Page 35 of Between the Blue
Her.
“Don’t take it personal, Mikey. I don’t trust anyone.”
Mikey. The store owner. He knows me well after so many years.
“Probably for the best,” he says.
Guess he knows her well too. Makes sense with her parents owning the roller rink.
She laughs. “Do you have that order of skate laces in yet?”
“Waiting at the front for you.”
I wish I knew her well.
“You’re my favorite sports store owner.”
“I’m the only one in town, Julia.”
“Doesn’t make it any less true.”
Their voices sound closer now.
I grab two sticks from the display in front of me. Turn away.
Turn back.
Grab one more.
Then step out from the aisle.
Right in front of Mikey. And her.
My eyes are on her.
Hers are on the pack of skate wheels in her hand.
“Bennett! Good to see you, son.”
Now her eyes are on me.
“Mikey,” I nod.
She smiles, just barely. But she doesn’t say anything.
So I do.
“Hi.”
“Hey, Ben,” she says.
“I’ll meet you at the front,” Mikey tells Jules.
“Sounds good,” she replies. “Thanks.”
He leaves, and now we’re alone.
“Did you break your stick?” Jules asks.
