But none of this would have dampened my holiday spirits if not for the other thing that had happened today – something that I dreaded to bring up.
In reply to Cole's question, I gave a listless shrug while mumbling, "It wasn't theworstday at the candy store." This was actually true. The worst day had been just a couple of weeks ago when that customer had tried to set me up with her elf-loving brother – the one with the pointy ear fetish.
Cole had rescued me.
The reminder should've improved my mood. But it didn't. Perversely, it only made me feel more conflicted, especially when Cole asked with a sympathetic smile, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Yes.
And no.
Stalling, I reached for my napkin and placed it carefully onto my lap. "I just ran into someone, that's all."
Cole studied my face. "Oh, yeah? Who?"
I twisted the napkin with both hands as I debated my reply. The past couple of weeks had been some of the best of my life, and it was all because of Cole. The kisses, the fun, the way he looked at me sometimes – combined, it had been enough to make me forget how much I'd hated him back in the beginning.
I didn't want any of this to end.
But I didn't want to be a traitor either.
With an effort, I stopped twisting the napkin and looked Cole straight in the eye as I replied, "Lloyd Grampkin, that's who."
Cole frowned. "What?"
"Yeah. He came in this afternoon – to the candy store, I mean."
And that wasn't all.In what had to be one of the most awkward moments of my life, my old boss had asked me if the store was hiring. It had been nearly enough to break my heart, especially knowing that I had been sucking up to the enemy – or "sucking face" as the old saying went.
Across from me, Cole asked, "And how'dthatgo?"
"Terrible. If you'retrulycurious, he was looking for a job."
At this, Cole had the nerve to laugh. "What kind of job?"
I didn't see the humor. "Does it matter?"
"Not to me."
I stared across the table. "Why not?"
"Because he's not my problem."
His attitude was beyond grating. "Oh, yeah? Then whose problem is he?"
"His own."
I made a sound of annoyance. "That's easy for you to say. You're sitting in his chair."
Cole leaned back in his seat. "Not now, I'm not."
"Oh, come on. You know what I mean."
His voice softened. "I know. But listen, the guy's not the hero you make him out to be."
"I never called him a hero. I'm just loyal, that's all."
Cole wasn't laughing anymore. "Yeah, well maybe your loyalty's misplaced."
