Page 132 of When Fate Breaks
“It wasn’t a compliment. Now, please, get out of our store.” I turn back to the cash register, trying my best to look busy. I shuffle loose papers and various clutter around, telling myself I’m searching for the audacity of this man.
“Annie,” Remy’s voice comes again.
I let out a groan, looking up at the ceiling. “What, Jeremiah?”
“I can walk out of this store, but I’m just going to keep coming back.”
I steel myself, turning to look at him. “Why?”
“Because I don’t take no for an answer.” When I flinch at his response, Remy’s demeanor softens. He takes a step closer to the counter, his eyes glued to mine. “And I always get what I want,” he adds, making my stomach dip. “I hope you’ll be smart and let me help you. Let me help your family.”
My family.
Now, why did he have to say that?
I immediately think of Dad. I think of him losing the store. His life’s work and the only ounce of normalcy he has left after Mom left and shattered everything we knew of it. I think of Steph. Though she does have a volleyball scholarship, it doesn’t cover everything. She’s living her dream. She’s finally achieved something she’s worked so hard for. If the store goes, itallcould go. Just because my plans haven’t worked out the way I intended doesn’t mean that Steph and Dad have to lose their dreams. No, theycan’t. I won’t let it happen. We could never andwould neversell the store, but there’s no sense in passing up on an offer that could save our ship. Maybe I should just swallow my damn pride for once and hear the Van der Michaels out. I don’t have to like them to work with them. To let them save Dad and Steph’s dreams.
“You know, you’re cute. You shouldn’t have to be so sad all the time. You don’t deserve it.”
My jaw slackens, Remy’s off-hand comment bringing me back to reality.
What the hell?
“You have no idea what I deserve,” I mutter, but Remy doesn’t hear me, plucking a piece of cereal from my bowl and popping it in his mouth. I reflexively pull the bowl back from him, making him chuckle.
“Hmm,” he hums. “You should try Apple Jacks next time.”
I raise my brows at him. “Apple Jacks?”
“Yep. Jacks are my favorite. They just taste so sweet.”
I take in his insinuation and begin to scoff, but it comes out as a strangled laugh. “You’re disgusting.”
“I’m a lot of things, Annie Jacks. But, most of all, I’m persistent,” he smirks. “I'll tell you what, I’ll bring you some Apple Jacks when I stop by tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes ma’am,” Remy confirms, stepping away from the counter. “Shall we say noon?”
“We shallnot, Jeremiah.”
“I’ll see you then, Annabelle,” Remy says, turning towards the door.
I don’t know why I say it.
“That’s not my name.”
Remy freezes, turning back to me. “What?”
“Annabelle. That’s not my real name. It’s Evangeline.”
“Huh,” Remy grunts, his face twisting. “Too long and complicated.”
I swallow down the mixture of emotions rising in my throat. “I can’t say I disagree.”
He nods. “Well, I’ll see you…” he trails off, his eyes drifting down to my cereal bowl and a smile coming to his face. “Apple Jacks. ”
“Absolutely not. We’re not doing that,” I shake my head in disapproval, fighting off the stupid grin that the even stupider nickname inevitably brought to my face.
