Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 84072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
“He’s my friend.” Sarah stood her ground, crossing her arms. “And I’ll only do it if Malcom can do it with me.”
The mayor’s cold glare could douse an inferno.
Both mother and daughter were in a standoff until Benjamin smoothly stepped in. “It couldn’t hurt to have more volunteers, plus he can represent the orphanage.”
Her teeth clenched, and then she finally relented. “Fine. But no sneaking off; you’re there to work, this brings a lot of money into our town, and it’s only a week away. In fact—” Her smile was one hundred percent hateful as she turned it on us. “—I need more volunteers. We’re down a few people, you know, flu season and all.”
Behind me, Benjamin stilled. “Oh? Is that so?”
“Yes.” Her smile widened. “I would love to have you and Lucy join us.”
“Luna,” I corrected.
“Same thing,” she dismissed with a regal wave of her hand.
I wanted to strangle her, but I only had one hand. Maybe I could sit on her? Shove her into oncoming traffic? Find a nice voodoo doll with a black pantsuit?
Clearly, my anger was making me insane because I found myself beaming at her and going. “We’d love to.”
“We would?” Benjamin’s voice cracked with annoyance.
“Yup!” I shrugged. “How hard could it be? I’ll be working tomorrow at the bookstore in the morning; you can stop by anytime and give me more details. I’ll be sure to let Benjamin know.”
“I’m sure.” She glared between us like her plan had backfired. “Well then, I’ll just be going. Sarah, don’t be late. I think I prefer pasta tonight; make sure that it’s gluten-free with sauce on the side.”
Sarah’s face fell briefly. “Yeah, sure, Mom.”
“What did I say about calling me that in public?”
“Sorry, Mayor.”
“Better.” She nodded her head, and then the sound of her heels filled the silence as she left the store, the bell going off in celebration once she was gone.
I exhaled and shared a look with Sarah. “You cook for your mom?”
“She has a sensitive stomach.” Sarah looked away and then seemed to remember something. “Oh, you’re going to love the festival! I can’t wait; it’s my favorite time every year, and this year we’re supposed to have record numbers.”
Malcom sauntered up to the counter and rested his elbows on it, his lean body taking up space like he was trying to look bigger. “I’ll go with you to the grocery store if you want.”
Sarah relaxed a bit. “Thanks, it’s getting darker earlier, and I hate walking from the store to my car.”
His face softened. “I know. Let’s go.”
“I’ll lock up!” I offered, even though I was half-forgotten as they looked into each other’s eyes like they were soul mates. “I just wanted to grab a book for later.”
Sarah gave her head a shake and then looked between Benjamin and me. “Are you sure?”
“Of course.” I laughed. “It’s just Benjamin.”
Malcom hid a laugh behind his hand while Sarah paled and said, “If you say so!”
“Bye, Ben!” Malcom yelled.
Benjamin shot him an amused smile. “Stay out of trouble, Malcom.”
“Always!” He crossed his fingers.
“I like him.” The bell went off, blanketing us in silence. “I feel like he’s good for her.”
“He is,” Benjamin agreed, taking the seat Malcom had just occupied. “It’s not Malcom I worry about but Sarah.”
“Her mom always treat her that way?”
“Her mom’s jealous of her own daughter, so that would be a resounding yes.”
“Jealous?” My fingers paused on the paranormal novel I was about to pull out. “How so?”
“The mayor’s a vain woman. She wants youth and beauty and would do just about anything to obtain it. The minute Sarah turned sixteen, her mom started pulling away, putting distance between them. It’s a sad thing to watch when those who are supposed to love you fill you with so much insecurity that when you look in the mirror all you see are flaws.”
My heart ached in my chest. “I want to murder her for that.”
Benjamin’s grin lit up the room, a rare sort of smile that had me feeling hot all over. “That sounds a bit violent, even for you.”
“I’m protective. What can I say?”
His smile grew. “I know you are, but why don’t you let me handle the details when it comes to murder… you’re too pure to go through with it and would crack right away.”
“Probably.” I laughed. “And I’m not killing her. I just… it’s wrong.”
“It is wrong.” He stood. “Did you find your book?”
I grabbed the one I’d been touching and then closed my eyes as the whispers filled my ears. He probably thought I was thinking way too seriously about picking out a book, but reading was serious business.
Having someone else’s words invade your psyche? The most powerful part of your body?
It wasn’t something to be rushed.
“Lunaaaaaaaaa…” one called in a soft voice. “Silverrrrrrrr.”
My eyes opened, locking into a silver book at the back of the store in the used book section.