not just a whim

"What's going on?" Jules knew something was up. Willow hadn't spoken to Topher in days. But he didn't ask at work. He waited until it was the two of them at home.

She was instantly cross when he asked about Topher.

"I wish you'd fire him." She was adamant and solemn.

"What? You want, me, to fire Topher?" Jules looked at her puzzled. "But he hasn't done anything...wrong." Not that Jules suspected. Topher was staying on task, nothing taken from the till. They were busy these days in spite of a summer session not even on its way yet. Smoothies had been in since the shamrock smoothie, back in March. They needed to keep who was on staff.

Willow swelled a frown. "Its just a matter of time. He's..he's seeing this girl..that..who used to go out with someone in his band. But he needs a new drummer ..and..and well, he's mixed up with Audrey, again." She was fuming about the matter.

"So, he's still telling you everything." Jules supposed that was the jest of it.

"Pretty much." Willow nodded as if she could spit nails.

"Well, you can't fire him because..."

"But it'll happen. He's already.." She seethed. "He was high other day."

Now Jules felt like a fool. He'd been busy. He guessed. He should have noticed, but he didn't. He scratched the back of his neck in thought, wondering what to do.

"Do you want him drug tested?" Jules was serious.

"I dunno." Willow gritted. "I do, but I don't. If..if it keeps happening, we have too."

Jules agreed, but if it were him, Topher would already be out of there.