Page 36 of My Heart to Find

“You can do it,” he says. And he grins at me. It is a grin that is heart-stopping, that reminds me exactly why I fell for Damien in the first place. “And then we can go to Trevor’s together.”

Together. I like the way he says it.

I nod at him. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

Inside the post office it’s cool and smells faintly of perfume. I wrinkle my nose, knowing the scent will be enough to make my headache worsen. Anastacia’s at the counter and I saunter up. Damien’s behind me, but when I turn to look up at him, I find he’s now apparently fascinated by something on one of the aisles—holding a shoe spray so intently that says it can cure ‘even the smelliest of feet.’ I realize he’s not actually registered what it is he’s picked up, he’s just trying to look nonchalant.

I try not to laugh.

“Can I help you?” Anastacia’s voice is low, kind of husky. It’s similar to Jana’s, except my best friend has more intonation in her voice. Her words are nearly always melodic and chirpy.

I turn back quickly. “Uh, yeah.” I grab the nearest item—a bottle of water to the side of the counter. “Just this please.”

My heart’s pounding, least of all because I’ve touched the water bottle. I dig my bank card out of my pocket. How am I going to bring up Marnie? I look around, feel my face reddening.

“You haven’t got any posters up in here for Marnie?” I ask, even though I can see that they haven’t.

Anastacia shrugs. “Why would we? She ran away.” She rings up the till.

“So, you believe that?” I ask, and oh my god, how obvious am I being?

Anastacia regards me carefully, her painted red lips narrowing. “Why are you concerned all of a sudden? It’s been nearly three weeks since she ran away.”

Damien’s now to my right, sort of parallel to the counter, and I can tell he’s concentrating solely on me and not what’s actually on the shelf he’s pretending to look at, because now he’s picking another of the items up without looking at it—a headlice comb. The corners of my lips twitch and I have to concentrate on focusing back on Anastacia. Anastacia—who’s waiting for an answer from me.

“I... I was just wondering,” I say. I look to Damien for help, and he’s mouthing something at me.

What? I squint at him.

Anastacia clears her throat, and I jump, turn and look at her.

“Is there anything else I can help you with?” she asks.

“Yes,” Damien says suddenly. “Uh, Cara’s just a little nervous to ask you. But, basically, this is a bit awkward, what with Marnie being missing and all.”

Anastacia watches him through narrowed eyes, her lips pursed together.

“So, you know Marnie’s ex?” Damien leans against the counter. He’s still holding the headlice comb. “Well, he’s asked Cara to go out for a drink with him and she’s a bit nervous, doesn’t really know him. But, seeing as you know Marnie, we thought you might know her ex too?”

Anastacia’s gaze lands on me. “Herex?”

“Yeah, we thought you might know him?” Damien gives her a smile.

“Him?” She raises her eyebrows. “Marnie’s intowomen.”

I feel the color drain from my face and I shoot dagger looks at him. This is far from subtle.

“Sorry, who are you again?” Anastacia fixes Damien with a pensive glare.

“He’s a friend of mine,” I say quickly.

Anastacia frowns. “Why are you lying to me about this? And why are you interested?”

I wring my hands together, nearly dropping my newly purchased bottle of water. “Sorry, we were just trying to get information,” I say, just as Damien says, “No reason.”

I groan inwardly.

“We were just curious, that’s all.”

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