“I’m discovering that.”
“You think you’d ever move here?”
The question was so blunt, it took Andi a second to process it. “I, uh, I don’t know. I’ve never really lived anywhere for very long.”
“Yeah, me either. That was one of the reasons I was so happy to finally put some roots down.” She added the whipped cream to Andi’s coffee, then set it beside Con’s. “There you go.”
Andi felt a little dazed, but managed to remember the cake. “I need a pineapple upside-down cake to go, too.”
“Sure thing. Give me a minute, and I’ll box one up.” Em came back shortly with the cake boxed and in a shopping bag, ready to travel. “There you go.”
“How much do I owe you?”
“Two bucks.”
Andi blinked at her. “I meant for all of it.”
“Two bucks. Bakery goods are all free.”
“For real?” Then she remembered the crazy-low prices at the Bargain Bin and how Con said the gem mines made a lot of money for the town. Was that the explanation? She’d have to ask.
“Yep. Didn’t Constantin tell you that?”
“No. Seems like there are a lot of things he left out.” Andi handed Em two dollars, then hooked the shopping bag handles over her wrist and grabbed a coffee in each hand. “Thanks for the information, Em. Nice to meet you.”
Em leaned on the counter. “You, too, Andi. Come back again.”
“I will,” Andi said as she backed through the door. But first, she was going to see what else she could find out about this town.
Chapter Sixteen
She went straight back to the Gilded Page. The gentle chimes above the door announced her arrival as she pushed through with her hip. “Hey.”
Con looked up from a ledger he had open on the counter. “Need help?”
“No, I’ve got it.”
“I see you got the coffees and the cake.”
“I did. Spent almost all the money you gave me, too.”
He frowned. “What? The cake should have been free and the coffees a dollar apiece.”
“They were.” Grinning, she stuck her tongue out at him. “You could have told me.”
He smirked. “I thought it would be more fun for you to be surprised.”
She set the coffees down, then put the shopping bag beside them. “It was quite a surprise. How is that possible? The gem mines?”
“Not in Nasha’s case.”
“Who’s Nasha?”
“Nasha Black is the woman who owns the bakery. Her father is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. He happens to represent famine. Let’s just say the bakery is Nasha’s way of balancing things out, since she’s spending his money to make it possible.”
“And he doesn’t stop her?”
“She’s his only child. He indulges her.”
“That gives daddy issues a whole new twist.” Andi came around to the side of the counter where he was, grabbed her coffee, and settled in on the stool. “I met Amelia’s niece, Emeranth, at the bakery. She’s the barista, apparently.”
He nodded as he took the top off his to-go cup. “Yes, that’s right. She works there.”
“She’s very nice.”
“She is. She’s fairly new in town, too.” He sipped the hot coffee and gave a nod of approval.
Andi hadn’t tasted hers yet, but she would just as soon as she dropped the interesting little bomb she’d gotten from Em. “She mentioned that. She also told me about a very special book in the enchanted forest. One that removes curses if you can find it and write your name in it.”
He turned to look at Andi, the steam rising out of his cup. “It’s a great story, but it’s not true.”
She drank her coffee carefully so as not to burn her tongue, but the mocha was the perfect temperature and very delicious. Chocolate really did improve everything. “That’s not what she said.”
“Well, it’s in her best interests to keep that legend going, being that she’s Amelia’s niece. A lot of people’s hopes are kept alive in Shadowvale because of that book. Many search for it on a regular basis. I don’t think anyone has found it, though. Not lately anyway. Doesn’t stop them from looking, of course.”
“Where’s the enchanted forest?”
He narrowed his gaze. “It’s not a safe place to go wandering.”
“I’m a sprite. I can take care of myself. Especially in a forest.”
“You’re a sprite without wings. That puts you at a disadvantage.”
She sighed, because he was right. And it sucked. But his reminder also underlined the fact that getting her wings back and being made whole again was very important. “Have you ever looked?”
“No. I don’t have a curse.” He went back to his ledger.
“Some might think being a vampire is a curse.” She held her cup with both hands, savoring the warmth coming through the thick paper.
“I don’t. Not living here.” He looked at her again. “Please don’t go into that forest. It’s not safe. There are creatures in there that will do you harm. Ways to get lost that you can’t imagine. Not to mention the more troubled citizens that live out that way.”
Her ears perked up. “Like who?”
He sighed. “How about if I promise to take you for a drive through there tomorrow? But no getting out of the car.”
That was all she needed, just an idea of where the forest was. Then, if she wanted to look at some point, she could. She nodded. “Okay, deal.”
But he was still watching her. “You really want to go look, don’t you?”
“Can you blame me?”
His brow furrowed. “If you go out there and get snatched by a griffin or toasted by a drox or stung by a lightning bug, then yes, I can blame you all day long.”
She knew what lightning bugs and griffins were, but a drox? Whatever it was, it was obviously dangerous, which raised another question. “Would you miss me if something did happen to me?”
A contemplative smile curved one side of his mouth. “I think I would miss you very much. Does that surprise you?”
“Yes.” She took another sip of coffee. Maybe he really did like her after all. Maybe she was getting closer to those three magical words than she’d realized. Prompted by hope, she hopped off the stool, set her drink on the counter, and hugged him.
He tensed as his hands lifted. “What’s this all about?”
“Just because you’ve been so kind and wonderful to me. Thank you.”
He relaxed, and his arms settled around her. “You’re welcome, Andromeda. Having you around has been kind of life-changing for me. Not something I’d expected at all.”
She pulled back. “I’m glad I’ve been able to do something for you in exchange for all you’ve done for me.”
He studied her, his eyes softly gleaming in that vampire way of his, then he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. “You’re welcome.”
She smiled up at him. “I should get that dusting done.”
“Doesn’t need it. Why don’t you go find an outfit for tonight? I’m sure that would be a lot more fun.”
“True, it would be. But I want to help you, too.”
“Fletcher will be here at noon. He can dust when he’s not helping customers. And once he’s settled in, you and I will go have lunch somewhere. What do you think about that?”
“I love that idea.” She had a feeling he didn’t usually leave the store to eat. If ever. But he was going the extra mile to make her happy. She absolutely was going to sit him down and have a big heart-to-heart with him after tonight’s dinner. He deserved to know what lay ahead for her. And for them.
He looked at his watch. “Then you have about two hours to get your shopping done.”
“Way more time than I need. Just point me toward the Bargain Bin.”
* * *
After Andi left to do her shopping, Constantin got to work sending emails, checking a few auctions, and making all of his necessary calls. Several customers came in, al
ong with one small delivery, but otherwise the morning was quiet. He’d nearly finished the calls and was about to start an inventory of new releases when the door chimes announced a customer.
He looked up. Not a customer. His youngest sister, Juliette. “Hiya, Con.”
“Hello, Juliette. How are you?”
“I’m great.” She smiled, showing off her pearly-white fangs. “But apparently, I’m not as good as you.”
“Why do you say that?”
She put her elbows on the counter, leaned her head on her hands, and batted her eyelashes at him. “Because I heard someone has a girlfriend.”
He sighed, even though he’d known that this was the inevitable result of his lie to Valentino. “Yes, well, let’s not get all worked up about it.”
She made a rude noise. “Oh, please. Of course we’re going to get all worked up about it. You haven’t looked sideways at a woman since Miranda, and now all of a sudden you have a girlfriend? This is major news.”
He tried to change the subject. “Where’s Daniella?”
“Dani’s at Mama’s helping with the food for this evening, which is where I’ll be later, too. In the meantime, where’s the mystery woman?”
He sidestepped that question with one of his own. “What’s on the menu?”
She frowned at him. “You’re dreadful at conversation, you know that?”
“Only when it comes to talking about what you want to talk about.”
“Do you love her?”
“Juliette.” He might. But he wasn’t about to tell his sister that.
“What? It’s a valid question.”
“Where’s Marcus?”
“Where my boyfriend is has no bearing on this. Especially because he’s not my boyfriend anymore.”
Well, that was news. “When did this happen?”
“When he told me that my painting wasn’t really going anywhere and that it might be time to think about a different hobby.”
“He decided to go full idiot, I see.” Constantin barely controlled his surprise. Juliette’s painting was a sacred subject. Any man who thought otherwise was in for a world of hurt. But to call it a hobby… Constantin cringed. “Is Marcus still alive or…?”
“Yes,” she growled. “Barely.”
“Are you okay?”
She sighed. “I’m upset, but I’ll get over it. I’m also never dating a centaur again.” Then she smiled brightly. “Hey, so I’m talking to the library about doing a mural in the new children’s expansion.”
“That’s great.”
“They’re supposed to be hiring a new librarian, too.” She leaned against the counter with practiced nonchalance. “Does your new girlfriend need a job?”
And there it was. Right back around. “You’re like a dog with a bone, you know that?”
She snorted. “Come on, you can tell me something about her. I’m going to meet her tonight anyway. So I can pester you with questions now, or I can lay them all on her this evening. Your choice.”
He sighed. “She’s a sprite. She’s outgoing, smart, witty, and doesn’t back down from much. But she’s also sweet and kind and lovely.”
Juliette grimaced and reared back a little. “But she’s got a horseface?”
“Juliette.”
“What? You didn’t say anything about what she looks like, so I just figured—”
“I said she’s lovely.”
“But lovely doesn’t necessarily refer to looks.”
“Well, in this case it does. She’s beautiful.”
Juliette’s nose wrinkled in mock confusion. “And she’s with you?”
He gave her a hard stare. “I’m going to finish up these phone calls now. I’ll see you this evening.”
Juliette grinned. “Wow, you do like her.”
He sighed. “Don’t you have a mural to paint?”
“I like her, too, especially if she’s already bringing out this protective urge in you.” She leaned way over the counter to kiss his cheek. She stayed there for a moment, her gaze resting on something behind him. “Is that a pineapple upside-down cake in that Black Horse box?”
“It is.”
“Nice. Greasing the skids with Mama. I approve.”
“I’m not greasing anything. It was Andi’s idea.”
“You’re right. She is smart.” With an exaggerated raising of her brows, Juliette headed for the door, calling over her shoulder, “See you tonight, Con. You and Andi.”
Then she bounced out of the shop, leaving him to his work.
He stared after her for a moment, thinking about what the night would bring and hoping everything went smoothly. Seemed like Juliette was on his side, but he wanted his entire family to like Andi. Even more so, he wanted Andi to like his family.
He wasn’t a fool. He knew that if she had that connection with them, it would go a long way toward her having a favorable view of him and this town.
And that would go a long way toward her staying.
Chapter Seventeen
The Bargain Bin was fast becoming Andi’s favorite place to shop. As she rifled through the racks, she swore there were new items that hadn’t been there the night before.
Della had greeted Andi when she’d come in, but was busy helping another customer.
Andi didn’t mind looking around on her own, she just wasn’t sure what a good family dinner outfit was. Probably a dress. But something a little more conservative than the slinky velvet number she’d worn to the jazz club.
A few minutes later, Andi had a few things over her arm, but she wasn’t sure about any of them.
The other customer left, shopping bags in hand, and Della came over. “How are you doing?”
“Great. Not entirely sure what I’m looking for, but I’ll find something.”
“I’m Stella, by the way, and I’m happy to help if you give me a few hints.”
“Hi, Stella. I’m Andi. I should have realized you weren’t Della. Different-colored hair. Sorry, I’m a little preoccupied.”
Stella smiled. “Who isn’t in this town?”
“Well, I met your sister last night. She was very helpful. And kind.” Andi didn’t mention the free jewelry, just in case that wasn’t something Stella would approve of. No point in getting Della in trouble.
Stella nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. “Della mentioned you.”
“She did?”
“Sure. Constantin Thibodeaux comes in here with a woman? On top of that, a woman who looks like you? That’s news worth sharing.” She sized Andi up with a head-to-toe glance. “So you’re Constantin’s new girl. What’s the occasion?”
“Family dinner.”
“At the parents’, right?”
“Right.”
“No wonder you’re preoccupied. Is there anything more nerve-racking?” She shook her head, but her flaming-red beehive didn’t move. “I have just the thing.”
“You do?”
She nodded. “Just came in. Give me a sec. Meet me at the dressing rooms.”
She disappeared into the back, while Andi went to wait by the changing rooms.
Stella reappeared a few minutes later with a wheeled rack of clothes. She patted the rack. “This is all new stuff, but I’ve been through it, and there’s a couple things that could work on you.”
“I was sort of thinking a dress,” Andi offered.
“Maybe. But try this outfit first.” Stella handed her a pair of pants and a shirt.
Not exactly what Andi had been thinking, but trying something new never hurt anything. She took the outfit from Stella, then Stella took the items Andi had already picked out.
She looked at the clothes and shook her head. “None of these are right. Go on, put those on. You’ll see.”
“Okay.” Andi slipped into one of the dressing rooms, got out of her jeans and T-shirt and into the clothing Stella had chosen. She didn’t look at herself in the mirror until she was dressed.
She turned to see the final effect and blinked twice. “H
uh. That’s amazing.”
“Told you,” Stella said from the other side of the curtain. “Come out here and let me see how right I was.”
Andi walked out to get a second look in the big mirror. “This is really cool.”
“It’s your style, too.”
“It is. Kind of glam, but with a little retro edge.” She turned, admiring the slim black cigarette pants with their satin tuxedo stripe down the side of each leg and the crisp lines of the gleaming white shirt.
“Hang on.” Stella moved in and adjusted the shirt’s collar, popping it a little. “Your hair should be in a high ponytail. Little diamond studs. Maybe a strand of pearls. Choker length.”
“What about shoes?”
“Two shakes of a lamb’s tail.” Stella went off for a moment, returning with a pair of black satin ballet slipper flats.
Andi put them on. “Yep. Those are perfect.” She turned again. “Who does this outfit remind me of?”
“Audrey Hepburn. Can’t go wrong with a classic like that.”
“No, you can’t.” She looked at Stella. “You don’t think this is too casual?”
“Not with the accessories I mentioned and a red lip. How do you feel in it?”
“Like an undercover rock star.” Andi smiled. “You’re really good at this.”
“We all have our calling.” She turned and started toward the counter. “Take your time. I’ll be up front. I’ll have those accessories for you, too.”
“Thank you.” Andi glanced at her reflection again. She did look very put together, but in an easy, elegant kind of way. Somehow, even though she was very covered up, she also felt sexy. Maybe it was the glamorousness of the look. Whatever the reason, she felt confident that Con would like it, too.
She changed back into her street clothes, then took everything to the counter to pay. The total was again ridiculously low, but Andi was starting to realize things worked differently here. Not just in this shop, but in this town.
She could get used to a place like this.
Stella handed Andi her shopping bag full of purchases, including a pearl choker and some imitation-diamond stud earrings. “Here you go. I hope you have a great time tonight, honey. And don’t sweat it. The Thibodeauxes are good people.”
The Vampire's Cursed Kiss (Shadowvale Book 2) Page 12