Page 4 of One Last Wish

Chapter Two

“How did it go withDanny?” I asked Evelyn over the breakfast bar in the morning. Our apartment was small but stylish. It had all the latest mod cons that were perfect for compact living.

“A little disappointing,” she pouted. Her dark, coffee eyes searched my face. “What was your screaming about last night, anyway? I don’t think for a moment that you had a guy in your room.” I was screaming last night? I didn’t remember that part. “It sounded like you were being gutted or something. I had to check on you, but you were fast asleep.”

“Oh, it’s probably the fantasy book I’m reading. I’ve been having weird dreams the last few weeks.” I tucked my hair behind my ears, trying to play it off.

“You’ll have to let me read the book once you’re done if it makes you screamthatmuch.”

“Yeah, I will. I think you’ll like the male lead. He’s quite...possessive.” Evelyn loved her smut and possessive alphas.

“What kind of dreams do the books make you have?” I knew what she was asking with that dirty smirk on her face. “Are they vivid and lifelike? How large was his penis?”

“Notthosekinds of dreams! You can be such a dirty bitch.” I don’t think I’d ever had a dirty dream.

“And you are such aclosed book! We’ve been living together fortwo yearsand I only ever see the real you when we get drunk!”

“We’reroommates!You don’tneedto know anything about me.” It was true. We didn’t need to know anything about each other. We only ever had conversations in the morning for a few minutes before we went about our days.

“You are fucking cold, Alora. Has anyone ever told you that?”A few times, actually.“You were really screaming, and not in a good way! Sorry for giving a shit!”

“Okay! Okay!” Damn, Evelyn was a temperamental bitch this morning. “It was a weird shadow dream. This hand tried to grab me, but the room spun upside down before the hand could get me. That was probably what made me scream.”

“Like one of those hot Shadow Daddy’s?” I really shouldn't have gotten Evelyn into fantasy books! She was less annoying with the contemporary novels.

“No. There wasnoman in the dream. A male voice, but not an actual man!”

“Weird. Yeah, I agree, no books for a while! Your overactive imagination probably doesn’t help.” Looking down at the smartwatch on her hand, Evelyn jumped up. “Fuck! I’m going to be late for my lecture! Are we still on for drinks tonight?”

“Yes,” I called, watching her grab her bag and rush towards the door. That would teach her for inviting Danny back last night.

After washing up my cereal bowl and coffee mug, I got showered and dressed, ready for another thrilling day at Bookends. At least Theo was off today. I’d have the pleasure of Ned, Alice and Daisy, instead. The three work colleagues that feared me the most. It was going to be a nice, peaceful day.

I arrived at the corner bookshop first. It was rare for Malcolm to make it in before his staff. By the time I got in and put all the lights on, Ned and Alice had arrived. I was setting up the tills, Alice gave me a small smile, but all I did was glare back. Daisy got in a few minutes before Malcolm. I’d never met anyone as happy as Daisy. Nothing seemed to faze her, and she always had an annoying grin on her face.

“Good morning, Alora! Isn’t it a beautiful day?” It wasNovember. New York was cold, dull, and full of tourists here for Thanksgiving and the festive holidays. What the fuck was she on?

“Can you unbox the books out the back?” I needed her as far away from me as possible.

“Let me take my coat off first!” Daisy giggled. “You are such a slave driver!”

“There are some new bookmarks that need to be priced up and put on display, too! Oh, and a few new window display posters. Get Ned to help you,” I called as she went out of view.

At least I could stay at the cashier desk today. With Theo being off, I didn’t have to find lots of hiding places.

“Thanks for opening up,” Malcolm called from behind me. “I’ve been thinking about your idea to host a midnight fantasy release party.” Oh! Was he finally giving in? “If you’re happy to run it, I think you could be on to a winner. It will give Book Junkies a run for their money.”

“That’s amazing news! Of course I don’t mind running it!” My mind was on overdrive with ideas. I had been begging him formonthsto let me organise one.

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