Page 6 of Ten Kisses

"Yeah, for sure. When?"

"Today, is that possible? I have samples already."

"Yes. I'll meet you over there. Just tell me what time."

"Four-thirty or five?" he asked.

"Of course. I'll text you when I'm on my way."

"Thanks, Molly."

"Thank you, oh my goodness. And I need to know when and how to pay you, too."

"We'll deal with all that later, once you get the piece."

"Okay, thank you. See you in a little bit. I'll meet you out at your property."

"Thank you. See you in a little while."

I pushed the button on my key fob, unlocking my car. Sara followed my lead, and we both got into the car.

I said goodbye and hung up with Salem before I closed my car door. It was nice out, so I wasn't in a hurry to turn on the car. I smiled at my sister with excitement.

"Can you believe it? So much is happening today. I ordered my stickers, and my counter is going to be done soon."

"Your counter? It sounded like you were making plans with him."

"I was. Remember? I was telling you I ordered a counter through Salem."

"Yeah."

"Well, he's building a house right now, and part of my deal about that counter is that I'm going to help him pick out stuff for his new house. I’m going over there today."

Chapter 3

My sister stared blankly at me, looking concerned, considering what I had told her about Salem and my new piece of furniture.

"Picking out stuff? Like paint colors? I didn't know you two were that close. You just told me Kirkpatrick Construction was making your work cabinet."

"They are."

"It sounds like Salem is," she said.

"Salem is Kirkpatrick Construction. That's his last name. It's his company."

"You don't have to be rude," she said.

"I'm not."

I didn't start my car because I could tell that something was wrong with my sister. I sat in the driver's seat, looking at her, waiting for us to get this settled.

"Do you have some kind of problem with me going over to Salem's to help him with his house?" I spoke bluntly and wore a confused expression because I didn't owe her an explanation, and we both knew it.

"No, I'm just… I guess I was… I'm blown away. I'm sitting here thinking, and I don't even know what to say. I know you met him at Mom's house, Molly. I was there with you when you met him." She was upset. Sara was normally the most laid-back one of us all—always smiling. I didn't like seeing her look upset.

"Sara, are you freaking out right now because I met Salem at Camp Eden?"

"Yes, I am a little, Molly."