ChapterNine
CHLOE
Back at my parents’ apartment, I make quick work of ditching the outfit I’d spent so much time agonizing over. Next to go is the make-up. There isn’t a chance I’m running the shop slathered in that many layers of concealer.
If, as I suspect, Nina pulls another no-show, then I’ll be rushed off my feet, leaving me a sweaty mess. While the shop is air-conditioned, the unit isn’t really up to the task of cooling such a large expanse.
On opening the front door of the shop, I’m dismayed to see half a dozen customers already milling about outside. Some politely wait for me to get out of the way, but one guy rushes straight in, and I come close to being taken out by the heavy glass-panelled door.
This jolts me out of auto-pilot and thoughts of why Blake bothered inviting me to the beach that morning when he was already meeting up with Sylvia. I didn’t think he was that into her. Hah, but what did I know? I’d thought for a second he was into me.
Looks like I was wrong on both counts.
By nine-thirty, I know Nina isn’t coming in. The woman is regular as clock-work. She’s never late without telling my parents, and in their absence, me. With her not having texted or phoned, I’m starting to worry about her. I hope she’s okay.
However, my biggest concern right now is that today is even busier than yesterday. The only plus in being run off my feet is that it’s taking my mind off the past twenty-four-hours.
Even so, smiling at customers is a step too far, to the point one obnoxious creep even suggests I try. The rictus smirk I give him in response has him questioning my sexuality before barging out of the shop. I’m not in the mood for that sort of behavior this morning.
I’m taking delight in the jerk having left the premises when I spot who’s taking his place as a thorn in my side. The only plus is that Sylvia is now wearing a coverall over her bikini, although it's sheer enough that she might as well not have bothered. The woman’s other accessory is Blake, even if he doesn’t appear anywhere near as comfortable as Sylvia.
And neither should he after his behavior over the past day and a half.
Stuck behind the sales counter, I’ve never been as uncomfortable in my skin, knowing I’m a mess in comparison to the glamazon next to Blake. It’s one thing to have your competition rubbed in your face; it’s another when you know you’re not looking your best.
When I tossed my more flattering outfit into my suitcase earlier that morning, I’d no clue I’d soon be faced with Sylvia and, worse than that, Blake.
Instead, I’m decked out in a tank top emblazoned with the shop's logo, a denim skirt and my favorite Chucks. While perfect for being run off my feet all day in the shop, it doesn’t compare favorably with Sylvia's stylish outfit. On taking in the woman's sleek locks, my hand strays to my own messy bun, realizing that it’s being held in place thanks to a pencil.
Well, there’s nothing I can do about it right now. I’m stuck where I am for at least seven more hours. Thank goodness I hadn’t finished my coffee earlier.
To take my mind off serving Sylvia and Blake, I concentrate on a young girl who’s taking forever deciding which love bracelet she wants to buy.
She’s still dithering when Sylvia puts her hands on the girl’s shoulders and roughly moves her to the side. That is it. She can push me around, but she’s not pushing my customers around. And she especially isn’t picking on someone weaker than her.
I’d had enough of that back in high school.
This mouse is ready to roar.
BLAKE
Hell’s teeth, the woman must have the scenting abilities of a flaming blood hound. There are at least half a dozen gyms in town, with Murphy’s the least popular of all. Even better is that it was also the cheapest, with Mike, the owner, a mate of mine from high school.
I won’t find it as easy to ditch her this time, with her leaning against the driver’s door. The only way I can get behind the wheel, without going through her, is to use the passenger door, or climb in through the back. Thoughts of doing exactly that have me breaking into a broad grin, something Sylvia unfortunately takes as encouragement.
If only she knew, and if only I hadn’t been brought up to be polite to women, no matter what. Looks like I’m stuck with her, at least for a while.
On scanning the parking lot, something immediately becomes apparent. There are no other vehicles here. This wouldn’t be unusual for a Sunday morning, except for me wondering how Sylvia got here.
“Oh, thank goodness you’re here. My car broke down. Can you give me a ride back into town?”
On the face of it, this is a reasonable enough request. But while I never did well with exams, I’m no dummy. If that woman hasn’t got the latest iPhone in that monster handbag of hers, then I’ll eat my hat. She could easily have called for help by now.
I’m not letting her get away with it. I take my time walking to the corner of the building and checking up and down the street. “Where’s your car?”
By my reckoning, it’ll be parked around the corner, out of sight.
She waves randomly toward the south. “A couple of blocks away. I’d keep walking, but I’m not comfortable dressed like this.”
