Death Knows My Name (Memory Keepers) by Casse Narome Read Free Book Online

apologize for knocking you on your ass.”
    I shook my head. “Totally not necessary. See you around.” I started to turn from her.
    “But I insist. I am going to be racked with guilt otherwise.” She was a persistent little thing and her southern drawl marked every word she spoke but tinged some heavier than others.
    “I’m not a lesbian or anything. I’m just new to town and I’m tired of drinking alone,” she continued.
    “That’s good, because you aren’t my type.”
    She laughed at that and stuck out her hand. “Tammy.”
    Reluctantly, I shook her hand. “I’m Mayne.”
    “Like the state? Awesome!”
    I nodded. “Just like the state . . . only with a Y.” I sighed. “I get off work at 7:00.”
    “Okay, I work at Lenny’s on 5th and Diamond. Meet me there we can walk to the bar around the corner called My State of Mine. It’s a weird name, but it’s a nice place. You know it?” she asked as my heart almost stopped.
    “Yeah, I know it.” I hoped I didn’t sound as gloomy as I felt. I knew it all right. It was named after me. Maine, just like the state.
    Devon took a moment from handing the strawberry blonde, who was desperately flirting with him, her cup just to glare at me as I walked in the door.
    Hiding a smile, I made my way behind the counter.
    “Sorry I’m late.” I leaned in, and Devon gave me his cheek to kiss out of habit. “Babe.” I swatted his behind and grinned as the other woman’s eyes widened.
    Devon protested. “No! What? Wait!” he called after her. “It’s not like that.” He glared at me once again.
    I shrugged. “What did I do?” I asked innocently. He just glared. “Come on Devon, don’t you think you have enough poon?”
    He looked appalled. “There is no such thing.” He bumped our hips together. “Now get to work.”
    This was my favorite position to work, serving. I was able to sort of zone out unless we were too backed up, then I helped make the orders, too.
    At 6:40, I began to clean up my station and wipe down the counters just as Devon re-emerged from the office.
    “You aren’t going to stay late since you were late coming in?” he asked.
    I looked at him like he was crazy. “For one, I don’t do the lounge shift. Besides, I actually have plans tonight.”
    His brows shot up, and then he nodded. “Right, hot date with Titanic ?”
    I frowned. “That’s a totally overrated movie. If you’re looking for a good Leonardo DiCaprio movie, I’d recommend Romeo and Juliet . It’s Clare Danes and Leo at their best. But to answer your question, no, I’m going out for drinks.”
    This time he really looked shocked. “Are you serious?” he questioned.
    “Yes I am, my friend.” I shrugged. “No big deal. Just a drink or two with a girl I met.”
    “Wrong. This is a huge deal! You never go out. Not since Dante—”
    “Okay, don’t say his name, not if you want to keep me from falling apart right here on your floor.”
    “He has been gone for years now. He would want you to move on and live your life. It’s like you died right along with him.”
    “I wish,” I murmured.
    Devon eyed me with concern.
    “What? I do . . . did . . . do.”
    “I know, but people die. That’s life. The difference is that you let it change you. You were so full of life and so much fun. We loved being around you because you were such a joy to be with. You would laugh and smile. When my brother died, it’s like that part of you disappeared all together. It didn’t even fade, it was just there one day and gone the next. Even after Dante, you still tried a little, to date. You used to be the life of the party, now you just sit in your house like a damn recluse and watch lame-ass, sappy movies.”
    “Are you trying to say I’m not fun, Devon?” I smiled.
    “You still can’t take shit serious, I see.” He shoved me gently.
    I laughed. “I take it seriously, Devon, that’s the joke.” I leaned against the counter.
    Devon met and held my gaze. “Don’t you