Yolks on You Box Set

Chapter 10-2

Against his own policy Kiko kept his phone on him after that. He couldn’t seem to shake the worry after two more explosions; they were definitely linked to the eggs, and Dom was out shuffling boxes of them about. The next time one of them went off could be even worse.

How goes it? he texted Dom under the counter, feeling like Chad trying to get away with fiddling with a new app while on the clock.

Fine. Have bakery’s box. Want all cakes.

They make an amazing chocolate cherry. In cupcakes, too.

Want me to pick you up some? replied Dom.

No thanks.

Kiko set his phone down to see to a customer, but Dom didn’t respond. He tried not to be concerned. Dom was, after all, just walking around town collecting boxes of eggs. Kiko felt guilty he hadn’t offered his truck to him, but then, Dom had said he’d like to walk a bit when he’d last left. He had to be feeling the stress, too; he’d been around for three of the explosions, and that had to wear on a person.

Where are you?

oak and third, replied Dom, not bothering to capitalize the street names. Kiko cringed, forced himself to overlook it.

Stop by Gord’s for next box of eggs?

?

Gordon’s Grocery, down three more blocks on Third Street, texted Kiko, wondering whether Dom noticed the difference in their messaging.

Got it.

Kiko bit his lip, set his phone down. Some preteens were harassing Mother through the cage, parents nowhere to be seen. He shooed them away and set to tidying, taking stock of what inventory to bring up from the basement. Katie passed him with the broom, looking immensely tired.

“If you want to take off early…” began Kiko, but that seemed to worry her more. She shook her head firmly, pony tail swishing across her back, and attempted a smile.

“No, no. I like work when things are stressful. And with all the explosions…” She shuddered. “I want to keep that from my mind. The kids are with Allen this week, so it’s just me at home, and…I’d really prefer to work.”

“I understand completely,” said Kiko, as reassuringly as possible. Her mouth quirked up on one side.

“Actually, I was going to offer to take dinner here and watch the store, let you go out with that guy. Have a date somewhere.”

Kiko stared at her, opened his mouth. Katie laughed.

“I’m not blind, Kiko. He’s around here constantly. I’ve even seen him staring,” here she lowered her voice so no child would hear, “at your butt. So if you need to know he’s into you…”

“That’s not necessary,” said Kiko, clearing his throat. “I can manage here if you wanted to go home and cook yourself something. You can come back afterward if you want.”

Katie rolled her eyes.

“I’ll pop out for a burger and bring it back here. You go and enjoy yourself. He’s a tourist. He won’t be around for long. You should take a moment for yourself, after everything here.”

Kiko wanted to protest further, but eventually nodded. He did want this opportunity, and he trusted Katie when she told him she’d rather work. And she looked much happier when he’d agreed.

“Good! And I want to hear all about it, too.”

“Where should we go?” asked Kiko, shuffling some egg-shaped sidewalk chalk on a shelf. “I don’t want to leave you too long…”

“Don’t worry about that. Go wherever you want. What about Pasta la Vista?”

“Dom went there yesterday.” Kiko paused. “And don’t you dare suggest we go the next town over to that four-star place. Neither of us is dressed for that.”

Katie frowned.

“I’ll think of something,” she said, then, “You know, it’s slowed down in here. I think I’ll go order that burger now. Be back soon.”

“Thanks again,” said Kiko as she moved to return the broom, and waved as she left. He put off restocking shelves for the moment, not wanting to leave the store unoccupied, and considered his luck. On the one hand, explosions, danger, and death. A hospitalized worker. On the other, Dom, and the goodness of other people. Katie was a marvel. He should give her a bonus, or a gift card somewhere, maybe.

The ping of his phone interrupted his thoughts. He moved over to it, slid it closer, saw Dom had contacted him.

Got box from Gordon’s. You call that a grocery store?

Kiko smiled.

Yes. Expecting something else?

Place has six aisles.

It has one of everything, replied Kiko, trying not to laugh aloud as a woman and four children entered. He didn’t need anyone to think he was crazy.

It’s getting dark. Where else?

Can you carry any more? asked Kiko, nervously eyeing the customers. They looked interested in a Mother Goose story; at least the woman looked interested in getting her children interested in a Mother Goose story; she was pointing out Mother to the kids and rifling through the book selection.

Sure.

Kiko tried adding up the boxes Dom had in tow and counted at least three; he was lying. They may not be heavy, but he probably could barely see over them now.

Come back here. I’ll have more information soon. Customer.

He pulled himself from the phone and approached the woman, smiling.

“Hello! Could I help you with anything?”

She sighed.

“When do you do your storytelling?”

“Right now, if you’d like,” he said, seeing her deflate in relief.

“Great. Could I get a beer, too?”

Kiko poured her the beer and set to entertaining the children she’d towed in while she relaxed at a table. The children ranged in age from what looked like four to nine, and he wasn’t surprised she was tired. He read through one book, then another, but she made no move to collect her children. He was expecting Dom to arrive at any moment, and had completely forgotten about Katie until she returned clutching a paper fast food bag.

“Here, I can take over,” she said, shooting Kiko a little smile. “Sorry I took so long. It’s the dinner rush I guess.”

Though Kiko protested that her food would get cold she insisted. He understood why a few minutes later, when Dom staggered up to the door, boxes in arms. Katie must have passed him driving back. He moved to get the door for him, then relieved him of the top two boxes.

“Thanks,” said Dom, leading the way to the stairs, but Kiko nudged him with a shoulder to stop him.

“Let’s get these in my truck now, actually,” he said. “We can pull up the others from the basement, too, and pick up any remaining boxes on the way.”

“The way where?” asked Dom, following Kiko back outside.

“To our date.”

Dom laughed, and Kiko felt suddenly self-conscious. He forced himself to shove the boxes he held into the truck bed before turning to look at Dom.

“That’s how you ask me out?”

Kiko took the boxes he held from him and pushed them in behind the first two.

“We both seem to understand where this is going—”

“Yeah, it’s going right back to Illinois at the end of the weekend. Kiko, let’s just get a bite to eat, together if you want.”

“That’s a date,” said Kiko.

“Not always.”

Kiko rubbed his forehead. Dom was making this difficult. Why did he even like the man? He pushed solving the explosions despite the danger, he pushed Kiko away. But he was interested. Katie had confirmed it, even if Kiko hadn’t moved on to doubting himself yet. Maybe that was just what he liked about Dom, though; life in Mount Angus was so dull otherwise. Kiko lifted his gaze to Dom’s.

“I’d like this to be a date,” he said, watching Dom squirm where he stood, look away, rub his stubbly chin. He couldn’t help but smile at that. “You’re going to have to say it. If you don’t want it to be a date, you’re going to have to turn me down. No more avoiding.”

“Kiko, I like you…” began Dom. Kiko crossed his arms.

“I know that already. You’re leaving soon. I know that, too. I get it. I’m not going to try to convince you otherwise. I’m fine with a brief romance.” He paused. Maybe the real issue wasn’t him after all, maybe it was Dom. “Are you?”

“I don’t normally…” tried Dom again, then sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He laughed to himself, briefly, then looked up at Kiko. “What the hell. Just don’t go crazy on me when I go.”

Kiko grinned.

“Do I look like I’m the kind to go crazy?”

Dom turned back to the store.

“Let’s get those other boxes loaded,” he said. “I’m starving. Hope you’re taking me somewhere good.”