Page 34 of Afternoon Delight
Chapter 18
Meg
Mom agreed to the credenza being rehomed. When I told Georgia, she remembered it and was as excited as I was.
While I waited for Zak to show up, Georgia and I had a good chat about how well the event had gone and how steady store traffic had been on Friday and Saturday.
“It’ll slow down. People get their toys and stay home to play with them. They forget about the shop for a while,” Georgia said. She’d worked at an adult toy store when she lived in California. That’s how she’d learned the products and started the online business.
“It’s like they’re only in it for one thing,” I complained.
“Right? Hey, what are you up to with Zara’s brother? Gail said you two were flirting.”
“I sold him a couple of toys. It was completely professional. But he’ll be here soon to truck my credenza.”
“I bet he will. I should let you go, then.”
“No rush. I have time if you want to keep talking.” I didn’t want to prod her with How are you feeling? but I really wanted to know how she was doing.
“I’m done talking. I’m freaking the fuck out over the surgery, but I also don’t care anymore. I can’t stay like this.”
“Yeah,” I murmured. “I told Gail I’d come hang out with her while you’re in surgery. She said you’d rather I stay here and keep the store open.”
“That’s a free pass for you. Her mother-in-law is coming to watch the kids while I’m in Vancouver. That frees Gail to go back and forth if I need her, but Monique is a lot. There’s nothing you can do during the surgery anyway. I’ll tell her to text you with updates.”
“Okay, but call anytime if?—”
There was a knock on my door.
“Mom?”
“Yeah, bud?”
Roddie poked his head in. “That guy is here.”
“That guy is here,” I repeated to Georgia. “I’ll send you a photo once the stereo is in the store.”
“Thanks. Oh! Negasi might come talk to you. He wanted to pick my brain about opening the shop, but then this happened. I told him he should talk to you. Is that okay?”
“Of course.” I had more questions about Negasi, but I said goodbye and followed Roddie downstairs to the living room, where Mom was standing with Dale and Zak.
“Oh yes, I know them well,” Mom was saying. “You must have been acquainted with the McIntyres, too?”
“We bought our station wagon from them,” Dale said with a nostalgic smile.
“Hi Dale. Hi Zak,” I greeted.
Dale gave me a startled look, as though I’d appeared out of thin air.
“This is Meg, Dad. Vickie’s daughter. You met her once. She took over Debra’s shop. We’re here to pick up some furniture from her.”
“Right, right, of course. It’s good to see you again.” He was such a sweet man, shaking my hand like we were old friends. “And this is your son?”
“Roddie, yes.”
“You’re a strapping lad. We can always use some muscle at the shop.” Dale gave Roddie’s biceps a squeeze as he shook his hand. “Come by if you’re looking for an after-school job.”
“Thanks.” Roddie glanced at me with a mix of amusement and a request for guidance.
