The Promise. P D Michaels

not buying Houser’s freedom of the streets crap are you?” Sadie smiled sweetly at Houser as she said it. Houser was still lost in his second brownie and seemed oblivious to the teasing insult. For some reason I didn’t feel like lying to her again. There was something about how she presented herself that just made it feel wrong.

      “Right now, yes,” I answered honestly, “it’s kind of refreshing.” Houser was nodding as he relished another mouthful of the brownie. He was more aware of the conversation than I gave him credit for. Sadie rolled her eyes and gave me an expression just short of disgust. I suddenly wanted to take my answer back and try again.

      “You owe Houser?” Sadie asked, nodding toward the brownie monster.

      “Yes,” I answered quizzically.

      “Then you take his five days,” Sadie said as she rose, “I’ll see if I can change your mind. Be here tomorrow morning at nine; don’t be late.” Sadie headed off before I could respond. I was shocked by the authority she just assumed she had. Houser smiled with a mouth full of brownie.

      “We’re even,” Houser said, obviously pleased with the turn of events. I looked after Sadie, her skirt swinging from side to side as she headed toward the serving line. She walked with an authority that no one seemed to question. She inspected the line while workers hustled to make everything right. Not what I expected at all.