Page 43 of Sweetheart

Sam turned to me and ran a hand through his hair. "Did you need me for something? Or just here to get your car?"

I cleared my throat. "Actually, there was something I wanted to talk to you about."

The sound of the printer whirred, and a moment later, Mr. Bishop pushed something across the counter to me.

"I'll take that as my cue," he said with a nod. "Here's your bill—with thereal total. Sam, if you'll finish checking Scarlett out, I'll get someone to pull her car around."

"Sure," Sam said with a nod.

"It was nice seeing you, Scarlett."

"You too, Mr. Bishop.Thanks," I said. As he disappeared back into the garage, leaving Sam and I alone in the lobby, I looked awayand tried not to wince as I caught sight of the bill."Well, at least, it's not 10k," I mumbled.

Amusement was clear in Sam's voice as he said, "Ah, sounds like you met the twins."

"Yeah, they're adorable but a little devious."

"Only a little?"

I looked up with a shrug and passed him my credit card. "I like Betty and Bennet—even if they did try to swindle me."

"Yeah, everyone does," Sam said. "They're too cute for their own good."

I shot him a look.

"What?"

"Must run in the family," I said.

Sam shook his head. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Please don't."

He released a quiet laugh then looked at the bill and frowned. "Hey, are you okay to cover this?I didn't know it would be that much."

"I'm fine," I said.

"Because I can work overtime, ask my dad if he'll give you a discount—"

"No, but thanks." I tried to sound lighter than I felt. Money wasn't a sore subject. But with the normal expenses, my sister in college and me preparing to go, it wasn't something my family just had lying around either. "I've been saving up for a new bow. It will put me back a little, but that's why I have a job."

"Oh yeah?" Sam asked. "Where do you work?"

"At the diner by the highway," I said. "Plus,my cousins and I have a performance coming up."

"You gonna get paid this time?"

"I hope so."

He nodded. "Okay, if you're sure…"

"I am."

Sam ran my card thenhanded me a receipt. "You said you wanted to talk?"

"Yeah, I've been thinking about what happened earlier.In the music room."

"Me too," he said.

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