Page 31
Moisture filmed Kahn’s eyes, and he blinked rapidly to clear it away. “Thank you.” He got out hoarsely.
She gave him a small smile.
Something softened in Kahn’s face as he studied her. He nodded to himself and cleared his throat. “Okay. So, I’ve obviously fucked things up between us, right from the start. I’ve been…”
“Hey, Miss Randa!” A cheerful voice called. “Wow, I didn’t know you came here.”
Randa and Kahn were yanked out of their strangely companionable bubble, their heads whipping around to look at the newcomer.
“Hi, Steve.” The flower delivery boy stood in the middle of the salon, leaning on a push broom and wearing a One Piece t-shirt. He beamed his toothy smile, and Randa couldn’t help but grin back. She loved humans.
Kahn noticed her expression and glared at Steve like the kid had challenged him to a duel.
Randa disregarded his bad attitude, her attention on the teenager. “Do you work here and the flower shop?”
“Yeah, my grandma owns this place, so I help out three days a week. My uncle owns the roller rink, so I’m there twice a week. At night, I’m a busboy at my sister’s restaurant. And I work at my parents’ flower shop every other day.” He leaned in closer. “I used to work at Home Depot, but I saw some really strange things happen there. Like street magicians with swords and capes, doing shows in the aisles. My mom made me quit, when I told her. She thought maybe I was on drugs.”
Those “street magicians” were Gion and Chason. Idiots.
“Wow, you’re a very busy guy.” She infused her voice with warmth. “How do you fit school in?”
“We’re off for the holidays, until next week. I’m saving for a better computer. The set-up’s expensive, but so worth it. It’ll be way faster for gaming and the graphics card…”
Kahn didn’t care about the upgrade to Steve’s video games. “Did anyone come into the flower store today and mention Randa?”
“Uh, no. Your,” Steve sent a cautious look in Rye’s direction, “friend stopped by earlier and freaked my dad out, asking a lot of questions. A lot. But no one else mentioned Miss Randa.”
Randa sighed. “Tell your dad I’m sorry, Steve.” She shot Kahn an exasperated look, holding him responsible for the campaign of terror. Technically, Rye was the guilty one, but Kahn would do as a representative for all Light Phases.
Kahn looked frustrated that he was being blamed. “Just don’t deliver any flowers to her house.” He warned Steve, jabbing a threatening finger at him. “Or else I’ll be the one stopping by to talk to you.”
Steve held up a palm like he was swearing to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help him God. “I won’t. I promise.”
“Good. You can leave now.”
Steve scampered away, eager to be out from under Kahn’s dark glower.
Randa made an aggravated sound. “Must you be so mean to that boy?”
“I don’t like how the human gawks at you.”
“He’s about five seconds old!”
“His thoughts are plenty grown up. I guarantee it.”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know why I even bother with you. You’re going to believe what you want to believe, regardless of reality.”
“You’re the one who wants to live in denial. I’m your bodyguard and I’m telling you that Steve could be dangerous.”
“No, he is absolutely not dangerous, and you are not my bodyguard. I have told you fifty times, I hired you to find Sax, not to protect me.”
“It’s a free bonus service.”
“Of all the ridiculous…”
“I’m finally back.” Andre came hurrying over with an armful of supplies. “Sorry. I was waiting on fresh towels. We ready to do this trim?”
“Thank goodness. He’s all yours.” Randa got to her feet, marching off to check on Mannus and Daven.
