‘That’s good.’ Janice stood up. Her smile slipped away. ‘I only wish we could say the same here.’
Willow glanced at the counter. For the first time, she noticed that there were some decorations strung up near the cash register and the photo of Mel and Lucas had been moved to sit next to it.
‘Is something different going on today?’ she asked.
‘Yeah, it’s—’
Janice was interrupted by Lucas crashing out of the backroom.
‘What was that?’ he asked, swiping his hair back from his face. He looked very hot and bothered. ‘Have I missed something?’
‘I was just telling Willow about today,’ Janice said. ‘It’s such a shame—’
‘Today is nothing!’ Lucas snapped. ‘There’s no reason to be upset about anything.’
He swiped the photo to one side and pulled a face. Willow felt unsettled. There was something definitely off in the air, but she couldn’t work out what. Lucas looked more upset than ever, and Janice was now busying herself again with cleaning. The song clicked over on the jukebox. It was another sad ballad by a country singer.
Mel loved country music, Willow remembered. A wave of sadness swept over her. ‘Luc, are you OK?’
His eyes found hers. There was pain there, pure pain, but also something deeper and darker.
‘Why do you ask that?’ he asked quietly. ‘Why are you even here?’
She shifted on the spot. ‘I actually came for ice. We’ve run out.’
His expression changed, hardened. He looked away. ‘I heard you’re doing well today. Congratulations.’
‘I think the promotion has worked.’ Willow hesitated. ‘Lucas, are you sure you’re OK? You look kind of pale.’
‘Yeah, I’m all good.’ He shrugged. ‘Let me get that ice for you. It’s not like we need it.’
He slouched towards the backroom. Willow stood awkwardly, kind of wishing she had taken a risk and run to the store anyway. Janice came up behind her and lightly touched her arm.
‘Take no notice, Willow. It’s a difficult day.’
‘Isn’t it always?’ she hissed back.
When was Lucas ever any different with her? Those brief moments they had had together were wonderful and exciting, but what was the point if he was going to turn back to a sulky hulk as soon as they were over.
It was like he was two people – and Willow didn’t recognize, or particularly like, this other version of him.
And he didn’t seem to like her!
Lucas came back into the room with a bag of ice, which he handed to Willow with a grunt. It wasn’t just the bag that was coated with frost.
‘Thanks,’ Willow said. ‘I owe you a drink. If you want to come over, I can make you a special? The blackberry matcha you liked before?’
‘No, it’s alright.’ He turned away. ‘I’m busy today.’
She giggled nervously, looking around the room. ‘Yeah, it looks like it.’
His back stiffened but he remained turned away from her. ‘Please go, Willow. Before I say something I regret.’
She frowned, clutching the freezing bag of ice against her body. ‘What did I say?’
‘It’s what you didn’t say that matters and if you can’t work that out, then I really can’t be bothered with this anymore.’ He sighed and then walked towards the backroom again. ‘Just take your ice, Willow, and go back to your van. You’re needed there. Not here.’
So, she left.
