“One with a big cock,” Gran adds.
“I’m here! I have to go. Love you.”
Ending the call, I walk up to the counter at Mythos restaurant. “Hi, Mr. Doucas! I like your new sign.”
“It’s snazzy, yes?” The elderly man wraps me in a big hug.
“Very chic.”
“I’m here for pickup.” I set the cash on the counter.
“A cold cracked-wheat-and-scallop salad, rare steak, no pasta, no bread, no cheese, and definitely no dessert.” The elderly restaurant owner gives me a mock glare. “Mandy! Your boss doesn’t want my bread? You put ‘no bread’ on the order.”
“You know how he is.” I take the offered bag. “But I love your bread.”
“And my cake, no? I put an extra slice in there with the bread.”
“I shouldn’t…”
“You can give me an extra tip. Boss will never know.” He winks. “And of course, a little meatball I saved just for you, Pepper.”
The dogs eats the treat greedily.
“You never feed this poor animal,” he scolds.
“Don’t let her fool you.” I slip the receipt in my purse. “Thanks, Mr. Doucas!”
The sky is overcast when Pepper and I step onto the sidewalk.
“I wonder what kind of cake it is?” As we walk, I peek into the bag. “White-chocolate raspberry. Yum! This might even be enough to convince me to skip Starbucks today,” I tell Pepper. “See? Positive thinking. The day can only go up from this morning. I got my stalker run-in early in the day, and now I don’t have to worry about him showing up again.”
“Even though you’re a snobby little girl who hates my guts, I still kind of like you, you know.”
Pepper yelps and I stumble tripping over her leash as a man with the beginnings of a beer gut blocks my path. Jaxon.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about you after our text rendezvous this morning,” he says.
We’re in the middle of a busy public sidewalk during the lunch rush. He can’t hurt me, right?
“I am very busy right now, and I cannot do this.” I hate the way my voice trembles.
“I thought you were different from other women. You seemed low maintenance, eager to please. You had this special quality. I saw you that night at the party and thought, there’s a woman who deserves better.”
“I am not looking for a relationship right now—I told you.”
Jaxon grabs my purse strap, yanking me off-balance. “Lying bitch.”
Pepper growls. He kicks a sneakered foot at her.
“You used me,” he snarls. “Do you know how much those flowers cost? That dinner? I know what you’re doing,and I’m not letting you get away with it. You didn’t even let me kiss you.”
“I told you.” My voice sounds screechy. “I will pay you back for all of it if you just promise to leave me alone.”
He ignores my offer. “I was trying to do something nice for you. You’re old. Women hit a wall when they’re in their thirties. No man is going to want you.” His breath is energy-drink sour in my face.
“Fine,” I choke out the words. “You’re right. Now just leave me alone. Please.”
I shouldn’t engage, shouldn’t talk to him. But I am just so tired.
