Page 8 of Then Came You

“I have to go.”

Sam nodded. “See you next time.”

“And don’t try to pay,” she warned as she backed up to the door.

He laughed and then opened the door of his truck and hopped in. Rocky had obediently shifted to the passenger seat, looking eager to get on with things.

She gave them a brief wave and then turned and went into the store. The women were perusing the menu when Gillian slid behind the counter. Before she took their order, she happened to glance down, and there, right next to the cash register, were three one-dollar bills.

Chapter 4

The next time Sam saw her, he was in uniform again, and her reaction was only slightly better than it had been before he’d introduced her to Rocky. At least Cocoa was happy to see him.

“Hey, buddy. Yes, I have something for you.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a Milk-Bone. Cocoa gobbled it up as usual and then danced around his legs, tail wagging with appreciation.

Gillian stood behind the counter and glared at Sam. “I can’t believe he eats those. At home, I give him organic treats, and he never gets that excited.”

“Maybe you should switch to these.”

She frowned at him. “Are you ready for your coffee?” She turned her back and started pouring without waiting for his reply.

“I guess so,” he muttered.

She set the cup on the counter. “Anything else?”

“I’ll take a peanut butter cookie.”

She slid the cookie into a paper sleeve and placed it next to his coffee. He didn’t dare reach for his wallet.

“Something wrong?” he ventured.

“I know what you did last time.”

He stared at her while trying to discern what he’d done, but she was about to enlighten him.

“You distracted me with Rocky so I didn’t notice you’d left money for your coffee.”

“Ah, that.”

“Yes, that.”

“I apologize for my wrongdoing. How can I make it up to you?”

He prepared himself for a sarcastic comeback but was surprised by her response.

“Actually, there is something you could do.”

“Name it. I owe you for my deplorable behavior.” He’d been hoping for a laugh, but none was forthcoming.

“Do you like kids?”

His eyes went wide. “Um, yes?”

“Great. We’re starting a kids’ story time program, and you could be our first guest reader.”

He would have rather she’d asked him to walk Cocoa, but maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. “I’ve never done anything like that, but I guess so.”

“It’s not hard. We’ll select the book, and you just have to read it. The kids will love it, especially if you’re dressed like that.”