Did he think I was a goody-two-shoes? Too inexperienced with dating? Or was that just an excuse to brush me off since I’d rebuffed his attempts to douse me with perfume and innuendos?
I rejoined the boys, my hand balmy around my phone. “I have to go.”
“So soon?” Angel frowned.
“Mmhmm.” I ran my tongue across the back of my teeth.Don’t give him anything.
The man in the bold shirt gestured to the box. “Aren’t you going to pick a plush? I made ‘em myself. Limited edition. And he’s paying for it.” He jerked his thumb at Angel, who blushed and crossed his arms.
“She doesn’thaveto take one, Sal,” he said.
Something told me I’d regret it if I didn’t.
I gently lifted a white, fluffy bear with a floral aroma. Sweet was good for scented bears. So why did my perceived sweetness prevent me from dating?
“This one’s cute,” I said.
“Excellent choice.” Sal beamed.
Angel smirked. “He kinda looks like me.”
“Maybe I should pick again,” I joked.
“If you don’t want him...” Angel tried to pluck the bear from my arms.
“Hands off. He’s mine.” I used my whole body to shield the sweet little bear from that big, bad man trying to take him.
Angel reached around, trying to tickle me to set him free.
Giggles sprinkled through our banter as we pushed and pulled at one another. I didn’t realize how silly we were being until a nearby group of diners cleared their throats loudly. A hostess’s dirty look was enough to make me freeze.
Angel playfully nudged my arm. “Stop getting me in trouble.”
“You’re the one who’s trouble,” I said.
Sal gave us a funny, appraising look and propped his elbows on the dessert case. “You know, a lot of us mall-stars meet at the bar up the street on Wednesdays after our shifts. You should join us.”
Angel furrowed his brow. “That’s not really her scene.”
“Yeah, I don’t know.” I hugged the bear, embarrassment thudding through my extremities. Usually, I didn’t have much energy for socializing. And bars seemed kinda grimy. Plus, I didn’t want to insert myself into another third-wheel situation. But Angel didn’t have to answer for me unless he really didn’t want me there.
Maybe he preferred to keep his options open for the evening with someone who actually might go home with him.
My phone blared again. Mom was here.
