Page 74 of Time Stops With You

Josiah pretends not to have heard him, snatches the key from me and stomps down the stairs.

Big T frowns at Josiah’s back. “Kids these days, huh? They got a lot of attitude.”

“It’s definitely a different generation,” I agree.

“When I was growing up, I would have been whupped for ignoring someone older than me.” His eyes narrow slightly at the staircase.

Unease slithers through my body. I’ve complained about how easy mom is on Josiah compared to me, so the ‘back in my day’ talk doesn’t affect me much. However, there’s something about thewayBig T says it, as if he would personally want to whup my brother, that gives me pause.

“Uh, you should probably head down,” I say, wanting some space from him.

Big T turns to me and smiles sweetly. “I’ll wait for you to get your stuff. We’ll head down together.”

I consider insisting that he leave first, but I remind myself that Big Thasn’tactually hurt my brother at all. He’s been a good neighbor and consistently helped me out every week.

“Yeah, thanks.”

I grab all the dishes, utensils, napkins and other items I’ll need to set up my stall. Big T relieves me of some of the bigger items—like the tent poles—and walks with me down the stairs.

“You know,” he begins, “you wouldn’t have to work this hard if you had a man.”

Is he starting already? I laugh to lighten the mood before he can make it intense and weird. “In this economy? I’d have to work even if I had two.”

A giant frown slashes over his face. “You’re not one of those types who mess with multiple men to cover different bills, are you?”

“Uh, no. It was just a joke.”

His expression remains severe. “Because there are women like that who think, just ‘cause they’re pretty, they can mess around.”

Again, his intensity feels a bit like a warning.

My heart thuds. “I believe in commitment. Whether it’s in a relationship or a marriage, if two people agree to be exclusive, they shouldn’t have any outside relationships.”

“Word.”

Prickles of unease crop over the back of my neck and I tighten my grip on the napkins. “So,” I say in a high pitched voice, “what are your plans for today?”

“Nothing much. Just chilling.”

“Oh.” I bob my head and quicken my pace down the stairs.

The thud, thud, thud of Big T’s footsteps chase me.

“What areyoudoing tonight?” Big T asks, closing the gap between us.

I make an intentional effort to stare straight ahead. The closer we get to the door, the faster I can get in my car.

“I’m… meeting some friends.”

“What friends?Girlfriends?” Big T asks.

Again, that feeling of unease presses into me like a snake slithering around my ankles. “I wonder what’s taking Josiah so long? He should have already delivered those pots and come back to help us with the rest.”

Big T stares at me, his eyes slightly narrowed. I can tell he doesn’t buy the subject change. I’m lying through my teeth about having plans tonight, but even if I wasn’t, what makes him think he has a right to know who I’m meeting?

The light brightens and I realize we’re closing in on the exit. I chase that door down with everything in me until I’m outside.

Only a couple more steps to the parking lot now and I’ll be golden.

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