Wild Card. Susan Amarillas

      “The Scarlet Lady.”

      He stopped midmotion and looked up at her through his brows. “Really?”

      “Yes.” She looked him square in the face.

      “Scarlet Lady it is.” He marked the book again. “Seven dollars and fifteen cents is your total. We ask for half of your first purchase now and balance on the first of the month. After that you pay at least ten percent if you don’t pay it off.”

      “Sounds fair enough.” Clair relaxed a bit and paid him four dollars.

      Larry stacked her groceries in a wooden crate. “You want help?”

      “If you don’t mind?”

      “Glad to do it.” He didn’t bother with a coat, and as he hefted the box, he leaned in closer. “Any excuse to get out of here.” He punctuated his words with a wink. In a louder voice he called toward the back, “Ma, I’m helping a lady with her groceries. Back soon!”