Let it All Burn by Denise Grover Swank

Author:Denise Grover Swank [Grover Swank, Denise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781940562360
Publisher: DGS
Published: 2020-02-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

There was no denying Richard Weatherby was an attractive man. His looks had drawn me to him in the first place, and he’d aged well. Although his dark hair had streaks of gray and he had wrinkles, he was tall and still lean, thanks to his near-daily workouts. At least I presumed he still worked out. He needed to more than ever to look good for his child-girlfriend. I nearly laughed at his stereotypical lit professor attire—a cream turtleneck sweater, chinos, loafers, and a three-quarter-length tan dress coat. I didn’t recognize any of it.

He marched up to the counter and I plastered on my customer service face—a look I’d developed for Cyn’s more difficult customers. Only then did it occur to me that this was completely out of character for Richard. He was more of a passive-aggressive guy. Typically, he’d make me come to his turf, where he’d have more control. For him to come here…

Something was definitely wrong.

“Darcie,” he said when he reached the counter. “Why didn’t you answer my texts? We need to talk.”

“I’m working, Richard.”

He wrinkled his nose and said in a snooty tone, “I thought you’d gotten a real job.”

Based on the murderous look on Cyn’s face, she was showing great restraint by not launching herself over the counter to strangle him.

“Any job with a paycheck is a real job,” I said, proud of myself for not showing any signs of my anger. In fact, I was surprised to discover I wasn’t angry. I was irritated, like he was an annoying fly buzzing around. I had a sudden desire for a flyswatter.

“You know what I mean, Darcie,” he snapped.

“No,” I said in a calm voice. “I don’t. A job is a job, and I just happen to be working my second job of the week instead of enjoying a Saturday full of free time. Speaking of which, why are you here instead of with your daughter?”

Guilt flashed in his eyes, but it only lasted for a second before it was immolated by self-righteous indignation.

“Actually, Richard,” I said as a couple walked through the door, “I’m busy, so we can pick this up later.”

“When?” he asked in a huff.

“I’m working until six, but I can probably take a break in about fifteen minutes, if you want to wait.”

He started to protest, but then, to my utter surprise, he stopped and stomped over to a free table.

I shot Cyn a glance and she looked close to kicking him out of the shop, not that I blamed her. “I hope it’s okay if I take a break in fifteen minutes.”

“You can take a break now if you want,” she said, although her expression made it clear she didn’t approve of me talking with him at all.

“No, I want to make him wait,” I said. “He always makes me wait when I text or call about an issue. I figure turnabout is fair play.”

Her eyes narrowed and she gave me an approving nod. “I like it. You take a break whenever you want.

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