Chapter 14
“You wanna steal a handful of bills and my Publisher’s Clearinghouse sweepstakes entry, you have fun with that,” Scooter said, winking.
Andy grinned. “Yeah, okay. I’ll…Target’s probably the best stop, get everything all at once. You need a hand with the kegs first, or you want me to just meet you back here when I’m done?”
Scooter made a dismissive gesture. “They’ll give me a trolley and help me lift ‘em up. I’ll wait for you at the yogurt shop.”
“Frozen yogurt. Before lunch,” Andy said. He shook his head in mock-despair as he walked away. “I’ve fallen in amongst heathens.”
Scooter indulged himself just a little and turned to watch Andy walk away. It was a hell of a view. 6
Trick woke Andy up even earlier the next morning. The sun was barely out, and the dog was scrabbling madly at the door, making a soft whuffing noise. At least Andy knew where he was as soon as he opened his eyes.
He whimpered a little as he stood up and his legs protested—he was no stranger to work, but fixing cars didn’t involve nearly as much time on his feet as bussing and washing dishes did, and his muscles were not pleased. The extra bottle of Advil had been an excellent decision. “What is it, Trick?”
Trick whined harder, then barked, and just after that, someone knocked on the door, a light, staccato rapping.
“Huh. Early warning system, huh?” Trick hadn’t acted like this when Scooter had knocked the previous day. Andy hesitated, but he wouldn’t be able to see through the front window at this angle anyway. He cracked the door without unhooking the chain.
“Morning.” Ekaterina stood there, holding a sizable box. “I know it’s early, but I am taking you to breakfast. My treat. And…I brought you some things.”
Andy blinked at her. He wasn’t at his best before coffee. But whatever this was, it didn’t sound like an immediate threat. He closed the door long enough to drop the chain, then opened it again so she could come in. “Uh. Sorry about the mess. That pile is, um, Jeff’s, I guess? Aaaand I’m standing here in my boxers. Hang on. Pants.” Smooth, Andrew
Kat had a nice laugh, soothing and low-pitched. “Pants are optional, unless at work,” she said. “Bras are optional, too, but that is a problem you do not have, I expect.”
“Not unless I have a reallyhot date, anyway,” Andy said, yanking on his jeans.
She put the box down gingerly on the tiny kitchenette table and withdrew a familiar white and green cup. “Coffee. Black. For you. And one chai latte for me. Also for you—I didn’t know what you like, so I just picked up a few things.” She withdrew from the box a handful of paperback books, already spine-cracked, the pages dog-eared and foxxed. Two pairs of sweatpants and three tees that would probably fit, one of which said “Someone in Virginia Beach Loves Me,” and the other two with local college logos on them. She laid a tablet and charger on top of the clothes. “This one is used, but I got a new one. Still works, but I am always spending my money on the latest model. I should upgrade Jason, while I am thinking of it. First aid kit, in case you hurt yourself. And a succulent, because every home needs a plant.” Her accent, while she was talking, was slavic and a little choppy, absolutely nothing like the exaggerated Southern drawl she’d used in the restaurant.
Andy stared at the pile of…things, a bit flabbergasted. “I don’t…Why?” Why would she bring him this stuff? The little plant, maybe, sure—a sort of “welcome aboard” gesture. But clothes? Books? A tablet, for fucksake, even an older one? “Your boyfriend hates me.”
Kat sniffed. “I love Jason, very much. But it takes him time to warm to new people. I like you, that is enough. As for why…” Kat gave him a sad little smile. “That is a bit of a story to tell,” she said. “Here, put this on and give me your face for a moment. Then breakfast, and I’ll explain.” She pulled a tube of concealer and a compact from her pocket.
Andy pulled on one of the college tees, which felt like a cheat, considering he’d dropped out to move in with Nick, and turned his face obediently toward her, still stunned and confused.
She screwed the bottom of the tube and dabbed it on his bruise, carefully. It didn’t really hurt much anymore, which was good. “This will keep people from asking stupid, nosy questions. Unless they’re kissing-close, no one will see it, now that the swelling’s gone down. And you don’t seem like you should be ready to be kissing anyone.” Kat followed the taupe stick with brushes from her compact, smoothing out the lines with a practiced hand. “Here, you see?” She handed him the tiny mirror.