Page 19 of Nolan
“Definitely a towel turban,” I say with my most serious voice. “You could start a new fashion trend.”
She laughs, looking a little embarrassed. “I guess that was a little too au natural right from the get-go, huh?”
“Not at all.” I lower my voice as a couple of teenage girls come in to shop. “I think it was incredibly sexy.”
She arches her brow at me, smiling. “Oh?”
“Hope you don’t mind. I already saved it in my secret stash.”
“You have a secret stash?”
She snickers. “Should I be worried they can access your photos?”
I shrug. “I have ways around the cloud to keep things private. It’s the beauty of being bionic. I can revisit any photo anytime I want, and nobody else can see it,” I tease, making sure we aren’t overheard. “Whenever, wherever. Even now. Like your towel turban photo. Oh hey, there it is. I see it. Oh, there it is again. Minimize, maximize. Minimize, maximize.”
“Stop.” She playfully shoves my shoulder. I don’t mind. The blush in her cheeks makes it all worth it.
The evening rolls by quickly as we’re slammed with a constant stream of shoppers from six p.m. until closing. I work primarily as a floor assistant, moving swiftly to check the backrooms for different sizes, relay information to Lindsay from the other clerks, and keep the changing rooms tidy.
Rae-Rae stops me at one point, whispering. “Keep an eye on those two girls over there, okay, Nolan?” she tells me sagely, as though she’s sharing a terrible secret. “They’ve been acting a little cagey. Especially around the changing rooms. I think they might be shoplifters. I’m going to go get Lindsay.”
In a split second, I research best security practices and how best to preserve store assets. I’m not a member of law enforcement, so I don’t have authority over anyone. That being said, I cut an imposing figure, and it’s possible I can protect my friends’ shop without resorting to anything dramatic.
That moment comes very quickly. A girl with a blue bob, neon piercings, and plenty of bangles peruses accessories with her friend. I catch her in the act of stuffing several hair accessories, crystal bracelets, and other small items in her handbag.
It’s something I can’t tolerate. I cross the store slowly toward them. “Excuse me.” My deep voice makes them both jump.
The accomplice pops bubble gum, eyeing me up and down. “Ew. Since when does a bot work here?”
“I’m a volunteer,” I reply. “And you’re stealing. Please put the merchandise back and exit the store.”
The girl clutches her purse and scoffs. “Excuse me? How dare you.”
“I have video evidence, and your face is currently being recorded and uploaded to facial recognition databases,” I assert. “And I’ll be handing it over to the New Carnegie Police Department unless you return what you stole.”
The second girl quickly starts to fidget. “C’mon, Brigette,” she whispers. “One more strike, and I won’t be able to attend Carnegie South.”
“A wise decision,” I echo.
The ringleader of the two sighs and swiftly opens her bag, pouring out several pieces of merchandise with an angry shake. “There. Happy?”
I motion to the doors. “Please leave.”
They quickly make their way out. I follow them until they’re gone, then close the door behind me.
“Wow.” Mia closes the distance between us, gazing up at me. “That was really cool to watch.”
“Was it?” I ask, meeting her eyes and revel in the flush of her cheeks and the way her temperature slightly spikes when we talk. “I’m glad the encounter didn’t escalate.”
“They’re just kids.” Mia shakes her head. “Looking for the next adrenaline rush. Hopefully, you scared some sense into them, and they’ll get wise. It’ll mean a lot to Jessica when she finds out. Theft hurts small businesses, big time.”
“It’s the very least I could do.”
Mia lowers her voice. “I’ll have to make it up to you somehow later.”
That catches my interest. I try not to make it plain how much her playfulness affects me. “Is that a threat or a promise?”
Mia grins. “Both.” She walks away with a swing in her hips, knowing perfectly damn well I’m watching.
