Page 73 of Old Habits

“If you break my son’s heart again, I will hunt you down and kill you myself. Got it?”

I stand taller. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Bye, hun.” She grins and steps outside again.

The uneasy feeling wears off quickly and I smile as my attentions lock through the window at Will across the street. His eyes shift in the direction of the toy store and he catches sight of his mother sneaking back over to join the party. He pauses with quiet panic in his eyes and I laugh to myself.

***

The sun sets and the party packs it in.

Mr. Trin said I could close up as soon as they do so I rush to lock the doors before any of them get the idea to do a little after-party shopping.

It takes me about thirty minutes to do the closing paperwork and count down the cash register. One of these days, I’ll get that down to twenty, but I take my time to make sure I don’t make any mistakes.

I flick off the lights and slide my jacket on over my tank top.

The phone rings and I pause, silently debating over whether or not to answer it. I’d rather just ignore it and go home but the responsible thing wins out and I reach for it.

“Trin’s Toys. This is Jovie.”

“Count to thirty and then step outside.”

I pause. “Will?”

He hangs up.

“Will?” I ask the silence.

I drop the phone back onto its cradle and bolt for the windows to scan the street outside. Sara and several others still linger in the center of the square, chatting and picking up trash while kids sit around looking bored. I scan the crowd for Will but he’s not there. I suddenly remember that I’m supposed to be counting and I try to estimate how much time has passed since that phone call.

I reach twenty-five and Marv’s tow truck crashes into another car at the other side of the square. My jaw drops as I step outside to get a closer look.

Tucker hops out of the truck and screams at the man in the other car, drawing the attentions of every person left behind in the square.

A red car rounds the corner and halts by the curb in front of me.

“Jovie, get in.”

I look in the window at Will’s face. “Holy shit, Will.” I point at Tucker. “Are you seeing this?”

“Jovie...”He stares harder at me. “Get in.”

I gasp and hop inside. “Oh, my God. You set this up, didn’t you?”

“Just keep your head down.”

“You planned a diversion so no one would see you picking me up.”

He smirks. “Shh.”

I swoon a little harder. “It has property damage and everything.”

“It’s just a little dent. An easy fix.”

“I’m so proud of you!”

“Head down, please.”