from bitching about losing money to asking for advice on how to maintain his original goals without
the two sides of the bar spilling into one another. This was going to be a similar situation. By the time
the other area was renovated, we’d have a much easier time getting the word out.
Eventually, it was closing time. I left Corey to close down the bar while I sought out Sam. He was
starting to gather the toys that needed to be packed away before tomorrow. I placed a hand on his
shoulder. His shoulders were hard as granite despite the earlier massage. “It was a good night, Sam.”
He shrugged. “I guess.”
“Look at me, Sam.” The boy turned. His shoulders curled forward, and he wouldn’t make eye
contact. I hooked a finger under his chin, forcing his gaze to meet mine. “Tonight was all about getting
the word out, and we did that. There might not have been people busting down the doors to get in, but
for a long time, littles haven’t had places like this. I’d bet they’ll be telling their friends by morning.
You’ll see.”
“I hope you’re right.” God, he sounded so damned sad. If I wasn’t trying to figure out how to get
Corey to open up to me, I’d be tempted to pull Sam onto one of the couches and cuddle the hell out of
him until he believed what I was saying.
“I am,” I insisted. I hated asking a favor of him when he was so down, but tonight was likely the
only opportunity I would have. Corey’s defenses were down, and I wanted to take advantage of that.
Okay, so that sounded a bit creepy. What I wanted was to take one more baby step with him to see
how he reacted. “I’ll finish cleaning up out here, but I was hoping you could help me out with
something in return.”
“Sure. Anything.” The kid was too damn trusting. He was starved for affection and respect, and
yet somehow oblivious to how valued he was.
“Do you think you could take care of the money, then sneak out as quietly as possible?” Yeah, I
was doing a great job not coming across like a freaky stalker. I rushed into an explanation before Sam
had a chance to question me. “I’ve been thinking about what you said, about Corey thinking I’m upset
with him. I want to clear the air, but the last time we were talking—”
“I screwed something up for you, didn’t I?”
“No, not like you’re thinking.” Great. I was screwing up everywhere I turned. Before long, I’d
have to tell Jack I wasn’t up for leading workshops anymore out of fear for the carnage I’d leave
behind. “He got spooked when you came up, and I don’t want a repeat.”
