Page 8 of Beautiful Deceit
I return upstairs to find Beau and three young women cleaning up the tables. One of the women is new. I think she said her name is Celia. I sigh happily, because I've never had anyone stay and help me. Beau's presence is a great motivator. Everything is done except cleaning and returning the crockpot to the lounge.
"Wow! Thanks guys, but this is totally unnecessary. You know I don't mind," I say slyly looking at Lisa and Amy to let them know I’ve caught on to their unusual helpfulness. Amy looks embarrassed, while Lisa just smiles and winks. "Well since you've all taken care of everything, I can let you out if you're ready," I comment while placing the empty trays into the sack. I pick up the crockpot to take down stairs.
Beau strides over and pulls the pot from my hands saying, "I'll take this down for you." I release it without thinking, and he's down the stairs before I can thank him. I grab the sack and move to follow him.
I stop when the new girl fans her face saying, "Hot, mysterious, and helpful! Has anyone called dibs?" She asks boldly. I snort at the offended looks on Lisa and Amy's faces.
I'm surprised when it's Amy that speaks up, "Not yet, but I am now!" She adds triumphantly.
Lisa's mouth pops open, and she puts her weight to one hip along with her hand. "Nuh-uh! That's not fair!" She looks close to stomping her foot in a fit of anger.
Celia takes a more forward approach saying, "Not if I get to him first," as she starts towards the stairs. Lisa and Amy make a united front as they block the steps. I think I might have a cat fight on my hands if I don't intervene soon. Maybe he shouldn’t come back next month. I already feel a headache starting.
I rub my temples and say loud enough for them to hear me over their back and forth squabbling, "Hey, listen. If you guys want to ask him out or whatever, fine. Just not here. This is a place of business, and I won't have you guys fighting over him in my store."
All three of their eyes are now turned to me and Celia’s look is so scathing it could melt plastic. The other two look apologetic.
"You think you," Celia looks me up and down clearly finding me lacking in some manner, "can stop me from asking him out?" She scoffs.
I shake my head at her antics, "No I don't care if you ask him out. What I asked you to refrain from doing is acting like a spoiled toddler in my store. I think it's time you gather your things so you can leave. I’d like to go home."
She stomps over to her purse, snatching it from the table. Knocking a few books to the floor in the process. Man, I feel bad for the guy, if he ever does go out with this chick.
"Seriously?" I ask with raised brows.
"Yeah. I just did you a favor. You could use the exercise." She sneers. I don't reply, because she just hit below the belt. Insult my business, even my intelligence, and I'll give you a tongue lashing, but say something about my weight, and I'm so taken aback. I'm struck stupid.
"Hey," says a deep male voice. I shrink further. Just great. He heard this woman calling me fat. It's not like he couldn't see for himself, but it's still mortifying.
Lisa and Amy haven't said a word. I think they both realize this girl is out there.
Not looking or acknowledging Beau, I say, "Like I said before I think it's time you leave! Please don't return."
Her eyes are a little wild now that she knows Beau heard her outburst, "Oh you better believe I won't be back. I have never been treated so rudely." Celia sounds hurt. She’s looking at Beau, perhaps hoping for his sympathy.
This lady is a piece of work. Now that I think about it, she didn't share any opinions but just agreed with what a few others said. Did she even read the book? Maybe she just followed him here like a crazy stalker. Now I’m being judgmental because clearly, I think everyone is a stalker. Can this day end now?
When no one says a word as I motion to the stairs, she huffs, turns, and storms down them.
Once she's down, I say quietly, "Stay here for a moment please. She seems a little unstable." I start for the stairs and realize Beau is behind me. I look up at him questioningly.
He leans forward and whispers, "I'm not going to leave you alone with that crazy lady." I sigh wondering how this night went downhill so fast.
When I open the door, she turns looking at me and then Beau.
Her voice is shaky as she says, "I'm sorry you had to hear that." She looks down, then back up at him through her lashes, her eyes a bit glossy. "I shouldn't have responded to her attack." My what? Oh, she's good I'll give her that. She continues, "I'm pretty upset. Would you mind helping me get a cab?" Her face is completely innocent. I am forced to reevaluate my earlier paranoid assessment of her character.
"I'll get you a cab," he says coolly exiting the store with her on his heels.
"Would you like me to grab your purchase?" I ask him, holding the door open.
She looks up at him, hopeful. He doesn’t reply as he moves out into the street where a cab stops immediately. He opens the door for her, and she looks at me like a cat that just ate the canary. I imagine her pushing a yellow feather back in with the tip of` her finger. I nearly laugh, she is so two-faced.
"Would you like to share?" she asks suggestively, and you can tell the offer applies to more than a cab ride.
"We are headed in separate directions," he says sounding relieved.
"But---how do you know?" she pouts as he closes the door on her upturned face. He hits the window using the universal cabby speak forgo. Her expression is priceless as the driver speeds away. I let a little snort of laughter escape my lips.
