Page 13 of Destiny

“Nothing.”

I’m adding price tags to some merchandise behind the front counter, and she’s leaning toward me on the other side.

“Oh, come on! It’s not like your folks are around or anything.”

I had to do a double take when I looked closer at her face.

“Mackenzie, did you get another piercing?” I’m amazed I noticed, given the amount of metal she already had in her head.

She hated it when I called her by her full name. “Ugh! But yes. It’s called the Madonna.”

“I see. How ‘Vogue’ of you.” Ever since we were kids, Micky has stuck out like a sore thumb in our small, conservative town. And I loved her for never seeming to give a rat’s ass about that.

“Stop trying to change the subject. Dish!”

“Honestly, we just talked about his kids. He had some concerns that they are getting too attached to their comfort items in a way to make up for their mother’s absence.”

“Did you tell him about Mr. Peaches?”

“No, I did not. But I did say that I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.”

“I’ve always felt so sad for those kids.”

“I know. Me too.”

“Although, I think my life would have been a little easier growing up without my mother.”

“Yeah.” Like many others in Hazelhurst, Micky’s mom was quite vocal about her disapproval of her daughter’s unique style.

A few moments later, Marco walks in carrying a huge bouquet of flowers.

“That certainly doesn’t look like nothing,” Micky mutters under her breath before she goes into the back room.

“What’s all this?”

“I just wanted to bring you a little something to say thank you for this morning.”

“Aw. Well, thank you. But that wasn’t necessary.”

“I know. But you deserve it.”

“Thanks. Let me go get a vase for these.”

I walk into the back to find one.

“He’s totally into you!” Micky whispers.

“He is not! He sees me as his kid’s babysitter . . . and like a kid myself.”

“Yeah, right. And you admitted to me that you have the hots for him during out last wine night.”

“So? He’s gorgeous. What can I say?”

“Well? Make a move.”

“No! That would be totally inappropriate.”

“You’re so lame, you know that!”

---