by Gina Kincade
“Good.”
Chapter Two
REV YAWNED AS SHE UNLOCKED the back of Grandma’s shop. She couldn’t say why she was so tired. The store didn’t open until ten, so she had lots of time to sleep and get ready in the mornings. She’d stayed out with Lucius a while, but not late enough to make her sleepy.
Rev closed the door again and went in search of strong coffee. Grandma had a Kurig, but it just didn’t have enough kick. The bakery across the street probably served it with their breakfast pastries.
Like all the doors in Littleton, this one jingled with bells as it opened. She pushed her sunglasses up onto the top of her head, keeping her hair out of her face at the same time. The bustle and conversation died the moment she stepped into the room.
“Look, I just want a coffee, okay? I’ll take it and go.” It was frustrating to be on the spot every time she encountered the other residents of Littleton.
“Don’t you worry, Love. I’ll come with you.” Flo left the table she’d been sitting at to come to Rev’s side. “I never did get your name, Dearie.” She walked with Rev up to the counter where a woman with long black hair was pouring her coffee fast enough to splash the counter.
“Reverie,” she said. “And thank you, Flo.” She slapped her money on the counter and took her coffee without a word of thanks to the server. It was obvious she wouldn’t appreciate the polite gesture anyway.
“No problem, Reverie. Want to come and sit with me?” She looked to the table she’d been at with two older women, grey streaks woven through their dark brown or black hair. Neither met Rev’s eye, but both used body language, one with her arms crossed and the other twisted in her chair to face away from Rev and Flo, to make it clear they didn’t want her to join them.
“That’s okay, Flo. I need to open shop. I just came to grab the coffee.” She sipped it and then returned to the counter where cream and sugar waited.
“White freak,” someone muttered.
If it hadn’t been so quiet in the bakery, she wouldn’t have heard it. Trying to pretend she hadn’t, she grasped the doctored coffee, squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, and strode confidently to the door.
It opened outward just as she was about to grab the handle and the man coming through the other side collided with her, spilling hot coffee on both of them.
Rev let out a scream that devolved into cursing. “Fuck, I’m so sorry. Oh shit, shit. Are you okay? Dammit!”
Dark Eyes put a finger to her lips, cutting off her words and causing her to inhale sharply. His deep brown eyes seemed to sparkle. Was he laughing?
“It is my fault. Let me buy you another.” His voice, low and mellow, seemed to echo inside her. The reverberation made her tingle.
“Um, no, thank you. I have to hurry home to change so I can open on time. I’ll have to wait and get one at lunch.” She pawed at his shirt, her hand passing over a chest as broad as Lucius’, clad in black with wet streaks and blotches covering it. At least the coffee wouldn’t show on black. She was wearing beige and light green, a total mess. Patting at the mess on his chest, she could feel the softness of hair cushioning it. She could see just one or two hairs escaping at the neck of his t-shirt, dark and curly like the glossy mop on his head. Her fingers itched to run through the locks, and over his chest, too.
Heat filling her cheeks, she turned and ran. Another apology would be too much anyway.
Closing Grandma’s front door behind her, she leaned on it to catch her breath. Littleton was only a few blocks long, so it didn’t take any time to get to the house, but running the whole way had put a stitch in her side.
“What am I doing?” The empty house didn’t answer, and the silence seemed to mock her. Yeah, keep talking to yourself, lady. Real sane. She couldn’t argue with that assessment.
There was no sane reason why she would feel so attracted to more than one man at a time. That kind of thing only happened in steamy books, right? She’d had a couple of boyfriends over the last few years, some semi-serious, some not lasting past a few dates. However, two at a time, in the same small town, and cousins? That was odd. Certainly out of the ordinary, right? She had to be losing her mind to even think of it, but yet here she stood entertaining the possibility. There could only be one or two more people their age in town, Kristen for sure, so perhaps the simple lack of options drove the men to compete for her affection. That idea bothered her, too. She wasn't a trophy, and had no intention of becoming one for the winner of some silly contest between family members.
The intensity of her response to both Lucius and Dark Eyes was also peculiar, though. Love at first sight wasn’t something she believed in, and even if she recognized an instant attraction, she usually made herself wait a few days before acting on it. This time, she didn’t think she could hesitate so easily. Her heart wouldn’t let her. Problem was, which one of the cousins should she peruse and what if she chose the wrong one?
“Ugh, this is too much. I'm only here to help Grandma, not to find a boyfriend.” Looking down at her ruined outfit, she shook her head at the notion, pushed off the door and unbuttoned her shirt on her way to the guest room. She popped her head through a clean blue t-shirt, and looking in the mirror, she brushed the white-blonde strands from her pale, blue-grey eyes. White freak wasn’t a bad assessment. She wasn’t albino, but she did have to be careful in the sun, burning easily. She slipped on clean shorts, too, and returned to the door to step into her sandals.
Jogging, she got back to the store just in time for her phone to buzz. She ignored it while she turned the deadbolt and flipped the Closed sign to Open. She was fifteen minutes late and Grandma’s hair with bows told her who was calling.
“Shit. Hi, Grandma.” The last was much louder and brighter.
“Reverie. I meant to call earlier. Everything going well?”
“Yes, Grandma. Quiet but good.” She had her back to the door and walked toward the register. The bells jangled behind her.
“Is that someone coming in? I’ll let you go and call back latter.”
“Bye, Grandma.” Rev disconnected the call while she turned. Dark Eyes stood in the doorway holding two cups of coffee. Her lips twitched into a smile at his kindness. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“No.” He walked to the counter and held one out to her. “You looked like you needed it.”
She laughed. “That bad?”
He shook his head. “Never bad. Just bleary-eyed.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
Silence fell between them and he placed both cups beside the register. His gaze ran over her face and she flushed at his scrutiny. “So, what kind of porridge are you?” she asked, trying to make him feel as on the spot as she did.
“Just right, I hope.”
Unable to bear the curiosity any longer, she blurted out, “What’s your name?”
His grin was so different from Lucius’ broad one. It curved up more on one side than the other and only a few teeth peeked through the gap in his lips. His eyes sparkled, though, giving the impression of amusement.
“Uh, I mean, I’m Reverie Weiss. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She held out her hand.
Dark Eyes looked at it a moment, then he put both hands on her wrist and stepped closer, pulling her palm to his chest. “I’m Kerwin, and I’m done lurking.”
“I’m glad.” Reverie’s chest seemed to inflate with his words. She didn’t want him on the edges; she wanted to know him, spend time with him. “Are you and Lucius cousins?”
Kerwin’s grin fell a bit. “Yeah, cousins. I wish I were more like him.”
“Really? Why?”
“He didn’t hesitate to come here and meet you. I couldn’t have done it.”
Rev remembered the scene outside the door yesterday. “You seemed mad at him.”
Kerwin looked down and stepped back, letting her hand drop to her side. “He wasn’t supposed to rush in. We were supposed to start on even ground.”
“Wait, what? You guys made a d
eal about me?” Rev yanked her hand from his grasp and crossed her arms over her chest. This didn’t sound good.
“No. Not a deal.” Kerwin wasn’t meeting her gaze and Rev wasn’t sure what to say.
“Then what is it? You both wanted a shot at the new girl in town? Geez, no wonder all the women here hate me.”
“They don’t hate you.” He did look up, finally but his eyes were cold. “They don’t understand.”
“Neither do I. Kerwin, what is going on?”
He shook his head. “It’s too soon.” He stepped closer, raising his hand slowly.
Even in her defensive stance, she couldn’t drum up the desire to stop him touching her. He slid warm fingers into her hair and stroked through the strands. She leaned her head into his hand.
“You understand more than you realize. Reverie, I’m sorry Lucius and I have made your stay here awkward. I want you to love it here, to stay.” He brushed his thumb over her cheek.
She sighed and stepped away from him again. “I’m not here to stay. I’m only here to help Grandma.” She regretted her words when they resulted in him closing off. His cold gaze made her shiver despite the warmth of the day.
“I understand. I don’t know if Lucius will. Be careful.” Kerwin backed up until he could open the door, resulting in another ringing of the bells.
“Careful of what?” she asked.
“The wildlife.” He closed the door, putting an abrupt end to the conversation, and she almost chased after him. What on earth did that mean? What wildlife? And what did that have to do with Lucius?
Rev decided to call Grandma. Maybe she would have some ideas, and Rev knew if she didn’t call her, Grandma would be calling back within an hour anyway.
“Reverie. What did you sell?”
Rev shook her head. “Do you think of anything but sales?”
“Of course I do. Impertinent. You had a customer, so of course I thought of sales.”
Rev regretted her sharp words. “I’m sorry, Grandma. It was Kerwin and he didn’t buy anything.”
“Kerwin...which one is Kerwin?”
“The one my age with curly hair.”
“The quiet one.”
“Yeah.” Rev wandered through the shop while she talked, noticing a few corners that could use dusting.
“I’m not sure I ever knew his name. So what did he want?”
“Me.”
Grandma didn’t respond to that.
“So you don’t know him?”
“Not at all.”
“What about the rest of the family? You said Lucius' mom’s birthday is in August?”
“Yes. Lacy. What about her?”
“What is she like? What does she do?”
“She works the kitchen at Sweet Home.”
“Oh.” How was she going to learn anything? She flicked her fingers where they’d picked up bits of dust. “I’m going to let you go, Grandma. This place needs dusting. I might come and visit tonight.”
“Don’t you dare. You are there for a reason, stick to it. Your Mom and Barb are both coming today. I have plenty of company. You can go right ahead and dust anything you like.”
Rev gave a little snort. “Yeah, well, I’ll get to that. Feel better soon.”
“I’m sure I will. Don’t feel horrible now.”
“That’s good. Goodbye.”
Rev brooded the rest of the day while she cleaned. Somehow the menial tasks left her mind free to wander down all the roads she wasn’t interested in exploring. What had she done to come between friends and cousins? Why were all the woman so possessive of them? She wasn’t ugly, but she wasn’t a cover model either. Although there might not be plenty of other men the same age as Lucius and Kerwin, there was no shortage of men in general. So why was everyone so set against her?
She cleaned the entire showroom with no customers coming in, and was still in a foul mood by the end of the day. She could call Lucius again, and it would probably be easy to find Kerwin, but she didn’t want to face either of them at that moment. There wasn’t anyone else in town she knew.
Except Flo. Rev wouldn’t have thought of her, but the woman came to store just before closing.
“Hello, Reverie. How was your day? It got better, I hope.”
Rev felt a weight lift. Flow might be old enough to be her mother, just barely, but she didn’t approach Rev as a child. Feeling she was an equal, a friend, Rev was eager to talk to Flo.
“Better. Kerwin came with coffee.”
Flo nodded, smiling. “I noticed him leaving with two. So?”
“He left me that note last night.”
“Yes, yes. That was before you left with Lucius.”
“What is it with those two? I just got here, but it feels like they’ve been at each other’s throats the whole time. Are they always like that? Or is it me?”
Flo’s smile faded. “What are you doing for dinner?”
“You’re not working tonight?” Rev surmised as much. “I was thinking of making something and staying in.”
“Mind company? At least long enough to have a cup of coffee or tea?”
Again, Rev felt better for having someone, anyone, to help her navigate Littleton. It would be better when Grandma got back. “Yeah. That would be great.”
“Okay, then. I’ll grab some take out from the Golden Palace and meet you at your Grandma’s place.”
“You don’t have to buy. I can make us something.”
“You can make the tea. I’ll see you in about an hour.” Flo stood at the door a minute, looking back at Rev. “Don’t worry, Rev. You are doing exactly what you need to do.”
What did that mean? She was doing what Grandma needed? She thought she was, even though sales were slower than tar. The only thing she’d sold was a scarf for Lucius' mother that he wouldn’t give her for another two months. In any case, it was time to close up. She had just locked the register and was on her way to the door when another person opened it.
The man bent slightly to avoid banging his head on the frame. He was broad with a barrel chest and paunch that added to the solid presence he gave. He had black hair and dark skin, like Lucius and Kerwin, with Lucius' lighter brown eyes. They were colder than Lucius' had ever been with her. He came across as severe, but not angry. There was no doubt that he carried some form of authority; Mayor, maybe?
“Hello? I was just closing, but is there something I can do for you?” She might still make a sale today.
“Your grandmother is away.” His voice boomed, deep and sonorous.
“That’s right. The surgery went well, so she’ll be home soon.”
“I’m glad to hear that. How long will you be here?”
Rev sighed and looked at their feet. The man wore soft boots with beadwork forming a bear on the sides. It was intricate and beautiful work. “No longer than necessary,” she muttered. Louder she said, “As long as Grandma needs me. Now, is there something I can help you find?” She couldn’t work up the nerve to actually snap at the man, he was far to intimidating, but she could make it clear she was here for business.
“Perhaps. I think your grandmother had a pendant. Gold, in the shape of a deer.”
Rev bit on her lip and walked over to the jewelry case. “I don’t remember it.”
“There.” The man towered behind her, looking through the same display, his fat finger pointing at the top right.
The charm had no antlers, so Rev wouldn’t have guaranteed it was a deer, but she walked around the counter, opened the case and pulled out the necklace.
When her fingers touched the gold, she could have sworn she was back in the forest Lucius had guided her through, but it was filled with bright light shining off green leaves and brown bark. She gasped, her nose suddenly filled with the scent of earth, grass, and leaves. She even heard a bird calling.
Just as quickly, the vision, smell and sound were gone again. She stood behind the counter, holding out the pendant to the giant of a man on the other side. He was smiling now, w
hich made the resemblance with Lucius stronger.
“That’s it,” he said, though he made no move to take the pendant.
“Let me find a box.”
“No need. I’ll be back. You’re closed.” He turned away from her and Rev reeled in confusion. “You should wear it until then. It suits you.”
She stared at the pendant dangling from her fingers. After a few confused minutes, she threw it over her head and finished locking up.
OUTSIDE THE BACK DOOR, Kerwin emerged from the shadows between two buildings.
Her heart leapt into her throat and she jerked to a halt. “Shit, you scared me.” She held her hand to her chest, trying to force the rapidly beating lump back down where it belonged. “How long have you been there?”
He shrugged. His gaze traveling over her face and then down her neck and chest. He didn’t say anything, but made Rev feel very exposed, like she stood naked for him to admire. She opened her mouth to complain, but his dark eyes turned sad. Without saying a word to her, he turned and walked away.
Rev sagged. What was up with people here?
“Flo.” She’d been dealing with the big man, and then this interruption from Kerwin, she might be waiting at Grandma’s for her. Hefting her bag on her shoulder, she hurried away from Main Street.
Rev arrived ahead of Flo, but only long enough to put water in the kettle for tea.
“Hello?” Flo opened the screen door and stepped in. “Here, take this one.” Rev grabbed one of the two bags so Flo could take off her shoes. “I hope you like fried rice.”
“Who doesn’t?”
Flo took the bag back and carried them both to the table while Rev pulled down dishes and made tea. “I haven’t had Chow’s cooking in months. That old dragon can cook.”
“Dragon?” Rev set the teapot on the table.
“Figure of speech.”
Rev had never heard it. She didn’t argue though, helping Flo set out packages.
“Now, Love, what do you think of Littleton so far? I know we’re frightfully small and inbred.”
“Inbred.” Rev seized on that. “Yeah, is it just me, or are most of the people in town part of Lucius and Kerwin’s family?”