Page 128 of Debts and Desires
“Good. Now take me home.” My grin grew wide as I added, “I wanna play unsuspecting housewife and the criminal who came to steal, but finds her instead.”
Carter’s brow twitched up for a moment. He put the truck in gear and we hurried home.
50. TO THE TOP
November 12
Day Seventy-Seven
While Carter was at work, I decided to drive the fifteen minutes into Wrightsville to the pharmacy there. Hudsonville didn’t have a pharmacy anymore after a freak fire, according to Carter, and it never got rebuilt. I was planning on getting the whole birth control issue sorted out—as best as I could without my physical insurance card—and then bring Carter some lunch from a restaurant here that Ty had recommended.
The best part about the drive? It was inmycar. Carter had surprised me the day after his interrogation with Officer Jameson. Apparently, hehadbeen working on it in secret, on the days I wasn’t in.
From the outside, I could see it was a Mom and Pop type establishment and that made me smile. The door chimed when I walked in. The small store, empty, save the young cashier at the front. She nodded in greeting before blowing a gum-bubble and went back to her magazine. I saw the big sign that read ‘Pharmacy’ on the back wall and headed that way.
Hopefully, it would be easier to deal with them instead ofsome corporation. But of course, it wouldn’t be that simple. I steeled myself, annoyance washing over me as I stopped in front of the counter. Cassie was turned slightly, filling an orange bottle with some pills. She smiled and turned.
“I’ll be right with… you…” The smile faded as she sat down the bottle.
I couldn’t stop myself before I said, “I should’ve guessed.”
“Excuse me?”
“Are you the reason why I haven’t been able to get my birth control issues sorted out?” Her eyes flickered up to the front, where the cashier was paying no attention to us.
“If you’re havin’ issues, you should talk to your doctor.”
“Not what I meant. Carter said you guys still haven’t gotten it in. What’s your game here?”
“What?” She brought her brows together. “I literally just gave Carter your pack for the next three months.”
“Don’t, okay? He said there’s been issues, and it still hasn’t come in. Which is why I’m here, to try to get it sorted. I know you don’t like me, but that’s messed up.”
“This is myjob, the one I actuallylike.I wouldn’t mess with someone’s prescriptions. And I never said I didn’t like you. It’s bad enough I agreed to help him get it without you bein’ here for verification.”
“Why should I believe you?”
“Again. Because it’s my livelihood.”
“Yeah? And that didn’t stop you from messing with mine, did it?” Her face went red.
“I’m sorry. I was tryin’ to… It doesn’t matter, I’ve been goin’ through some stuff. I was drunk and stupid. So, I’m sorry.” Hearing her admit it shocked me.
“Well, whatever. Can we get this figured out then? I’d like to get back on it.”
Cassie sighed again, typing furiously at the kiosk in front of her. “I told you. Carter just picked up the three-month pack. And I can’t give you another per your insurance. See?” She turned thescreen my way and I could see the refill order and that it was picked up a week ago. My face heated.
“I… I’m sorry.” I started. She only shrugged.
“I know I’ve done a lot that says otherwise, but I’m really not a bad person. Shockin’, I know.”
“Why did you do it then? The conversation in the bathroom and then the whole money thing?” Cassie looked away again.
“It doesn’t make much sense.”
“Well, tell me anyway. Or try. Is it jealousy?” Her eyes slowly met mine.
“Somewhat. But not—doesn’t matter. I was also tryin’ to scare you away from Carter.”
