I watched as he jumped to do her bidding, quickly walking over to the key box, unlocked it and dug around for the SUV's keys and grabbed a temporary plate. He barely paid me a second glance as he handed them over, his attention once again focused on Mom as he was attaching the plate to the SUV. The sound of Dad clearing his throat jerked him back to the present. With a sheepish smile he began herding Dad into the office. Staring after them, I watched as Dad turned around and gave me a knowing wink.
With a quick hug, Mom trailed after her husband and the smitten car dealer. “Be home by dinner!” she called over her shoulder. Staring after my parents, I couldn't quite comprehend the scene she was just privy too. I shook my head and smiled brightly as I turned toward my new car. I couldn't believe it was mine! I let out a happy sigh as I started it up, sending a happy beep of goodbye as I drove away. I was determined to keep the day as upbeat as possible.
Chapter Five
Heading toward the historic downtown area, I breathed the new car smell deeply into my lungs. I couldn't erase the large, cheesy smile that continued to stay plastered on my face. Looking for a parking spot, I smoothly parallel parked in front of a hunting store. Jumping out of the car, I quickly hit the power locks, and made my way down the bricked sidewalk. Glancing over my shoulder to look at my car, I prayed no one would be stupid enough to either bump into it or scratch it. That's all I needed, having something happen to it on the day of purchase. Mom and Dad would love me for that.
With my head held high, I walked down the street, looking from shop to shop for something that would peak my interest. 'Hunting... fishing... general store... shoe repair... seriously, doesn't this town have something worthwhile?' At the end of the block, I noticed The Nook was still bustling with people. Curious, I dashed across the street and stepped inside the store. My eyes widened as I took in shelf after shelf of books.
The Nook was filled with natural light from the wall of windows. Against the left side was a little café selling different types of coffee concoctions as well as pastries. I took in a healthy sniff of the caffeine flavored air, still catching the musty scent of old and new books underneath the pleasing aroma from the little café.
Walking slowly around, I scoped out the book section. Little reading nooks were scattered throughout the store, offering a comfy place to relax and read. Must be where the name came from. Toward the back, a spiral staircase led up to the second floor. Before I could proceed further, a girl about my age stepped in front of me.
“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.