Page 104 of Absolute Certainty
Sahar nodded.
“I had an awful third-grade teacher who’s the reason I hated school and everything pertaining to it. She hated Halloween and was terrified of clowns. Her name was also Ramona.”
She bit back a laugh. “So you have her working in a Halloween store where she’s constantly miserable? That’s so vindictive.”
Jay shrugged. “The woman told my mom I’d amount to nothing, so take that, Ramona.”
“Oh, hell. Make it worse, Jay. Throw in a scene where a bunch of teenagers come in while they’re all dressed in clown costumes and spook her.”
The smile she gave him was dazzling. He let out a laugh.
“This is why you never piss off writers. They’ll immortalize you in the worst way. The fact that you kept her actual name is pure genius,” she declared.
Jay agreed. “She looked like a Ramona, too, you know? I can’t explain it.”
“Oh, I can totally see it. I now have a clear picture of her in my head,” Sahar said.
She looked down at their clasped hands and gave his another squeeze. His eyes flicked up to her. Sliding her head back against the cushion, she let out a low grumble. “I hate this. I hate that you’re here, and I’m fighting against how much I want you.”
He shut his eyes, taking a deep breath. Maybe if they spent more time together, she’d feel more comfortable around him. Maybe she’d feel safe enough to unload all her burdens on him—let him be the one to tend to her wounds.
“It’s okay, sunshine. I can be patient. But look, I have a shorter shift tomorrow, and Eloise doesn’t come home until Sunday night. Since Willa’s going to be out all day because of a two-show day, would you like to join me in my neck of the woods? If you want a change of scenery, that is.”
Sahar smiled. It was shy and unfamiliar to him. “You’re not obligated to hang out with me, Jay. Plus, I wouldn’t want you to change your plans for me.”
Buthe wanted to.Hewouldchange his plans for her. He didn’t even have any plans outside of writing.
“My only plan was to try finishing the finale, but I’ve been stuck on it for two days, so maybe you could help me?”
Sahar’s lips curved upward. “Do I get any credit for all these brilliant ideas I’m giving you?”
“Of course youdo. EP, sunshine.”
She shook her hand. “I’m one hundred percent joking, by the way.”
“I’m not,” he protested.
Another foreign expression crossed her face. “What are you stuck on?” she asked.
“We could discuss that tomorrow,” he answered.
A barely-there smirk rose along her lips. “How would that work out?”
“Simple, I’ll drive into work tomorrow, come pick you up, and we’ll drive back.”
She tilted her head. “Don’t you usually take the train?”
He nodded to say yes.
“Well then, why would you drive?”
“So you won’t have to do much walking?”
Sahar smiled. “Jay, I can walk a few steps in and out of a train station. I just shouldn’t stomp and kick my feet with intense choreography.”
“I’ve driven to work before, Sahar. I promise it’s not a big deal. Please let me.”
“Okay, but I get to take the train back, and then I’ll Uber home from Jamaica to avoid the subway.”
