Page 139 of Jackass

“Avery, can you show Rayne where the girls like to sit and read?” I asked, noticing the girl’s eyebrows were pulled together.

I wasn’t sure if it was confusion or a scowl.

Ryder didn’t look much different. Though, I had a feeling they were both scowling. I had seen the way Avery looked at Ryder. I knew she had a crush. But she was a teenager.

Why Ryder would scowl was a much bigger question.

Beck and I worked for the next hour, while Rayne read to the girls. Avery sat in the corner with her nose in a book she clearly wasn’t reading. Her eyes drifted from Rayne to Ryder and back again.

Ryder tried to look like he was working, but his eyes constantly drifted to Rayne. I didn’t think he was getting much work done. I nudged Beck with my elbow as I tipped my head in Ryder’s direction.

I laughed when she looked up and smiled.

“Hey, Ryder, need any help over there? Doesn’t look like you are getting much done.”

Ryder looked at us and held up his hand. Only his middle finger was extended, and Beck threw back her head and laughed.

I laughed along with her and started packing up my things. It was time for lunch, and I was starving.

“Charlie, it’s time to go,” I called.

“But, Mommy, Miss Rayne was gonna read another story,”Charlie whined.

“I’m sorry, baby, but we have plans.”

Charlie pushed her bottom lip out into a pout and crossed her arms, stomping her foot.

“Excuse me, young lady. Do I need to call Uncle Tank and tell him no ponies this weekend?”

Charlie immediately straightened herself up.

“No, I be good,” Charlie promised.

“Ponies?” Ryder asked.

“Yup, it seems Uncle Tank has an affinity for watchingMy Little Pony. He and Charlie watch them every Saturday morning,” Beck said, trying to hold back her laughter.

“Oh my God, wait till I see him.” Ryder chuckled.

“Ok, we’ll see you later. Rayne, would you like to have lunch with us?” I asked.

Rayne looked at Ryder, who was ignoring her, then at her watch.

“I wish I could. Maybe next time,” she replied.

Beck and I just smiled at each other. I knew what the topic at lunch would be. We said our goodbyes and left the bookstore. We walked to the alley between the bookstore and the bakery to let Mimic know we were heading to the diner.

He chose to stay outside today to watch for Carrie or Derek. When we got to his bike, he wasn’t there. I peered down the alley and saw him lying on the ground.

“Mimic!”

I didn’t hesitate. I ran toward him, my hand still holding Charlie’s. Beck was right behind me. I dropped to my knees beside him and searched for a pulse. Thankful when I found one.

“Samantha.”

I looked up at Beck. Her gaze was locked on something over my shoulder. I turned around and spotted Carrie standing there, holding a gun. I stood slowly and turned to Carrie.

“Carrie, what are you doing?” I asked.

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