latte, refusing to acknowledge that I had followed her. Or that I even existed. My anger started to bubble, causing the darkness to swell within me. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the darkness.
“Look, I don't know who you think you are, but I'm not some bored kid looking for trouble. I may be from out of town, but I'm not here on vacation. My family and I just moved here.”
“And the peasants rejoice.”
I clenched my fists and stared daggers at the counter top. The ever present darkness starting to expand, making the slight electric currents come alive. I bit my cheek, trying to keep my tongue in check. Rosemary may be a bitch, but I didn't want to make an enemy out of her, even though it was probably a moot point.
“I'm Star.” I tried to offer her an olive branch, to start over. I don't even know why I bothered. She'd probably set fire to anything I'd give her.
“Yes, I'm sure your parents tell you you're a star every day.” Poof, there it goes down in flames. I just love being right.
“No. My name is Star, as in Starlette McKinley.”
“McKinley you said?” Came a voice from a door off the back of the cafe.
Snapping her head up, Rosemary looked beyond me toward the door. “Dude! Just leave!” she hissed, making agitated shooing motions with her hands.
I crossed my arms and cocked my hip, mimicking Rosemary's earlier posture.
“You wouldn't happen to be related to Eleanor McKinley, would you?” The voice came again, echoing out of the room still hidden behind the door. A woman fluttered out, brightly colored gypsy skirt waving in the air behind her from the wind she created by moving so quickly.
I took a step back and stared at the woman who basically thrust herself toward me with an astounding amount of eagerness.
“Yeah, she's my mom.” I looked to Rosemary, confused. Rose smiled wickedly and shrugged her shoulders, obviously enjoying my discomfort.
With a girlish squeal, the woman jumped back from the counter, clasping her hands in delight. “Oh this is absolutely wonderful, my dear! You have no idea how much I admire your mother's work! She is absolutely fabulous and writes with such grace and passion.”
“Um, thank you?” I wondered if I should make a break for the door. Mom's fans always creep me out with their exuberance. Yes, my mom's awesome, but she's the writer, not me. They always seemed to forget that fact.
“Of course you know all about that, with being her daughter and all. It must be so wonderful to have someone like her for a mother.”
“Yeah, she's pretty—”
“But you must not let all that fame go to your head. Children these days are so impressionable which makes it of the utmost of importance for discipline to be a part of their lives.” The woman moved her hands her hands erratically in her excitement. I stepped back, afraid I'd end up being smacked in the face.
I was quickly becoming lost in the transitions. “I don't—”
“Now, being that you are at that impressionable age—” Pausing, she looked me over. “How old are you dear?”
“I'm seventeen, ma'am.” I was happy to get to say something.
“Oh, and so well mannered. Your mother did a wonderful job. Speaking of jobs, as you are at an impressionable age and in need of discipline I firmly suggest that you proceed to get a job. Nothing speaks of a well-developed woman more than a well-developed work ethic, I always say.”
“That's what I'm—”
“So don't you worry dear, I'll personally help you on your path to womanhood. Lord knows your mother has a lot going on with her life, with being an author and all. No, don't you worry. You can start here on Monday —”
“But mom!” Rosemary began.
Yay, the crazy woman's Rosemary's mother. Should have seen that one coming. “Really, that's not necessary—”
Oblivious to the both of us, she patted me affectionately on the shoulder. “Rosemary will train you, my dear, and we can fill out those silly work forms Monday. Be here at eight am sharp! No one likes running behind schedule, and the early bird gets the frog and all that.”
“Worm.” Rosemary and I stated at the same time.
“What now?” Rosemary's mother asked, startled out of her speech.
“The early bird gets the worm.” We both stated at the same time again.
“Why are you ladies talking about worms and birds for? Nasty little things, both of them, what with one devouring its own feces and the other fluttering about. Defecating on peoples belongings. Not nice at all.” She started gesturing wildly again. This time both Rosemary and I stepped out of harm’s way. “Now, where was I?”
“You said—”
“Oh yes! Monday! We'll have everything ready and you'll fit in nicely here, don't you think so Rosemary?”
“No, I certainly do not—”
“Of course you do. Now I'm off to the office to do the daily paperwork. I swear I never knew owning a shop would take so much darn paperwork. I'm going to end up killing all the trees at this rate, just you watch.” Frowning, she started to move toward the door behind the counter, obviously that's where the tree killing went on at.
“But mom!”
I was becoming frantic now. “Ma’am, you really don’t have to—”
“Mary Beth.”
“Excuse me?” I was hopelessly lost. I looked over at Rosemary but she was busy staring incredulously at her mother.
“My name is Mary Beth, dear. Now, I'll see you on Monday!” And with a cheery wave, she was gone, her colorful skirts almost getting caught in the door as she closed it behind her.
“Okay, what just happened?” I asked, turning still stunned eyes on Rosemary.
“Well, you just met the steamroller, aka my mom. And it looks like you just got yourself a job, little Star.” A sharp bite of resentment colored her tone. Turning on her heel, she stormed off toward the other side of the store.
Releasing a breath I didn't know I was holding, I turned to walk out the door. Glancing back toward where Rosemary went, I saw her standing by two hot guys around our age, gesturing to some books. I couldn't help myself. “See you Monday Rosie! Oh, and good luck with your rash!” I smiled wickedly when I saw the guys take a giant step back from her. I'd more than likely regret it come Monday, but for now I was happy.
*****
I didn’t want to go home yet. I relished the thought of being away from my parents, if only for a little while.
I tilted my head back while walking slowly down the street, looking at the wispy clouds, and letting the sunlight warm my face. I had to admit, it was beautiful here.
“Oomph!” I smacked into an incredibly hard, hot chest. Looking up through my lashes, I stared at the behemoth in front of me. He was absolutely gorgeous. Long black hair framed his face. Creating shadows along his high cheekbones, chiseled jawline, and strait aristocratic nose. His eyes were almost the color of obsidian. The small flecks of gold throughout his eyes were almost reflecting the light much like a cat’s at night.
His slightly winged black eyebrows were drawn down into a frown, causing black flames to dance in his eyes. He was easily over six feet tall, and from what she could feel of his body from mine being flush against it, he was also extremely fit.
His hands were wrapped around my upper arms. The heat of them seemed to burn through my t-shirt, and all the way into my skin, seeping into my blood. I had the strangest urge to reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, and lift myself up onto the tip of my toes to kiss his slightly full lips. In fact, they were moving on his hauntingly beautiful face…
