Page 35 of The Heartstrings of Harry
“It says here on the box that batteries are already included.”
“Then I’ll throw in this week’s moose moccasins special. Buy one moccasin, get the other one free.”
I was so keen to deliver Dean’s new toothbrush that I wasn’t even thinking about the math. “Sold!” I said.
Old Man Raven clapped his hands and rubbed them together, until a voice behind us said—
“Pardon me for butting in, but I’m not sure those moccasins are the bargain you think they are.”
Old Man Raven and I both turned to see—
“Madeline? Hi,” I said.
Apparently, Old Man Raven and I had been so wrapped up in his rather impressive toothbrush sales monologue, that we hadn’t even heard the ding of the bell above the door when Madeline entered.
“Forgive me for interrupting,” she said to Old Man Raven. “But I’m the new math teacher at the school, and well, I’m not sure your specials are quite so… special.”
Old Man Raven deadened his eyes and leveled his gaze at her. “Who the hell are you?”
“Oh, ah, this is Madeline,” I jumped in. “She’s new in town. Madeline Montgomery, meet Old Man Raven.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Madeline said cheerily, extending her hand.
Old Man Raven just huffed at her. “Math teachers. They spoil all the fun.” With that he returned to stacking the stands on the sales counter.
Over the top of the store shelves, Madeline watched him and quietly asked, “Is he putting Marlboros next to—”
“Don’t ask.”
“Is that even legal?”
“Don’t ask that either.”
Madeline took a deep breath. “Well, when in Rome I guess.”
“I’m not sure they wear moose moccasins in Rome.”
Madeline laughed that infectious laugh of hers and I couldn’t help but smile. She gestured to my still bandaged hand. “How’s that big old bear’s paw of yours this morning?”
“It’s okay,” I shrugged. “What are you doing here?”
“If you must know, I came looking for a gift foryou… for your birthday.”
I shook my head. “You gave me flowers… which I left at Andy’s and need to rescue before they die. I’m hoping he at least put them in some water.”
“No, I mean, I wanted to buy you a proper gift. I bought the marigolden-girls in a hurry. Andy only told me at the last minute that it was your birthday.”
“Andy usually remembersafterthe last minute that it’s my birthday.”
“He forgets, huh?”
“Every year.” I shook my head and shrugged. “It honestly doesn’t bother me. I don’t really know what to do with all the attention anyway. And seriously, those flowers you got me were more than enough… if they’re still alive.”
Madeline laughed again and stepped a little closer. “Your modesty is sweet. Really it is. But I’m a giver, so you’re just going to have to allow me to buy you a proper gift. So long as this general store even has what I’m looking for.”
“Are you kidding? Have you seen this place? Old Man Raven has everything you need and everything you don’t. There’s even a shelf of Mr. T breakfast cereal, although they’re probably nothing but boxes of sugary dust by now.”
Madeline giggled. “Lucky for you, a box of Mr. T cereal was not on your birthday present list.”
