Page 181 of Seasons of Love
“What are you talking about?”
Jimmy sniggers. “Your teacher was fired from his last job because he had an affair with a married teacher at his school. The guy had a wife and a kid on the way, and he tried to destroy their lives with lies about the kid. Saying the kid was his. So maybe he’s not that gay after all. Or maybe he’s with you to get his hands on Sara.”
Pauline punches Jimmy so fiercely that he falls to his knees. He stands back up as if he’s ready for a fight, but then he sees the customers looking at him and thinks better of it.
I close my register and run to the break room.
Pauline comes in straight after me.
“Why did you do that? You’re going to get yourself fired.”
She shrugs. “He deserved it. He’s been deserving of it for a long time, but you guys seemed friendly, so I kept it to myself. I don’t like how he’s been talking about you behind your back, especially to Gerald. He can fire me all he wants. I’m going anyway.”
I give her a hug. “You’re a good friend, Pauline.”
“You forgot gorgeous.”
I chuckle. “You’re a good, gorgeous friend.”
“Yuck, no, you can’t fake it enough to make it sound right.”
“You’re certifiable, but I love you,” I say.
“I know. I’m pretty awesome. Why don’t you go? Gerald isn’t here. I’ll cover for you. Jimmy won’t say a word, or I’ll put a complaint against him.”
“Thank you.”
I kiss her cheek and leave the store, running home as fast as I can.
First, I need to see Sara and then speak to Ellis.
31
ELLIS
Alice’s squeal is so loud is almost makes my ears bleed.
“God, woman, get a hold of yourself.”
“I can’t help it. You know I’m a hopeless romantic, and this is beyond romantic.”
She spins around her living room.
“My big brother is in love again.”
She throws herself on her couch with a long, happy sigh.
I roll my eyes.
“Look, I didn’t come here to tell you so you can go all heart eyes and forget about the serious stuff.”
“What serious stuff?”
I give her a look.
“Oh…”
“Yeah.”
