“I’m fine.”
She pushes harder. “Have you heard from your brother?”
“He texted my parents last night… The police said there’s nothing they can do.”
“Seriously? I’m so sorry.”
I take her gently by the wrists and hold her hands. “I’m a big boy. I’ve gone through worse.”
“I know. It’s why I worry so much.”
Her big brown eyes look up at me with just as much pain hidden behind them as she knows I’m holding inside myself. Running a finger across her forehead I tell her, “You need to cut your bangs.”
She smiles, her round cheeks pushing out as she tucks the left side of her chestnut bob behind her ear. “You need to get your roots done.”
“I might grow it out.”
“I don’t think you will.”
We look at each other, saying nothing more but knowing exactly what the other is thinking.
Anaise wraps her arms around me again and I rest my cheek on the top of her head.
“I’m only at my grandparents. If you need me, just call.”
I run my hands up her arms then move her away from me. “I told you, I’ll be fine. And my next client is about to walk through the door, so there’s no more time for you to pry.”
She slaps my chest. “Caring isn’t prying, you big oaf.”
“Please don’t ever stop.”
“You’re stuck with me.”
“Go,” I tell Anaise, and turn away from her to walk behind the reception desk because her good intentions are stirring up too much.
The bell on the front door rings as she leaves, but it’s followed by a shuffle and a thud, and—
“I told your brother I didn’t want any help.”
Standing just inside the entry in a pair of baggy pants and a jacket that’s almost as big as he is, is Carey Novak, carrying everything but the damn kitchen sink.
“What makes you think I’m here to offer you anything?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure what you could offer in this state anyway.”
“Excuse me?”
“You look like you’re the one who needs the help.”
“You’re such a dick.”
“You’re inmyshop.”
“It’s my brother’s shop, too.”
I press my palms into the counter and lean forward. “Is it? I don’t see him anywhere.”
“Yeah no shit. I only came in here because I thought you could give me some answers.”
