Page 23 of Hate You Later
“Sorry, Hudson. My powers don’t always work outside the diner.”
“Right, of course.” I nod.
“I have to get back to work now. But stop by for a coffee later?” She suddenly stands up.
“Maybe I will. After I run my errands,” I say.
“Make sure you check out the pet store.” Kenna smiles knowingly at me. How could she know I was headed to the pet store? Perhaps I’m not flying as far under the radar as I think I am?
“Why is that?” I ask, a little suspiciously.
“Because you’ve got a little something there.” She laughs and points.
Gazing down, I see a clump of tan cat hair clinging to my pants. I vaguely recall Oliver winding around my legs while I was on my Zoom calls earlier. I pick the fur off, letting the breeze take it. And I make a mental note to get myself a tape roller.
“It’s a super-cool store!” Kenna says over her shoulder. “You don’t want to miss it!”
“I’m headed there next.” I smile.
“Café Vienna?” Kenna calls out, momentarily walking backward, then shaking her head to veto it. “No, no … that’s not it. I swear the magic doesn’t work outside the diner.”
“I’m just a regular joe!” I laugh.
“Yeah, we’ll see about that,” she says with a final wave as she spins and strides off back to the diner.
* * *
As I stroll across the square, I text Lilly’s mom, Mel, to confirm the details for picking up my sister tomorrow night. I suggest I meet her in Holm Square by the fountain.
Lilly is SO excited to see you.Mel texts back and adds in a smiley face emoji, a flower, and three pink hearts.And so am I. I can’t wait to see my favorite stepson.Winky face. Flames. Red heart. Eggplant.
I sigh.
My father’s third wife stands a little too close and hugs me a little too long. I’d call her a cougar, but she’s the same age as me, thirty-five. This isn’t the first time she’s sent me a string of confusing, potentially inappropriate emoji. When called on it, she acts shocked, feigning wide-eyed innocence.
Any ideas about what Lilly would like for her birthday? I’m out shopping, and I want to pick something up.
I text Mel back, ignoring the eggplant in the room and bringing the conversation back to my soon-to-be, twelve-year-old sister.
Graphic novels? Video games? Skateboarding stuff… I’ve tried to get her into clothes and makeup, but she’s not interested.Sad face. Faceplant. Rainbow. Easter Island Guy.
Easter Island Guy? Perhaps she doesn’t actually know what she’s doing with the emoji. At least I hope that’s the case. The thought of there being some sinister, sexual, hidden meaning behind the Easter Island Guy is going to haunt me now.
Thanks, Mel. Tell Lilly I’ll see her tomorrow.
I slide my phone into my pocket and cross the street.
Most of the Main Street businesses opposite the park-like town square are largely unchanged, still familiar to me from my childhood. You can’t miss the iconic Ephron Diner, with its striped awning and sandwich board specials out front. Celestial Pets, the tiny pet store, still has pride of place—front and center in the block-long, two-story Feed Co. building.
I browse the other shop windows before making my way in. The florist shop is selling some nice home decor items, succulents, and potted plants in addition to the standard floral arrangements and bouquets. A gourmet wine and cheese shop has replaced the candy store. There’s still the same toy store on the corner. I remember pressing my nose against the glass at Christmastime, gazing at the holiday display. It’s a little early for that right now, but the store window is full of skateboards and penny boards.
As I’m gazing at the rainbow-colored decks and fluorescent-colored wheels in the toy store window, a twenty-something man in sweats and a beanie jogs past me. I spot the reflection of the dog running alongside him. It’s a Boxer and looks just like Cookie.
I spin around, just in time to catch one last glimpse as they round the corner. Could it be? But this dog’s owner is very clearly a man. So, no. Not unless I’m being catfished. Which seems unlikely.
I dismiss the thought. There are probably dozens of Boxers in the Ephron area. It’s a relatively common breed. I just haven’t ever noticed before.
I run a hand through my hair and turn back toward Celestial Pets. The sign above the door is weathered and the awning is faded, but the items in the window are unique. Everything looks fun and colorful. It’s the sort of place I might want to shop, if I had a pet.
