Page 40 of Heart

“It’s not.” He looked to Mikey for validation. “Is it, Mikey?”

Mikey shrugged. “I thought it was kinda nice, actually.”

“Well, I’m happy for both of you. But my work here is done. I need to get back to the store and let Cassie take lunch. I’m off.” She gathered her bag and headed out front. In the kitchen doorway, she turned warning—“Do not underestimate the powers of Madame May.”

The front door jingled again as she departed.

“I should probably be going too,” Mikey said, eyes down.

George followed Mikey through the kitchen door.

“Mikey, let’s not let this come between us, please? I value your friendship. I’ve been worried all weekend that what happened would get blown out of proportion. I’m sorry if I overreacted.”

“No, George. No... it’s all good, I swear,” He was striving for jovial, but not quite reaching the note. “I need to run, though. I have to get busy—especially if I’m gonna score a date for Wednesday.”

“You don’thaveto bring a date. It’s casual. Don’t be intimidated.”

“Are you bringing someone, George?”

George opened his mouth.

What the fuck? Why is this weird?

“Yeah... actually, I am. I met someone. Yesterday.”

“Wow. You bounce back from bad dates pretty quick.” It was closer to his usual tone, but the look in his eyes was distant.

Defeated.

“It’s nothing, really—chance meeting at the farmer’s market, very impromptu. His name is Fabio.”

“He’s Italian?”

“Yeah. Just got off the boat from the sounds of it.”

“That’s nice of you, George. I hope he appreciates your hospitality—showing him the city.”

“He’s just coming to the restaurant... no other plans. Honestly, we spoke for less than five minutes.”

“You don’t owe me an explanation, George.”

“I know, it’s just—”

Am I babbling? Why am I babbling?

“All good,” Mikey said, pinching George’s cheek and giving him two gentle pats. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Sure. Thanks, Mikey.”

“Anytime.”

Off he went. And long after the door jingled closed, George stood there feeling like a jerk. So many things were happening at once, and priority dictated that the restaurant should be his focus. But he couldn’t ignore that something was beginning to shift inside him and that hurting Mikey’s feelings—no matter how random events had played—had made him feel awful.

Yes, sir... you’ve got a lot to think about.

And his mind kept returning to May and those damn tarot cards.

Chapter 11