Page 21 of Ten Years Later
Wiping his hands on a cloth, Keaton excitedly crossed the store and took the phone. “Well, hi. I heard you’re not feeling well.”
“I’ll be okay. Is the party fun?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“I googled ‘Brothers’ Painting.’”
He hesitated, trying to remember their website. It contained a picture of him and Zane, but no specifics as to which one was who.
“You’re a twin,” she said.
“I am, yes.”
“That’s neat. I always wanted a sister. Or brother.”
A smile curled through his lips. He liked the idea of Emily having a little brother or sister. “Does your mom know you’re calling me?”
“Oh God no. Are you kidding me? She railed into me about strange men and pedophiles and human trafficking.”
“I can assure you I am none of those things, but I think it’s great she said all of that to you. Sadly, it’s more true than you probably realize.”
The noise level in the room grew. He stepped into the supply closest to hear better.
Emily asked, “Well, anyway, I want to know if I can have your number. Ya know, in case I want to call sometime.”
“Of course you can.” He rattled it off.
“Can I have your address too?”
He hesitated. If she looked up his address then she’d see his name listed on the deed, not Zane’s. Though Keaton could easily explain that he supposed—with another lie. On the other hand, she may not even know how to look up deeds…
“It’s okay,” she said. “You don’t have to give it to me. It’s just that I like mailing things to my friends. If you think that’s weird, I won’t send you anything.”
“No, I don’t think that’s weird.” He loved the thought of her mailing him things. Like with his number, he rattled his address off as well.
Sharon’s purse in the open cabinet caught his eye. “How much did you take from Sharon’s purse?”
Silence.
“Emily, you’re not in trouble. Just tell me.”
Silence.
“Emily,” he warned, feeling more like a father than ever.
“Ten dollars.”
“Why did you take it?”
“I don’t know. Because I’m stupid. Now that I’m working, Mia cut back on my allowance. I wanted some new art supplies.”
“That’s not a reason to steal money.” He dug around in his pocket, finding a ten. He couldn’t afford to let it go, but he didn’t want Emily getting in trouble.
He tucked the ten down inside Sharon’s purse. With the phone still on his ear he turned, coming face to face with Sharon.
Her gaze went from the purse, to him, then back to her purse.
“I need to go. Talk to you later.” He hung up the phone. “I found ten dollars on the floor. I assumed it came from your purse. I put it back.”
