Page 24 of Savage in the Streets

“Sheers slipped. Cut three extra inches off.”

“Oh, no…”

“He’s perfectly fine with it. I acted like it was intentional and did some funky stuff to help transition it. He’s psyched.”

“Was he high on drugs?”

“Yes.”

“Figures.”

“I brought you more of your things. Some books you wanted. Petunia’s medicine. Some sexy outfits.”

What the hell is she thinking?

I scowl. “Sexy outfits?”

“I thought you might have fun getting under Ashton’s skin.”

I snicker. “I am not Ashton’s type, which is fine with me because he is decidedly too arrogant for my taste.”

“How is the prison warden? Every time I come around, he looks grumpier.”

“Ashton’s being a big ole Ash-hole.”

“What’d he do now?”

“He just skulks around acting moody.”

“Oh—I almost forgot!” She reaches in her bag, brings out a folder, and hands it to me. “You’ve had three people apply for positions at your shop.”

“Honestly, it doesn’t really matter at this point,” I say. “I don’t even know why I have you going in. My shop is doomed to fail.”

“Don’t give up on Savage Beauty! It might take a while, but I’ll stay on until you get through this.”

“You don’t get it. Even before this debacle, I was in trouble. The debt load is too great, I can’t find good help, and I can only charge so much.”

“Well, I’m sorry if I’m not good help.”

“I didn’t mean it that way! But this is temporary. I know you live a little far, and you’re not gonna wanna do this forever.”

“But I’m here now.” Mabel smiles brightly, and I wonder what my life would have been like if I had had more people like her in it.

“You know, it was never my dream to stay there. I wanted to open a shop in Highland Meadows, but the cheapest rent was ten times what it was in my crappy part of town.”

“I think any business owner would want a shop in Highland Meadows. Just getting a casual brunch can run you one hundred dollars a plate.”

“How’s the kiddo?” I ask.

“Beau’s doing great. Grandma is getting him off the bus right now, so I can’t be long. I just wanted to stop by and give you the resumes and also this.”

She hands me an envelope with two hundred dollars in it.

“I took my fee. The rest belongs to the shop to help keep the lights on.”

I hand it back. “It’s useless at this point.”

“Don’t say that!” She turns without taking the money. “I gotta go. I’ll give you another update tomorrow. Tell Petunia I said hi!”