Page 27 of Free-Falling
“No, I haven’t. What’s wrong?”
“Well, I um, we got into an argument and I didn’t give him an answer to a question. It’s my fault really, but I can’t reach him and I’ve been trying to for the past couple of hours. Can you try to find him for me? Please? If he doesn’t want me around when he’s back, I’ll hide in the room that I film in if that’s what he wants, but please just find him. I’m worried.”
“Okay, I’ll find him. Was he upset when he left?”
“Yes.”
“Did he raise his voice?”
“No.”
“Okay, good. Means he’s not that mad, I’ll find him.”
“Thank you.”
“Sure.” Oran hangs up.
I try to relax, but I can’t. I grab my cell again calling Mikonos this time, it’s not his real name but he’ll tell no one his real name but I found out when we were younger. When he came to work for my father, him and I hit it off as friends. He taught me how to fight and speak Greek and I taught him how to speak Spanish.
“Munchkin.” He picks up, “if you’re calling me, it means that something is wrong. Who am I killing?” Always straight to the point.
I sniffle. “Nobody.”
“Is it Jagger? Do I need to kill that fuck? I’ll do it and not utter a word to the Don. I don’t give a fuck.” He says with conviction.
The mention of Jagger’s name and the concern in his voice for me causes the dam I’ve been holding back to break. I sob like a fucking baby. “No, he didn’t hurt me or anything. I just, I need you to find him. He’s mad at me.” I say, trying to calm myself down.
“Oh Munchkin, if you’re crying then this shit is serious but then again so is that damn kiss I saw on the live. Anyway, you know I’ll do anything for you. You’re my little sister. I’ll call when I find something, in the meantime, go to the bakery and keep busy.”
I sniffle. “What? Why?”
“Because baking keeps you busy and I need you busy and not crying. Go, I’ll know if you don’t. Don’t make me come drag you there.” He threatens.
This causes me to stop sniffling and laugh. “Fucking bully.”
He chuckles. “Get your ass to the bakery now.”
“Fine, asshat.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too, bully.”
I hang up and do exactly what Mikonos asks of me.
At the bakery, I end up keeping myself busy by baking like I had orders on top of orders which I didn’t but I don’t mind giving out the rest to the homeless if I can or bringing it to some shelters around here. I haven’t done that in a while. I go out to the front loving that it’s closing time but dreading the fact that I haven’t gotten a single call back from either Mikonos nor Oran. It’s later in the evening now. I look at my employees, “you guys can go home now. Take some cupcakes and other treats in the back. Don’t worry about clean up, I’ve got this.” I smile at them, hoping they don’t see that my smile is exaggerated.
After some persuading, my three employees shuffle out of the bakery with boxes of cupcakes, donuts and whatever else I baked. The bell rings, making me realize that I haven’t flipped to the closed sign. I look up ready to say we’re closed but I stop at the sight of Karessa LeClaire or is it Hale? Could be both, I never asked her which one she chose.
“Hey,” I greet her.
“Hi, uh, are you closed?” She asks.
I smile. “For a fellow arranged marriage sister, I’m open. Grab a seat at a table if you’re not in a hurry.”
“Oh!” She smiles back, “okay.”
“Do me a favor and turn that damn sign to closed. I’m not selling the rest of my stash. That’s for us. Need a sugar rush?” I ask.
