CHAPTER 23 Reliable
Joy
After placing the grocery bags in the car, I took Noah to the commercial space just beside the grocery store which would soon become my boutique. Luckily, he came prepared. Apparently, he keeps his builder’s tape h ooked on his belt at all times.
He promised me he could get the place done in two weeks just in time for the spring formal.
As we were leaving the empty commercial space to go around town, I noticed a man walking
down the sidewalk. It was Cristos! He was wearing a form fitting black T-shirt, skinny jeans,
and black loafers with no socks. He was sashaying quite ostentatiously with one arm on his waist while his other arm swung forward and backward with his every move.
Noah followed my eyes and grinned at me. “Ah yes. I had a feeling you would notice him.
Come on. I’ll introduce you. Hey, Chip!” Noah called out.
“If it isn’t my favorite construction man!” Cristos said flamboyantly, his hand twirling in the air. He glanced at me and winked. “And he has a date!” I bit my tongue to keep myself from giggling.
“It’s not like that, Chip. I’m just showing Virtue here around town. She just moved into my neighborhood,” Noah quickly explained, embarrassed I was called his date. Cristos began to
fan himself with his hand.
a
“I thought you were going to say she just moved into your house! Boy, you almost gave me heart attack! Virtue, darling, I’m Chad Hendrix Palmer, the town’s bartender, but you can call me Chip for short. Let me take a look at you, beautiful, Cristos said, lifting my chin up and scrutinizing me with laughter in his bright blue eyes. “So pretty. Oooohhhh, Nicole has some competition.” He snapped his fingers, delighted at the idea. “Virtue, tonight is lady’s night at the local pub, half off on all drinks. Do come. It will be an interesting night.”

I was so busy gawking at him that I didn’t answer. “Virtue, cat got your tongue?” Cristos
asked.
“Oh, yeah, Lisa told me about that. I’ll stop by after dinner,” I answered quickly, embarrassed
I was caught off-guard.
“Oh, Lisa, poor thing,” He grimaced, then quickly changed the subject. “Well, what can I say. What happens at the Buzzed Pub stays at the Buzzed Pub. You, darling, have to witness it
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CHAPTER 23 Reliable
firsthand. So, where are you two headed?”
“I’m going to show her around town. We’ll even drop by at the Mayor’s office, so we can get a head start on those permits for the construction of this place, Noah answered, pointing at the empty commercial space.
“Oh, so you’re headed to the town hall to see Lim. Well, ta-ta darlings. Virtue, I’ll see your later tonight,” Cristos said and sashayed away to the grocery store.
“I like him,” I blurted out loud, giggling. Oh Cristos! You are such a character!
“That makes the two of us,” Noah said, chuckling. “Come on. Let’s grab a cheeseburger from the diner and head to town hall. Once the permits are approved, we can start shopping for the construction material and furnishings at Dom’s. Don’t worry. The permits will be processed quickly because I know the Mayor,” he said proudly.
When he noticed the cynical look I gave him, he quickly explained, “Well, yeah, I know everyone knows the Mayor, but he and I are really good friends.”
Good friends, he says.
Sure, Noah. Good enough to stab me in the back. You are sooo reliable that way.
It’s only my first day back and I have to face the monster in all my nightmares.
Sebastian
“Virtue is headed to the Mayor’s office, Cristos whispered through the phone.
“I’d like to ano
apologize for the delay. I’ll call you as soon as your order arrives,” I said to him. “You too. Good day.” I abruptly ended the call and hid my smartphone in my pocket.
“Who was that?” A high pitched nasal sounding voice said in front of me. I wished I could. tell Nicole to leave, but she gave me priceless information for free. If she wasn’t so useful, I would tell her what a bi tch she really was… to her face.
“Just
t some
person asking me to follow up on his orders,” I said, making it seem call wasn’t important. “Anyway, before you make a decision on lights, how about with you to town hall and take a look at that office?”
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