Arson Read Online Free PDF Page B

something else to say?” He got up close. “No one likes a wise guy,” he said, smacking his lips with gum that did little to subdue the wasteland it swam in. After the stare-down, Ray retreated into the back room, slamming the door behind him.
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    * * *
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    The afternoon drifted. Ray’s retribution seemed cruel, considering Arson’s co-workers checked text messages while he stacked sugar cones and birthday items customers rarely purchased. After making ice cream, Arson washed the windows. Although not wanting to complain, he thought enough was enough. With every stroke, he mouthed a silent insult. It was then that he caught a glimpse of Mandy’s radiant reflection in the glass.
    â€œThey’ve got you washing windows now?” said Venus in all her majesty, a glint in her eye. She came alone this time.
    Arson fumbled for words.
    â€œHow’s it going, Arson?”
    â€œYeah,” he tried, knowing he must’ve looked hopeless and pathetic. “I mean, okay. Murder Breath, my boss, loves to torture me. He’s kind of a head case.” Arson stepped off the ladder so he could look into her crystal eyes.
    â€œI’ve seen him once or twice, I think. He’s the one with the—”
    â€œBald spot? BO? Murderous breath?”
    â€œI was gonna say stain on his shirt,” she said, chuckling. Mandy stuck her hand in front of her mouth and exhaled. “But I hope my breath’s okay.”
    â€œI’m sure it’s perfect,” Arson said.
    They shared a laugh before his eyes fell to her feet. “Nice shoes,” he said out of desperation. He had nothing else. What could he talk about? They existed in different worlds. She was too perfect to even be seen with him. It didn’t make sense, but Arson could settle for anomalies wrapped in beautiful blonde paper over rejection any day.
    Mandy blinked, and he caught a glimpse of the light blue eye shadow painted against her lids. “Thanks,” she replied, almost brushing it off entirely. “Most of the time people don’t notice my shoes. Guys, I mean. So, I’m curious now, Arson. Just how mean is this boss of yours?”
    â€œIt would take way too long to go into it.”
    â€œSounds like a total drag.”
    â€œYeah. So, um, what are you doing here?” Arson said, fumbling over his words. “Not that I don’t like your…company, it’s just this is, like, your third time in a week. You must really like ice cream.”
    Mandy squinted and smiled. “I was just in the area. I mean, this place is right on Main Street. Hard to miss if you’re driving by. Anyways, something’s been bugging me.”
    The wind stirred, tossing her golden layers toward the center of her face. He swore they were made of rays of sunlight.
    â€œReally? What is it?”
    She took a moment to ask. “Is it true?”
    â€œThe ambiguity isn’t really helping. What are you talking about?”
    Mandy whispered, “Is it true you start fires?”
    Arson froze, suddenly avoiding eye contact altogether. It made perfect sense now—the unexpected visits, the flirting, that mesmerizing smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
    â€œWell, rumor has it, Jason saw you melt a ton of ice cream a few nights ago. Does every employee melt a batch or two before cleanup? Why would you do that, Arson?”
    â€œI wouldn’t,” Arson bit back.
    â€œIt’s a simple question. What’s the big deal? It’s not like I’m gonna go running to the Feds.”
    He bit his lip hard and swallowed. “It’s ridiculous. I don’t even like fire. Anyways, Jason and Chelsea love to make up stories. They find some kind of sick pleasure in screwing with me.” He faked a bashful smile, hands starting to sweat.
    â€œDon’t be such a martyr. It’s not a bad thing. You like to play with fire. It’s actually kind of