Nice Until Proven Naughty

I hate it when she’s right.

2

Naughty

A week later, I push open the door to Sal’s. The first thing I notice is that it doesn’t have the signature smell of cigarette smoke, food, and booze. The scent is still there, but it’s muted.

The second thing I notice is that it’s empty.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been in this place when it hasn’t had at least a dozen patrons.

“Hello?”

“Coming,” Dani hollers. She rounds the corner a second later carrying a stack of boxes. She peeks around the side of the stack and stumbles when she sees me.

“Whoa.” I grab the top two boxes before they fall, and I set them on a nearby table.

“Thanks.” Dani sets her box down beside the other two and props an elbow on it. “What are you doing here?” It’s then that her eyes take a leisurely stroll over my body. “And what are you wearing?”

I look down at my faded skinny jeans, paired with a simple black sweater and a pair of Chuck T’s. “What’s wrong with my outfit?”

“Nothing it’s just… Ben,” she yells, not taking her eye off of me. “Get out here.”

“What’s up?” he says, coming from the kitchen with a dishtowel in his hand. He stops short at the sight of me. “Whoa.”

Dani nods. “Right?”

My eyes bounce between them. “What?”

“You look…” He purses his lips and contemplates what he wants to say.

“Speak!”

“Normal.” He smiles at me. “You look normal.”

“I think she’s sick.” Dani puts a hand to my forehead. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine.” I slap her hand away.

“Did you get fired? Because if so, you don’t have to worry, Ben and I will hire you. Won’t we, Ben?”

“Absolutely. Can you cook?”

“Yes,” I answer before quickly shaking my head. “But I don’t need a job.”

“You weren’t fired?” Dani asks, not sounding at all convinced.

“No.”

“I’m so confused.” Ben pulls up a chair, and Dani sits down with a mumbled, “Thanks.”

“Maybe you’re the one who’s sick.” I examine my sister and then look at Ben. “Is she okay?”

“I think she’s in shock.”

“Over what?”

“Your lack of a power suit and heels, for starters. Or maybe it’s that you’re here at…” He looks at his watch. “Two o’clock in the afternoon.”