Page 9 of Through the Fire

The air changed when I realized his eyes were focused on me. I didn’t mean to do it, but those droopy hazel eyes sucked me into a vortex of sunshine and melodies I couldn’t escape from.

“Well, it’s working in your favor. Next time I come in here, I’m going to have to look around for myself.”

I licked my lips, still ensnared in his orbit.

“Good. ’Cause it’s been killing me not to say something about the corners of those hands.”

His laugh made the hair on my arms stand at attention. I sighed in relief when he glanced down at his hands.

“I guess I am a little ashy.”

“A little?” I teased him lightheartedly. “Anyways where is Princess Shy Shy?”

He sighed. “She’s at daycare for now.” Glancing down at his watch he admitted, “I’m going to scoop her up when I leave from here.”

I watched his lips while he was distracted. When he turned, I looked away quickly.

“She’s been so much happier since we’ve started using your products. I’m seeing her smile more often, and that makes me feel like I’m doing something right.”

The more he talked, the warmer that orb of glowing light became in my chest. I absentmindedly rubbed at it with the heel of my hand, but it was no use. Nothing snuffed it out.

“I can tell you really love her. She’s lucky to have a father that wouldn’t give up on finding a solution for her eczema. That’s the reason she’s smiling more. She has a great dad looking out for her.”

My words made him pause. His eyes began a slow drag from each of my facial features. A chill ran down my spine when they ended their tour at my lips. Suddenly, I became self-conscious, wondering if they were dry and in need of a coat of lip gloss. I stopped breathing completely when he lifted a hand to my cheek. When he dropped it, there was a tiny lash on the pad of his fingertip.

“Make a wish,” he whispered.

Leaning toward his finger, I allowed my eyes to drift closed. Against my better judgment, I did exactly that by asking to be free of my heartache. I blew a quick breath, blowing the lash into oblivion. When I opened my eyes, a tear slid down my cheek.

Ashamed, I dropped my head and sniffled.

“Sorry,” I murmured.

Suddenly, my head was tipped backward, and I collided with his honeyed gaze.

“Never apologize for feeling. Whatever you wished for will come true,” he affirmed.

“How do you know?” I tucked my trembling bottom lip. I felt an emotional breakdown building underneath the surface of my skin. I had to get away from this man before the floodgates burst open.

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.” He tucked one of my locs behind my ear then continued. “They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.”

“That’s…”

“Scripture… You’re going to be okay, Izzy.”

The sincerity of his words turned my insides into mush. I snatched away quickly, unable to handle another second under his thrall. Quickly, I wiped my eyes then hopped up.

“I… uh… have some work I need to do.”

Heim nodded, standing to his full height.

“That’s fine. I need to get going anyway. What do I owe you for the goodies?” He opened the box to take a look at the products inside. “Oh, wow you really did make it look like ice cream.”

His mouth fell open temporarily before he gathered himself.

“I said I would.”

I didn’t really leave more room for conversation as I turned to the iPad. I rang up the custom order then read off the total to him. He didn’t bat an eyelash as he passed me his card. I swiped it quickly, all while keeping my focus on the screen. I felt him looking at me but refused to engage. I’d already got too comfortable with him in the little time he was here. I ripped the printed receipt then handed it to him.

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