Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
There’s not much in the local paper, but I’m distracted and have to re-read a few times.
“Out here?” Jim asks, and I look up again from the paper.
I’m outside the music shop on Main Street sitting on a bench with my lunch half eaten next to me. It’s a beautiful day, so why wouldn’t I take advantage of the sunshine and summer weather just around the corner?
“Yeah, why?”
“Nothing really, just wondering if it’s because this spot is perfect for looking into the diner.” I glare at Jim, and the old man smiles as he tips his hat and goes into his shop.
“Bunch of busybodies in this town,” I mumble, fluffing out my newspaper again and trying to read the sports section for a fourth—no, fifth time.
I try like hell to read the article about the local high school's chance at going to state this year, but instead I find my paper slowly lowering so I can look over the top at the town’s only restaurant. The special today is fried chicken, and it’s the best in the whole state. My stomach grumbles at the thought of it, but then I catch a glimpse of lavender and I remember why I don’t go in there anymore.
Grabbing the peanut butter and jelly sandwich next to me, I take a bite and try not to think about all the shitty sandwiches I’ve been eating lately. Last week I drove to the city to see Lux just so I could have a home-cooked meal. But then she asked me too many questions about…her, and then I had an emergency at work and needed to leave early.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and when I glance up from my paper, I see she’s watching me. Well, she’s actually glaring at me, but it stirs me all the same.
Juno Folke has been a thorn in my paw since the day she met Lux. She’s always there, digging in, and I can’t get her out of me. I even tried one night to give in and—
That’s enough.
I scold my own thoughts because I can’t go down that path. I can’t think of that night in the kitchen, especially out here in the daylight. That’s a memory for when I’m alone and it’s dark. Not out here in front of women and children when I can’t do anything to hide what happens when I think about those soft lips…
“Damn it,” I curse myself as I shake my paper out once more. The damn thing is going to be shredded by the time my lunch break is over.
“They say talking to yourself is a sign of insanity.” I look up and see Luca leaning against the light pole with a toothpick in his hand. He’s smug as he smiles down at my lunch and shakes his head. “You know people drive from the next state over for that fried chicken, but here you sit with your PB&J with the most sour-looking face I’ve ever seen.”
“Mind your business.” I take another bite of my sandwich, and it might as well be sawdust.
“Sure was good today.” He rubs his belly and stretches his arms over his head. I roll my eyes as a group of girls pass, and he winks at them. “Afternoon, ladies.” They all giggle and blush.
“I’m trying to have my break in peace,” I say without looking at him.
“Seems an awful waste to sit out here when the prettiest view is inside the diner.” Luca says, trying to get me to take the bait.
“You’d know a lot about waste. Like how you enjoy wasting my time.” I still don’t look up, forcing myself to stay calm.
“I’m just stretching so my food can digest. You know Juno always gives me a little bit of her pie every time I see her.” When I glare up at him, he winks at me. “Sweetest treat in town.”
“Luca,” I warn, but he plays with his toothpick and ignores the bomb inside of me that’s about to go off.
“From what I hear I’m not the only one she’s handing it out to for free.”
Before I tell my body what to do, I’m on my feet and inches from him. “That’s enough.”
“Easy, big brother.” He winks at me before he pushes off the light pole and walks down the sidewalk. Just when I think he’s gone, he turns around to face me with his smile still just as bright as before. “Today was peach, and it sure was juicy.”
His cackle echoes through Main Street as he walks away, leaving me standing there in a rage. I clench my fists at my side, the paper and my lunch long forgotten as I look into the diner.
She’s at the window with an empty tray propped on her hip, looking at me. Her lavender hair is braided over one shoulder, and even from here I can see the hot pink on her lips. I don’t think about what that hot pink would look like on my skin. Instead I turn around, grab my trash, and stuff it angrily into the garbage can.