Page 116 of Mark Us Little Bear
“Are you still punching people in the club these days?” He asks.
“Why wereyoufighting anyway?“ I don’t get it. He seems like a level-headed guy, working with kids so why was he acting like a dick that night.
“The other guy who started it said that my watch was fake and I told him it wasn’t, then he started slurring curses at me and arguing.”
“But why did you try to hit the owner?” Full of curiosity, my brows rise.
“I thought he was trying to take the watch. I didn’t know he was the owner. It happened too fast and I thought he was a bartender who saw an opportunity.” He nods, then shrugs when there’s nothing else to say.
“How does a teacher walk around with half a million dollars watch?” I start walking toward the exit, shoving my hand into my pocket.
“Rich Family,” he notes with a smirk. “They wanted me to become a lawyer and I wanted this. Help young minds develop.”
“Do you know a Patrick by any chance?” I say as a joke.
“I have a brother named Patrick. Heisa lawyer.”
“Does he live in Staten Island?” I look away because there’s no way it’s the same guy just a funny coincidence.
“He does…”
“Oh,” an awkward chuckle escapes me, “Funny world, see you around.” I slip through the door and speed down the hall outside.
As I’m coming up the exit of the school grounds, small hands wrap around me. “What are you doing?” I freeze in place.
“Hugging you,” Piper squeezes me tighter.
“I thought you were incapable of real emotions.” I laugh, trembling in her hold.
“Shut up,” she laughs too, “You’re my friend.”
A part of me melts right then and there.
Yes I am.
“I’m your friend.”
“Thank you,” Piper whispers against me.
“You did it yourself but we all need a little push now and then.” My hands come around her back. “Let’s go, you deserve something sweet, my treat.”
Rhodes & Stark.The sign of Dylan’s shop comes into view as I park the car nearby. “This shop belongs to a friend. She makes the best cakes in the city.”
“Say less.” She unlocks the seatbelt and bolts outside, already halfway toward the shop before I even lock the car.
I chuckle.
“We celebrate Piper’s victory today,” I announce as I enter the door, noticing Dylan and her crossed arms. A smirk is already tugging at her lips. “Could we get that chocolate goodie that makes me drool like a Saint Bernard under a strong heatwave? Please and thank you.” I give her my puppy eyes.
“Coming right up.”
“Woof,” I pretend to bark and Piper laughs, shaking her head.
“She puts rum in it,” I whisper as we settle around a small table in the corner. “Not the real thing.” I clarify. “Don’t tell anyone, it’s a culinary secret. Or pastry… not sure.”
She pretends to zip her lips with her fingers as if swearing not to tell.
It’s quiet today. There’s no one here except for a mother and her daughter, eating cheesecake and rolling their eyes with each bite.
