“Can I help you?” She asked, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms across her chest while cocking her hip to the side. My anger started to slowly rise at her small act of hostility.
I looked her over. She was pretty, with chin length black hair that had sweeping bangs that covered one of her finely arched eyebrows. Hot pink strips ran throughout it, giving it a chic punk look. Her wide, slightly tilted, emerald green eyes were burning with resentment. Her face was all soft angles, giving her an elven air. While being at least four inches shorter than my own petite 5'6'' frame, I was slightly impressed that the girl could give off such a powerful presence.
She wore tight black pants with an equally tight black t-shirt tucked into them. A hot pink logo on her left breast pocket stated the stores name, along with the girls' name. Rosemary, what a bad choice in name for this chick. She should have been named something harder, like Bertha. “I was just looking around.”
“Well, if you're not going to buy anything, feel free to leave.” She stated simply, gesturing toward the door.
Startled, I placed my hands on my hips and leaned slightly toward her. “Dude, what is your problem?”
“I don't like your types just wondering around, disturbing the customers.”
“My type? What, do I have bank robber stamped across my forehead or something?”
“Try out of town spoiled rich girl, just looking for some trouble to mess with the local hillbilly’s.”
“Excuse me?” Yes, my family may have been better off than others, but we were nowhere near rich. The only reason they were even able to buy the house and the car was because of what we got when we sold the house in LA. I knew that until my mother finished her new book that money would be pretty tight.
She rolled her eyes and started walking toward the café. “You heard me, now leave.” I felt thoroughly dismissed which pissed me off.
I stalked after her, anger flushing my face. She was already behind the counter of the café, whipping up a 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 café.
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… Shit! He's talking! What the hell is wrong with me?
“Um, what?” I mumbled into his shirt, but it came out sounding more like mmmwhaf?
“I said, would you mind removing your nose from my shirt!” he practically growled at me. I could feel the reverberations of his words against my lips. It definitely felt like a growl.
I stepped back hastily, almost tripping over my own feet. Luckily his hands were still on my arms, otherwise I would have toppled over. I tried to run a hand through my hair, but his grip halted the motion. I looked into his eyes, then off over his shoulder, and not wanting to look at him directly for fear of being entranced again. “Sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going.”
“Well, that much was obvious. Are you daft or something? I tried talking to you five times before you answered.”
I could have told him the truth. That I was too busy stopping myself from rubbing up against him like cat. But, I really didn't feel like having the word 'freak' branded onto my forehead. It didn't help that I was shocked at my own reaction. I quickly turned angry and sarcastic, hoping to cover up the blush that spread across my face.
“What is it with you people? I swear if I receive one more warm greeting, I may burst from all the happiness you guys keep throwing around.” I tried to cross my arms, pulling off a look of full blown indignation, but is hands were still resting on them.
“Dude, I don't know who you are or what type of personal bubbles Virginians have. Where I come from you keep your hands to yourself, unless you're invited to touch someone.” I watched as the left side of his mouth raise a little. Oh that boy better not be smirking at me. I was getting ready to lay into him, but was surprised when he backed off with his hands held up in surrender.
“Point taken. I apologize for keeping you from falling on your face—”
“I was not falling—”
“And from saving you from further embarrassment—”
“Listen here, you little—”
“So, you can apologize to me, thank me, and move on like a decent person.”
“Are you flipping serious? What in the hell do I have to apologize for?”
“For staying plastered to me and invading my personal bubble.” He quirked of his eyebrow. At me. He quirked his eyebrow at me. I was beyond anger at that point.
I moved around him without saying a word, while silently chanting to myself. I will not kick his ass. I will not kick his ass. He grabbed a hold of my arm, forcing me to stop. Wrong move, fucker.
Grabbing hold of his hand, I started to twist it, and place him in a submissive hold. Stunned, I stared up at him over my shoulder when he easily reversed the move. He locked my body against his with both of my arms crossed over my chest. My body lit up with excitement. My mind, on the other hand, was shocked into silence.
“Feisty, aren't we?” His breath bathed against my ear, causing a delicious shiver to race down my spine.
“Let go of me.” I felt my body run hot with pools of desire racing through me. I didn't understand why I was having that strong of a reaction to him.
“Not until you apologize and thank me.”
I rolled my eyes with a sigh. I just wanted this confrontation over with. I didn't think my body could handle any more changes. “Fine. I'm sorry, and thank you.”
He abruptly let me go and started walking down the street. “See, that wasn't so hard.”
Flipping him off, I turned and stomped back to the car.
“Oh, little tigress?” He called after me. I paused and sent a glare over my shoulder. His smile grew. “I look forward to the invitation.” Winking, he turned on his heel, and sauntered off.
I snapped back around and continued on to my car. Even the sight of it wasn't enough to break me out of my bad mood. I threw myself behind the wheel. “I can't believe this shit!” I slammed my hands against the steering wheel, shook my head and began the long drive home.
Chapter Six
My anger was brimming the entire way home. I sat in the driveway trying to suppress the darkness, the rage. I'd been putting my parents through enough crap lately, and didn't want to add to it. Feeling the hopelessness of the situation, I headed inside, slamming the door in my wake. Maybe my parents would take heed of the international sigh for 'pissed off and leave me alone'. And maybe cats could actually be herded.
“Hey Sunshine, should I ask how the job hunting went?”
I stopped short and glared at my father. Maybe the glare would do it. “I got a job.”
“Ah, so that's what's gotten you into such a good mood. I usually wasn't that happy until a couple of weeks into the job, but it looks like you're absolutely thrilled.”
“Your witticism is always entertaining, Dad.” I turned with military precision before anything else came out. I was pushing it and I knew it. Slamming my bedroom door behind me, I quickly headed downstairs, fearing Dad would follow to 'talk'. I didn't want to 'talk'. That just led me to having diarrhea of the mouth and a bad attitude. Maybe I was going crazy.
I took my anger out on my belongings, tearing through the boxes, and methodically sorting the stuff out while blaring my iPod. Walking with a handful of CD's, I jumped when Dad jumped out in front of me. My hands flew, scattering the CD's everywhere.
“What the fuck!”
He tried to hide his grin as he looked at me with faux concern. “You okay pumpkin?”
I ripped out my ear buds. “Oh just perfect. Nothing like having the crap scared out of you to get your blood pumping. Healthy doses of adrenaline does a body good.”
“Well, come upstairs, your mother wants to talk to you.”
“I really don't feel like talking.”
“Thank you, Captain Obvious. I got that memo when you practically brought down the house with the reverberating slam of your door. But, regardless, your mother wants to talk to you.”
“What are you? Her messenger dog or something?”
He scratched his chin. “Well, I guess you could say that. It comes with being married I suppose. And if you don't come upstairs, I'll be in the doghouse. Pun intended.”
“Well I'll get you a nice doggy bone to make up for it, but I don't want to talk right now, so—” I flicked my wrist toward the door, mentally wiling him to go away.
He looked around my room instead of marching off, like I was trying to mind control him to do., “You know, I suppose Eleanor could just come down here to talk to you. I know she has some ideas of how to decora
te this place.”
“You wouldn't dare.” I frowned, trying to stare him down.
“Oh well, you know that she's probably going to want to do something for you now that you've gotten a job. It would be easy to place the idea of her decorating your area as a surprise.”
“Then I'll—”
“And you can't quit, otherwise the car goes back.”
I looked around my haven. I imagined all the horrible things my mother could do. There would be pastel colors everywhere, frilly lacy concoctions, and boy band posters. The mental picture was enough to make me gag. “Alright Dr. Nefarious, you win this time.”
I almost smiled at the sound of his horrible imitation of an evil laugh.
* * *
Light filtered through the floor to ceiling windows, causing dust motes to dance like fairies in the soft rays. Mom was busy unwrapping the multitude of pictures, and trying to find the best place for them. There were family photos in silver frames among the fireplace mantle. The precise placement, thanks to my mother's OCD, left everything feeling slightly cold. Even though it should have given off a warm and inviting feel in the beautiful room.
“There you are, Star. Sit on the couch, and I'll join you when I'm finished.”
I did as I was told, sitting stiffly while waiting for her to finish. I tilted my head back and watched the flickering light. All the unpacking had taken the edge off my anger, but the darkness was still there. It was always there.
She wiped the dust off her hands and joined me on the couch. I knew what she was expecting, but I just didn't want to deal with anything. I had way too much to process already. “So, I hear you got a job!” she chirped, almost blinding me with her radiant smile.
I kept my focus on the exposed beams of the cathedral ceiling, thoroughly ignoring her. Please, just let me go back to my room.
“Oh, come on honey, it's not that bad.” I gave her a mental eye roll as she patted my knee and scooted closer. She was way too happy about all of this. “So, where are you going to work at?”
“The Nook.”
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