Page 322 of Dark Love

“Then you should make a batch of brownies too. Bring them to work and see if you can make some more friends there.”

“Mom.”

“Just make the brownies.”

“Fine, I’ll make some brownies.”

“But not the brownie cheesecake. That would be too much. You want to get to know a man before he proposes. And your father needs to meet him.”

Our family is so nutty. “I won’t make brownie cheesecake.” This is going to require more supplies. I need to run to the market.

***

“Mom said we need to get lemons, capers, and broccoli for dinner.” Two teenagers walk into the shop right in front of me. It’s impossible not to recognize my neighbors.

“Hello, Hope and Fire.”

The two girls turn around and say in unison, “Hey, Ms. Fleur.”

“How is your family?”

“Good.” Hope gives Fire a look. “You should come over to dinner. Nonna is making the best lemon and caper halibut you’ve ever tasted.”

“Hope’s right. Mom’s fish is the best.”

“I couldn’t put your family out.” A basket is probably big enough for everything I need to make, but there’s something about this market. I come for one item and end up with twenty. A cart it is.

“You wouldn’t be. There’s always someone coming over to dinner. Hope’s dad is back from his trip to Japan. We’re celebrating.”

“How long was he gone?” Poor kid. Hope’s dad works way too much and travels too often. I’ve only lived here a few months, but still, I’ve met everyone else in the family. And I mean everyone. They’re very friendly.

“Two days. He wouldn’t let me go with him because it was on school days, but he could have just brought along a tutor. It’s not like I’m behind or anything. I really want to go to Japan again.”

“School is important.”

“School is boring,” they whine in unison.

“Our teacher is making us write a book as part of our advanced placement English class. A book!” Hope starts to push my cart.

These girls are a trip. “Books are fun. You get a chance to create your own world and make all the rules.”

“All the rules?” Hope stops.

“All of them.” The cart just so happens to be in front of the baked goods. I ‘can’ make my own bread, but why when there’s fabulous fresh bread right here?

“Hmmm. But I have no idea how to even start.”

“Write what you enjoy. What types of books do you read?”

“She reads all about dragons and monsters,” Fire answers for Hope. She lowers her voice and whispers, “And romance novels.”

“You don’t need to whisper. Reading a romance novel isn’t anything to be embarrassed about.”

“It is when your father is overprotective, like mine. He told me that I can’t start dating until I’m ninety. Romance novels are a gateway drug.”

Drug. Reading. Oh no he didn’t. “You know what, I’d love to have dinner with your family. We can spend some more time talking about writing bookstonight.” And I’m going to bring over some romance novels for them to read. The nerve of that man.

Hope jumps up and down. “I can’t wait!!! See you tonight.” She takes Fire’s hand and the two girls run off.

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