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More Chapter 1
“Do you have a moment?” Levi didn’t wait for an answer to his summons as he turned and headed to the elevated platform that claimed to be the café’s territory near the entrance. It was the only spacious area in the cluttered bookstore. Already, Karyn’s fist was fishing for a comfortable resting spot on her hip as she formed an attitude. If I do, am I supposed to jump?
Marking his spot at a white round parlor table, he laid his bag in a black wood chair with a black vinyl cushioned seat. The buzz in the coffee shop didn’t miss a beat as he unbuttoned his black suit coat and claimed an adjacent seat. If he wore a coat, he must have left it in the car. Levi crossed his ankle over one knee and leaned back. His demeanor was relaxed and carefree as if it was his designated VIP seating.
She hadn’t planned to follow, but curious as a feline, Karyn set aside the new shipment of stuffed animals that recited bedtime stories when squeezed. She strolled to where Levi was camped out as if he was royalty. He met her eyes with tenderness. Levi’s simmering smile was ammunition to detonate a romantic explosive in some poor woman’s life.
For a fleeing moment, Karyn felt unworthy in his presence with her red canvas apron smeared with dust from opening boxes that had been sitting in warehouses. “What’s going on?”
“It’s a late birthday gift—Happy Birthday—or an early Christmas present—Merry Christmas, whichever works in my favor,” he explained, patting the bag with a Macy’s logo.
Speechless, Karyn fretted with her braid as her heart pounded wildly. She indulged in a secret moment of excitement. The contents represented anything but a birthday or Christmas present. It was a bribe gift. Karyn knew it and was flattered—confused but thrilled.
“But I…” She grasped for an excuse not to accept it, although her birthday and Christmas were ideal reasons.
Levi remained focused as he stood and pulled out another chair as if she was adorned in a ball gown. Karyn scanned the store. Besides the few pockets of café customers, it was a slow night, easily manageable by the supervisor and two other employees. Patrice could stretch any small task into an eight-hour shift.
“Let me go clock out first.”
Suddenly, Patrice appeared, arms folded and eyes suspicious as Karyn signed out for a ten-minute break. Patrice didn’t smile or frown, but her eyes hinted she was waiting for juicy tidbits to spread—true or false. Karyn always felt uneasy around the unkempt woman. Patrice spoke her mind without fear of censure. Fellow employees called Patrice harmless, but Karyn was wary of the woman’s best intentions. Beware was written in invisible ink on her coworker’s forehead. Since jobs were hard to find, and Karyn didn’t want any rumors floating back to her boss to find fault with her, Karyn gave an unnecessary explanation, “It’s quiet, so I’m taking my last break.”
“Sure, go ahead. I’ve got your back,” Patrice encouraged with a wink, then added over her shoulder as she walked away. “Watch it. That guy is way out of your league.”
Karyn knew that, but Patrice didn’t have to bluntly voice it. Ignoring the small stab to her heart, Karyn headed for the café.
Levi waited at his post in a military stance. She stole a deep brave breath as she obliged his invitation at the table and rested. Levi retook his seat, inching his face closer to hers.
“Do you remember the first time I asked you to go out with me?”
“Yes.”
“Me too.” He grunted, amused, and shook his head. “How about the second?” After she nodded, Levi recounted word for word each instance she had turned him down. “To an ordinary man, you would’ve crushed his ego. I’m not one of them. I’m calling your bluff after your last textbook recital of ‘I don’t have anything to wear.’” He presented his offering. “Problem solved. I happened to be in the mall this weekend, and you weren’t working.” Disappointment briefly brushed his face as his words mildly scolded her. “Dori and I made a special trip to buy a book from Miss Karyn. When you weren’t here, I thought I was going home empty-handed. My little girl had other ideas for my wallet, so we shopped until I practically dropped.”
Karyn laughed. Levi possessed a wonderful sense of humor. He often appeared serious—until he smiled. He was a handsome man.
“When I saw it on a mannequin, I imagined you in that the outfit. I don’t know why,” he teased with a shrug. “Here’s the deal. Since we’re both Christians, I know honesty won’t be an issue. When you get home, try it on. If it fits, then you’ve just agreed to dinner with me on Friday night.”
This time Levi didn’t ask for a date. He already had one orchestrated as he gathered his car keys. Levi shook his head as if he could hear her formulate another ridiculous excuse. “I’ll pick you up at seven, and I’m always on time.”
Not only had Levi outwitted her, he had removed his wedding band. Karyn wondered at the meaning. On his first visit, thanks to his chatty daughter, Karyn learned his status.
“Daddy’s a wido’. Sometimes he’s sad. I think he needs someone to play with,” Dori babbled on and on as Levi stood nearby, seemingly unfazed by his daughter’s assessment. A few visits later, he confirmed his daughter’s biography with his ring finger still bearing signs of his bond to his deceased wife.
Karyn looked away, hoping for a customer who needed her attention despite the fact she was on break. When there were no diversions, she swallowed. Accepting whatever was in that bag meant more than a simple dinner. He was challenging her. Again, she hated dares.
Once Karyn found her voice, she shoved doubt aside. She never gambled, but she hoped she was wearing a poker face. She couldn’t wait to tear open her present. She knew his taste in men’s clothes and little girls’ outfits, but what did he envision for her? She beamed anyway. “I agree with your terms.”
“I’ll cherish your smile until Friday.” He winked then adjusted his glasses.
“Don’t you need my address?”
“Nope. I followed your bus home awhile back,” Levi said, unashamed, then exited the store more conceited than when he first entered.
She didn’t register his last remark as she peeked into the bag, but the gift was protected with an army of colored tissue. “Yep. This is definitely some kind of test,” she whispered to herself. She had mapped out a schedule for school, work, and church. How was she going to make room for a man?
