The bakery door opened in slow motion, or maybe it just felt that way, and Broadrick took his first step inside. Pearl didn't notice right away because she was still giving me the "Pearl eyes," waiting for me to say something or argue with her.
"Pearl, this is Broadrick. Broadrick, Pearl," I said, pointing between them when he was far enough inside he couldn't run without causing a scene.
Broadrick froze halfway to the register. "Nice to meet you, Pearl." He nodded once at her.
She scowled at him and narrowed her eyes. "You're the imaginary boyfriend?"
He glanced down at his body. "I don't think so. Vonnie?"
Oh, that man was not getting any help from me. If I had to put up with Pearl, so did he. I turned around and made myself super busy pouring him a coffee.
"You're the guy who
