Page 7 of The Neighborhood Vampire

“You should know better, Mr. Dodds,” Alice said, moving next to Carol. She crossed her arms. “We’re very disappointed in you.”

“It won’t happen again,” Hugo said. “I promise.”

“That’s okay, sweetie,” Carol said. “How did the other thing go?”

Hugo shook his headno and waved his hand to motion for Carol to stop asking.

“What other thing?” Alice asked.

“Max,” Carol said. “How are things going with Max?”

“Max is Max. Still very much a puppy,” Hugo said.

“How does she get along with your new . . . well, you know?” Carol asked.

“Max tries to get it to play, but—” Hugo started.

“It’s not really in a playful mood,” Alice finished.

“Well, you two be careful on that thing. It makes me nervous when you’re are flying up there,” Carol said. “Maybe wear a helmet or something.”

“We’re always careful,” Hugo said. “Short staffed today?”

“It’s the oddest thing,” Carol said. “We’ve had so many people call off sick the past few days.”

“Something’s going around,” Oliver said as he approached the group. “I think half the staff is sick.”

“Sick?” Hugo said.

“They called in saying they felt tired and weak and wouldn’t be able to make it in,” Oliver explained. “They were perfectly fine the day before. It hit them all at once.”

“Odd,” Alice said.

Oliver turned his attention to Alice. “So, what do you think?”

“I love it,” Alice said. “Thank you so much. It means the world to me.”

“Well, thank you,” Oliver said. “I think we’re going to really move some wine.”

“Being in the store is a dream come true for me,” Alice said.

“Do you need any help?” Hugo asked. “I mean, it’s been a few years, but I can jump behind a register if you need me.”

“Don’t worry about it, we’re fine,” Carol said.

“We don’t do fine, Mrs. Raskin,” Alice said. “We can help. Hugo can scan and I’ll bag.”

“Are you certain? I don’t want to bother you two on your big day,” Carol said.

“Nonsense,” Hugo said. “You’re not bothering us. We’d be glad to help.”

“They want to help. Let them help,” Oliver said. “Consider us even after last night’s wake up call.”

“I’m sorry about that,” Hugo said. “It won’t happen again.”

“Besides, we’d have The Neighborhood Witch bagging groceries,” Oliver added. “We can move even more product. Keep a couple bottles with you up at the register.”

“Always thinking of some gimmick,” Carol said. “Oh, okay.”

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