Games (34 page)

“Today is not good. I usually don’t get home until after seven, by the time I get dressed it will be well after eight and I really don’t want you in my neighborhood that late on a Friday night.”

She’s making excuses again
. “Why don’t I pick you up when you get off at five and we can walk over to Chevy’s
.
That is, if you like Mexican food?”

“It’s my favorite,” she admitted.

“That settles it. I’ll see you at five and I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Okay,”
Shannon agreed and stood to her feet and followed Marcus out of the cluttered office. Just as they reached the front door, Marcus’ sister, Staci, entered the store.

“Hey, big bro; hello,
Shannon,” Staci said. Her surprise at seeing Marcus and Shannon together was evident on her face.

“Hi ,Staci. I was just leaving,”
Shannon said.

“Don’t leave on my account. You can stay around as long as you want, if you promise to keep Mr. Slave Driver smiling like that.”

Marcus could tell Shannon was uncomfortable by the way she blinked rapidly, yet, when Shannon turned to say goodbye to Marcus, she held her head high. “I’ll see you later,” she said and left the store.

“Oh my.” Staci turned to her brother. “What’s going on Mr. Simone?”

“Nothing-yet,” Marcus said and walked back to his office.