Page 50 of Savage Keepsakes

“Perfect,” she whispers.

“How has work been for you?”

“Well, it’s always interesting. Being a teacher is great and all, but kids always keep me on my toes.” She laughs as the server returns with our meals.

I take a huge bite of my burger.

“Why wouldn’t you eat the fries first?” Billy asks.

“Because you eat the expensive part first,” I tell him.

The other diners have cleared out, and the patio falls silent except for the light music from the speakers.

“I’m paying, so if you want to only eat the fries. Go for it. You don’t have to follow everything from the past. It’s time to do what Lucy wants to do,” he says before taking a giant bite of his burger.

“Lucy has gone on and on about how you want to get into the farmer’s market,” JoJo says. “What’re your specialties?”

“I’ve been making organic soap. It’s always something I wanted to try, and after trial and error, I think it’s becoming perfect. Also, you know I’m a taxidermist, and I’ve taken to picking up roadkill occasionally to make leather items.”

As they chat, I glance out into the parking lot. I see the multi-coloured hair first, and my stomach clenches.

Dropping my attention to my plate, I stuff a handful of fries into my mouth before turning my body towards Billy.

“Oh, my!LUCY!” the fucking bitch screams.

Billy’s grip on my shoulder tightens. I have to face her and maybe our shifts won’t be totally awful.

As she walks through the patio, the server comes out and looks from her to us.

“We’ll take the bill,” JoJo says quickly.

The poor guy glances down at our table and, without uttering another word, heads back into the restaurant.

“Oh, you’ve moved on. That’s so good for you, girl! Miles is missing. Did you see the report?” Leah snaps her gum and glances behind her at the tall, bearded man before looking at our table.

“No, I haven’t heard anything. Have a good night.” I try to brush her off, but I’m not doing a good job at it.

“Who’s this?” She points to Billy.

The server returns with two takeout containers and the bill, which JoJo grabs as Billy rises from his seat.

“I’ll take those,” he says to the server, who takes JoJo’s money and heads back inside.

“I’m Billy. We’re on our way out, but you take care now.”

We stand up to leave, and I draw in a deep breath once we reach the parking lot.

“That cotton candy whore has no right to pretend to be besties with you, fucking cunt.”

JoJo stares at him for a moment before breaking out in a huge grin.

“Cotton Candy Whore is her new nickname forever. Love it. Sheisfucking awful. Also, here’s my number. Send me details about stock and prices, and I’ll work on getting a table set up.” She hands him a piece of paper and gives me a big hug.

Billy shoves the note in his pocket, but looks around the parking lot, sweat beading on his upper lip.

“Did you want me to sell at the farmer’s market?” I ask him, and when his dark gaze meets mine, my breath catches in my throat.

“Would that put too much stress on you?”

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