Page 64 of The Deal Maker

“We thought it was great as kids. She let a bunch of the younger kids take them home as pets. Of course, they lasted all of five days before they were laid to rest in the sewer pipes.”

“Ew,” I say, picturing a goldfish burial ground among all the other stuff that would be down there.

We walk along in silence for a bit, and to my surprise, Duke waves to a bunch of people who’ve been walking past us.

“Yeah, sad times. My brothers didn’t like the funeral I prepared for them.”

“You would do something over the top like that,” I say, laughing.

“You make it sound like it’s a bad thing,” Duke says, giving me a feigned sad expression.

Shaking my head, I say, “No, not bad. It just seems like something you would do. Did you wear a little bow tie as you gave the eulogy?”

He frowns. “No, but that would’ve been a nice touch. Next time.”

“Goldfish at a wedding. That’s a new one,” I say, picturing it. “Hope has been planning her wedding since we were in grade school. I’m just a little nervous she’s going to regret not having some big shebang to celebrate.”

“It’s probably cheaper,” Duke says.

“True. It’s so sensible, wanting to save money to buy a house together. I’m not convinced my cousin isn’t some shapeshifter at this point.” Hope has always liked nicer things, not to the point of extravagance, but more for middle-range prices. And it feels like she’s settling. But in the end, does it matter what she spent on one day when the important part is the rest of her life with Jason?

Duke laughs but drops it once I turn to him with a glare. Holding up his hands, he says, “Sorry about that. I just liked the insight into your mind.”

I can’t help but laugh. “I don’t think anyone should do that with my brain. I’d probably end up an agoraphobe with twelve cats who communicates only through cryptic messages.”

“Sounds like you’ve thought about this a few times.”

“My parents made me see a therapist during their divorce. She said I have a very vivid imagination.” That was the truth. Have I regularly acted on my imagination? No. It’s usually just for my own enjoyment, knowing that most people would avoid me if they knew everything in my brain.

“Well, there’s nothing better in the world than a great imagination.”

“Some would disagree with you.”

Duke smiles and says, “I ran into Barnabee on the way out of the vet clinic. They’re going to award the prizes tonight.”

“For the scavenger hunt? I hadn’t heard that.” Probably because I had muted the notifications for the app once we finished a few days ago. I know it’s a newer app, but I don’t need to know every time someone posts, likes, shares or comments. Times that by what feels like thousands of people because of all the tasks, and I’d never hear the end of the pinging.

“I’ll pick you up at The Candy Jar and we can walk over?” Duke asks, looking hopeful.

“Sure. Have you decided what to do with the office yet?”

He shakes his head. “I’ve been brainstorming ideas, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten. If I don’t come up with something soon, I’ll have to hope that someone will come take over my lease.”

“What about Troy? Have you talked to him yet?” I ask.

“I feel like I need a good business plan set up before I approach him.”

I smile and say, “That’s a great idea. Maybe show the small things you would change and how it would impact the business.”

Duke nods. “Yeah, something tangible. I’ve got to head out but I’ll be by later to pick you up.”

Duke waves and Champ barks his goodbye. I might watch them for a bit too long before heading toward the store. I don’t know what will happen from here on out, but I’m liking this casual friendship we have going on. It’s a big step from where we were when the scavenger hunt began. Will that be enough for the future?

TWENTY-SEVEN

DUKE

“Do people really eat an ice cream called playdough?” I ask Maggie when I make it to the front of the ice cream line at The Candy Jar.

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