Just For Tonight Read Online Free PDF Page B

move out of the boy’s way.
    “I got this,” Thomas said over his shoulder as he started sacking the items she’d scanned. “If you could just give me five minutes.”
    Steven gave Kelly a questioning glance, remaining in place, unsure whether to buck Thomas.
    Kelly noticed Thomas placing household cleaners in the same bag as food items and reached out to stop him. “Thomas, no. This isn’t a good time. We’re busy and you aren’t paying attention to what you’re doing. Just let Steven do his job. He still works here.”
    As soon as the words left her mouth, she winced.
    “So you want me to stay? Fine. I’ll stay.”
    “No. That’s not what I want. Not at all.” She could feel the stares from those around them boring holes in her back.
    Thomas stopped sacking and Kelly resumed checking the woman out. Steven stepped in and took over sacking.
    “I need to work, Thomas. I can’t talk right now.”
    She turned her full attention to the woman whose groceries she’d just scanned. “That will be one hundred thirty-five dollars and sixty-two cents. Do you collect stamps?”
    “Yes. I sure do. I nearly have enough to get the Crock-Pot,” the woman replied in a jovial tone, fluffing her brown curls.
    Kelly collected the money and gave the woman her change and stamps. “Have a nice day.”
    The woman sauntered off, but before Kelly could start on the next costumer, Thomas came around to stand in front of the register.
    “What are you doing?” Kelly asked.
    “Talk to me.”
    “These are paying customers. You can’t just stop the line.”
    Thomas reached over and started grabbing candy from the shelves that lined the patrician between the registers. “Now I am too.”
    Kelly was astonished at his behavior. “You can’t just cut in line in front of these people.”
    “Oh no, dear. I think we all want to see how this one is going to play out. You go right ahead,” the tall blonde woman said from behind Thomas.
    Kelly shot her an annoyed look. They were helping him. None of them had a clue how bad this was going to be. Anger rising, she began scanning the candy and placing them on the other side of the register. Thomas continued to pile more as he spoke.
    “Why did you leave without saying goodbye?”
    “I couldn’t face it, okay? I didn’t want to have to say goodbye to you.”
    “Did you not ever take into consideration how I might feel?”
    Oh God. Did they really have to do this here? “I just thought it would be easier.”
    “Well it’s not easier. And I don’t want to say goodbye.” Thomas reached out and grabbed her hand. “Work with me. We can manage this somehow.”
    Kelly’s lips trembled as a tear tracked down her cheek. “Have you ever done the long-distance thing? It can be so hard, and can turn out really ugly. Besides, it’s not like you even know me that well.”
    Thomas smiled. “But I do know you, Kelly. I know you’re cranky ’til you have your soda in the mornings. I know you love your family. I know you’re good with kids and that your nephew loves you to pieces. I see it in his eyes every time your sister-in-law brings him in here. You’re a great listener. You’ve never once told me to shut up when I discussed things about my life with you on lunch break. You’re smart and kind. Hell, more than once you have gave me some damn good advice.” He began moving around the register, coming to her side. “I know you like cheeseburgers from Sam’s Burger Barn, but think the ones at the drive-in taste like Styrofoam. You love country music, you’re a great dancer and damn if I can’t see myself falling for you.”
    Tears ran from her eyes, unchecked as she looked up at him as he came to stand in front of her. He’d paid just as much attention to her as she had him all this time.
    “Ah, Kelly? Thomas?”
    They both turned to look at Tammy, who stood behind them.
    “Maybe y’all should take this to the back or something.” Tammy smiled. “I’ll cover you here. Take