Page 13 of Praying for Thunder

Not letting me go, Dio reached around his glass counter and retrieved a jar with an abundance of lollypops. He set it down on the glass and then one-handedly popped off the lid. His arm with tattoos drew my attention for only a second because he then said, “Have at it, kid!”

There was such an assortment of candy, my finger tapped my lips while I decided which one I couldn’t live without.

Apparently, I was taking too long because Ani pointed to one, saying, “Baby, that one has bubble gum.”

Magic words had been spoken. That pop was snatched up! “Thank you, Dio.”

He tugged on the rim of my ballcap as he walked us outside, squinting in the sun. “Sure thing, Little Guy.”

After he set me on the ground, Ani took my hand and said, “It was nice to meet you, Diablo.” Staring at him, she slowly walked backward.

Since she had my hand, I went with her but was far more interested in opening my treat, practically tripping over my own feet. “Bye, Dio.”

“Bye, My Dude.” Staying by his entrance, Diablo was all smiles, telling Ani, “Best cancelation I’ve ever had.”

She led me to the bench and sat me down while telling him, “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Observing the bench, he distractedly said, “Good, ‘cause it was one.” Crossing his arms, he stroked his chin as if there used to be a beard there. “Umm, are you waiting for the bus?”

Anita’s lips pursed. “Yes. Why? Problem?”

He blinked as if just realizing the conversation was going south again. “No. Not at all. Just, uh…”

She lifted her chin, which she seemed to feel just got smacked. “I assure you I can afford the tattoo. My car is in the shop. If you need, I can pay you in advance, or cancel altogether—”

His dimples shined under the sunlight. “Tiger, are you always going to be so defensive? I was going to ask if you needed a lift somewhere.”

“Oh.” Anita’s cheeks blushed. “Sorry. Thank you, but no, the bus is fine.”

I celebrated getting the wrapper off my lollypop. “Got it!” Then I shoved it in my mouth, sure not to litter by handing her the wrapper.

Ani patted my head, “Good job.” Then she stilled, her sight finding the tattoo artist that had yet to stop staring at her. “You never asked his name.”

He smirked. “Aunt Suzan, I may be only a ‘young’ man, but my soul has been touched by the devil.” She gasped, but he continued, “I know when a good woman is protecting her treasure.” His eyes fell to me. “And, for reasons of my own… I respect you for it.”

FOUR

SECRETS IN THE BLOOD

For the very first time, I was left at home the next night. I was sitting on Stew’s bent arm, waving, and called, “Bye, Ani!” so excited I had a babysitter. Once I declared I wasn’t a baby, Chucker-Outer was in my good graces again. And, I’d been promised movies and popcorn. I couldn’t imagine life getting better, clueless my Ani was racing to what she needed…

Stew was far from sharing my excitement. At the door of the apartment, he grumbled at her, “At least, let me drive you.”

She took steps, backing herself through the open door, her hands up as if silently begging for understanding. “Stew, I need…” she inhaled deeply, “a moment to be a… girl. Not at the club.”

His mouth gaped, then took an O shape. In a knowing fashion, he eventually nodded. “I hear you, loud and clear, but need you to be safe.”

She recoiled. “That’s my business, but I promise not to get pregnant, Dad.”

“No.” He rolled his eyes, laughing. “Not at all my business. I meant you arriving… wherever and returning in one piece. Get it?”

“Oh.” Her shoulders sagged. “I really do jump to conclusions, don’t I?”

Comically shaking his head, he chuckled. “Never.”

Smiling really big, she punched his arm. Then got to her tippytoes. “Niño, kisses.”

I puckered in a hurry. She was taking time from my first babysitter night.