22

 

A week had passed since Beth’s last outing with Antonio. He arrived at the food court of the Riversdale Mall to enjoy dinner with her during her evening work break. Beth wanted to try the Chinese buffet but hadn’t been able to talk Antonio into it yet. Instead, they dined on cheeseburgers and fries.

Beth wiped her mouth with the corner of her napkin. If only life could slow down long enough for her to catch up. “My life’s so crazy right now with teaching and the drama club. And once spring nears and it’s time for the annual play, it’ll only get worse. Though I guess your life is hectic too during football season.”

Antonio grinned, then took a sip of his soda. “So you think maybe we could see another movie this weekend?”

“I’ll have to see what my schedule for next week is like. But yeah, that’d be fun.”

Antonio’s eyes widened. He became animated, using hand gestures. “There’s this new sci-fi movie coming out. Your Mom is from Mars. A lot of big name stars are in it. I’m sure you’ve seen the previews.”

Not exactly what she had in mind. But at least he was company.

For the remainder of their meal, Beth asked Antonio about his football team, and he was more than eager to provide her with details.

While Antonio chatted, a couple walked by, holding a painting of a battle scene. They must have visited the Paintings and Posters store on the other side of the mall. Beth didn’t recognize the battle, but Mark would know. Yep, Professor Graham had the lowdown on all things historical. Sometimes she missed hearing him spout off facts.

Antonio slurped his soft drink. “So I hope you’ll come to the game tomorrow.”

Beth glanced at the clock hanging on the opposite wall. “I’m sorry. I really have to go, but I appreciate you stopping by.” She stood and emptied her trash at a nearby receptacle, stacking her tray on top of others.

Antonio did the same then walked with Beth back to California Chic.

As she headed toward the register, Antonio waved good-bye then left.

For a few minutes, the store experienced a lull in customers. Beth helped her bubbly blonde coworker fold sweaters and set them on a table. Beth folded a blue cardigan then peered out into the mall.

Directly across from her store, Tim and a brunette sat close on a bench, while a blonde lounged on his other side. Beth could hear Mark but couldn’t see him. Her shoulders tensed. What was he doing there?

In a voice loud enough she could make out parts of his conversation, he told a funny story about the history of the mall’s carousel. Judging from the sound of the blonde woman’s laugh, she appreciated his sense of humor. Who wouldn’t? Beth stole a second look. The woman didn’t resemble a supermodel, but she wasn’t hideous either.

Beth’s coworker turned toward her. “I have to get some more inventory from the back. It’ll only take a second.”

If he came into the store, they’d have to talk. Her stomach tightened. “I need to stretch my legs. I’ll go get it. How many boxes?”

Her coworker tilted her head. “Two. They’re sitting by the door. Are you sure?”

Beth nodded as she strode away. She reached the storage area and flung open the door. Inside, she leaned against the wall and breathed a sigh of relief. That was close.

So Mark was happy and found someone else—someone closer to his age. Great. But she didn’t need to see them together. Besides, given their past history and the way he’d treated her, it shouldn’t bother her anyway.