“My job,” I put in as if it weren’t completely obvious.
“I’ll go first.”
I glanced at Ghost for help. “I’ll go out second.”
Oh, good. They were both unreasonable.
“This is a fish store,” I said, exasperated.
Kieran did not look appeased, blue eyes hardening with malice. “Yes, and men just tried to shoot you at the police station.”
I gestured to the door. Kieran went first, hand hovering over the small of his back where I knew he had a gun, and then Ghost followed, hands at his sides. It made me wonder where he kept his gun.
“Oh, ah, are you new?” I heard a man say. “I’m used to the little guy.”
That was me. The little guy.
Not waiting for my two guard dogs to move, I pushed between them. “Hi, Mr. Cane. I’m here. How can I help you today?”
“Ah, Haz. There you are.”
“Who are you?” Kieran more stated than asked. He was rude.
If Mr. Wasashi met him, I’d for sure get fired.
Taken aback, the man paused and looked at me, then Kieran. Then Ghost. “Ah, a customer.”
“Then why do you know his name?” Kieran wanted to know.
“Yeah, and the only one that can call him little is me,” Ghost added.
“I can come back another day,” Mr. Cane said, already backing toward the door.
“No, wait!” I said, rushing forward. “Ignore them. They have the manners of a banana.”
Mr. Cane’s brows furrowed. “Do bananas have manners?”
“No. That’s why they’re like them,” I replied.
Mr. Cane smiled.
Kieran growled under his breath.
Over my shoulder, I hissed, “Stop it. What can I help you with?” I asked Mr. Cane.
“Well, I was thinking of getting some new plants. My angelfish has been terrorizing the old ones, and they’re looking a little rough,” he said.
I guided him toward a display of plants to show him the tougher cichlid-resistant plants.
Mr. Cane kept sliding glances at Kieran who made no secret of watching us. Okay, he was staring. If looks could kill, Mr. Cane would be fish food.
On the way to the register, I stopped beside him. “Go in the back before this entire place burns to the ground from the flames shooting out of your eyes.”
“He’s hitting on you.”
“He’s twice my age and is buying plants,” I deadpanned.
“He knows your name.”
