Page 16 of Wild Love

"If you have time, I can give you a tour of the library and show you where we hold classes. We have a small stage area that could work if you wanted to give more classes."

I held up my hand. "Let's take it one day at a time."

"When we were kids, there wasn't a program until high school. Why didn't you ever do it then? I always thought you'd be perfect for it."

"Theater was for the popular girls." Girls like Marigold. Who were pretty and dressed preppy. Not for the darker girls like me. I was too busy skipping classes and agitating my dad to focus on a play.

"That's too bad. We missed out on all your talent."

I rolled my eyes. "Please. You've never seen me perform."

"I saw videos online," Marigold said hesitantly, as if she was worried about my reaction.

Nerves fluttered in my stomach. "Were they good?"

Marigold nodded, her dimple appearing when she smiled big. "You were amazing. I'm so proud of you."

I huffed out a laugh. "Proud of me? I didn't even go to college."

Marigold's forehead creased. "You don't have to go to college to live your passion."

"You're a librarian, encouraging young minds. I provide entertainment. It's not life-changing."

"The arts are life-changing for a lot of us. Especially those of us who don't have any talents. I can't sing or act."

"You were always a good writer," I protested.

Marigold waved a hand. "That doesn't really come in handy."

I arched a brow. "Unless you wanted to write a book."

Marigold grimaced. "Which I don't."

We finished eating and split the bill.

Marigold stood and grabbed her purse. "Are you ready to see the library?"

I couldn't say no. "Sure."

We decided to walk because the sun was shining and the library was just down the road. When we passed the police station, the glass door opened.

Chance stepped outside in his uniform, looking put together.

I grinned. "Hello, big brother."

"Scarlett." His gaze moved from me to Marigold. "Are you staying out of trouble?"

"You know Marigold was the one who got me into trouble." I hooked my arm through hers.

Marigold scoffed because that was a lie.

Chance's gaze swung to Marigold. "How are you, Marigold?"

Her body stiffened. "I'm fine. Thank you."

"We met for lunch," I said to break the awkward exchange.

Chance crossed his arms over his chest. "Where you off to now?"

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