“I was. She was in the area looking for a place to stay and ran into me. Sometimes, it’s like the universe puts people in your life for a reason, ya know?”

I nod, then walk over to a rack and re-clip some pants that were hanging haphazardly. Though we’re chatting, there’s a weird vibe in the room that I can’t seem to place. It’s been like this ever since the night of Archer’s party at the bar, but it could also be my anxiety.

Since the accident, I’ve been suspicious of everything and everyone.

Granted, I shouldn’t have embarrassed her the way I did. Between the alcohol and my jealousy, I should apologize, but it happened so long ago that I wonder if it’s worth it. So I awkwardly keep it inside and try to keep the conversation going.

Checking the time, I realize it’s almost eleven. “You can head out for lunch if you’d like. I’m meeting Gemma and Katie in an hour.”

She gives me a nod. “Sounds good. I won’t be long.”

Dana walks to the back, and I hear her punch buttons on the microwave.

While I have some alone time, I pull out my phone and text Archer.

Everleigh: Miss you! Love you.

A minute passes, and my phone buzzes.

Archer: Miss and love you more.

Everleigh: Loved you first.

Archer: Bullshit.

I chuckle and finish cleaning the store before the midday crowd arrives. After I’ve resituated the front displays, a few people walk in.

“Everleigh,” Mrs. Letto says. “Do you have any of those leggings with the pockets? My granddaughter was telling me about them.”

I grin. “Yep, right over here.”

She runs her hand across the material. “Oh wow. These feel like a baby’s bottom. Super soft.”

“You’ll never wanna take them off,” I express. She goes through the rack and chooses one of each color. When Dana returns from her break, I check the time and realize I need to get going so I’m not late. I ring up those who are ready, then grab my purse.

“If you need any help, please text me,” I tell Dana, and she gives me a small wave.

“I will,” she says, but it’s clipped like she’s annoyed.

The sky looks dark in the distance, like the bottom’s going to fall out at any moment, so I decide to drive instead of walk.

It only takes a few minutes to get there, and I parallel park across the street from the deli. I make sure to position my self-defense keychain where the pepper spray is comfortable in my hand before getting out. Honestly, I feel kinda stupid being so paranoid, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.