Kieran gave me a look.
“It’s this really old cartoon. This guy wore a trench coat and had like a million things in it.”
“I know who Inspector Gadget is,” he said. “I am nothing like him.”
“I can see it!” Ghost hollered from the row over.
“Come see Scop, Ghost!” I called.
“Well, I was trying to give y’all some private time, but if you insist.”
“It’s not private if you’re eavesdropping,” Kieran intoned.
“I do my best,” Ghost retorted. At the pleco tank, he said, “Oooh, look at these cuties.”
I gave Kieran ahe says nice thingslook. He seemed completely unbothered and reached into his coat again to pull out his wallet.
“Oh, I…” I started, suddenly feeling really bad that he was giving me money for my tank. I mean, Ireallywanted the tank, but having him pay for it seemed wrong. “I think I’ll just keep saving. But thank you for offering.”
Kieran thrust a black card under my nose. “Take it.”
I shook my head. “I don’t want your money.”
“I do,” Ghost said, reaching for the card.
Kieran slapped his hand away.
“It’s our money now,” he told me. “Take the card, Hazard.”
I bit into my lower lip, hesitating.
“Fine.” Kieran decided, pulling the card back. I sighed in relief. “I’d like to purchase a hundred-gallon tank, two plecos, and everything that I need to go with it. The nicest money can buy.”
“You can’t!”
He looked around. “Isn’t this a fish store? Don’t you sell these items?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Well, I’m here to buy.”
I frowned. “You’re my boyfriend.”
“Today, I’m a customer.”
“Cha-ching,” Ghost sang in my ear.
“I don’t think we have everything in stock. I’ll need to check. Some things I might have to order.”
“Ring up the two bristlenose and put a sold sign on them with my name,” Kieran instructed.
“You remembered what kind they are,” I said.
“They’re important to you.”
“This is so wholesome,” Ghost mused.
“Are you sure?” I asked, eyes still on Kieran.
