Page 4 of Harmless Scandals

“I sell there sometimes. I’m usually not there to sell, but I’ve helped the vendor from time to time.”

Once, and she felt guilty for lying. It wasn’t like she hid the fact that she acted, but she didn’t like talking about it at first. She didn’t want anyone to think she was that girl anymore.

Before she would have to answer questions, she decided to head off. “I hate to drop off mac bread and run, but I have some work I have to do. Tell the guys if they need anything to just let me know.”

“I will.”

She walked up the path knowing it was a little rude to leave like that, but Serenity couldn’t help it. She didn’t mind people knowing she was a former child star, but she liked to keep it on the down low. She didn’t need to deal with the press in her new life. It was always better to introduce her background to people slowly.

After she got back to her house, Serenity decided to worry about neighbors later. A girl had to eat, and to eat, she had to sell images.

two

Mick McGrath set down his last box just inside the door and sighed. Jillian held out a water bottle.

“Drink.”

“Thanks.” He opened the bottle and took a long drink.

“I think we're getting too old for this shit,” he said.

“Make a hole,” Adam said. Mick moved aside as he and Conner brought their last boxes in.

“Yeah, I know I'm too old for this,” Conner said.

“Too old?” Jillian, Conner's wife asked as she walked in from the kitchen. She was six months pregnant and was in the waddle stage. Granted, they never let her know that was what they called it. “All I see standing in front of me are three fine male specimens.”

“Well, this male specimen is tired and feeling his age,” Conner said. The former FBI agent still wore his hair regulation short and didn’t look a year over thirty.

She shook her head, her braids sliding over her bare shoulders.

“Please.” She looked at the two of them. “And you two have food to eat anyway.”

“Oh, you cooked?” Adam asked.

She laughed. “Yeah, no. It's hot today. I ran out and got you some Giovanni's shrimp, four servings because I know you two. Plus, your neighbor brought some food by.”

Mick frowned. “I thought we'd never see her.”

“Why's that?” Conner said as he opened a water bottle.

Mick shrugged. “Real estate agent said she's kind of quiet. Likes her privacy.”

“Well, either way, she brought you some banana mac nut bread. And no, I didn't eat any. The thought of eating something sweet makes my stomach turn these days.”

“What’s she like?” Adam asked.

“She's rather tall, well over six feet.”

“I like tall women,” Mick said with a smile.

“I know you do. You hardly notice the hairy mole on her chin.”

“Wait, what?”

She started laughing.

“She's rather petite, blond, and much too nice for the likes of you two.”

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