Page 29 of A Fowl Match

“Everything is great. He just wanted to make sure I did everything on the list he left me today. He doesn’t trust that I can handle it all yet. And I had to wait a few minutes for his phone to connect and it kept going in and out.”

“Does his phone not work?”

“It never works. He won’t let me set up anything to make the connection better.” Dustin taps his chin in deep concentration. “Which gives me an idea. Could you do me a huge favor? If you do this for me, I will owe you big time.”

“Depends on the favor. Go ahead.”

I think I would do anything he asked at this point. The way he's looking at me could have me melting into a puddle.

“Could you charm my grandparents and keep them distracted for an hour while I set up an antenna on their roof without them finding out?”

“No way, are you kidding? I don't want to be an accomplice to your failed plan and give them a reason to hate me!”

“I promise they won’t hate you; if anything, they’ll just be mad at me. To be honest I’m just worried that if something happens, they will have no way to call for help if the service doesn’t work.”

How am I supposed to refuse that? He just wants to keep them safe. “Okay, I’ll do it. When?”

“That was easier than I thought. I have to order everything, but as soon as it comes, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay, I guess I’ll be your accomplice.”

Dustin and I finish planning and devouring dessert. We chat some more about random things. Mostly about our crazy town and all of the shenanigans the gossip mill pulls. I had a great night hanging out with him. It was rare to relax for an evening and let some of my guards down for the night.

We make our way down to the shop doors in front of the street. The stars contrast against the fading dark sky. Beams of light above each storefront flicker with the change of day to night. Dustin and I stand in front of my shop.

“Bye Vivi.” Dustin smirks.

“Bye Dustin.”

Chapter 18

Violet

I’venevernoticedhowgoofy my small town is. While I lounge here, my right leg draped over the left, leaning back on a bench in front of Cat’s & Novels,I’m starting to see why the tourist appeal has been increasing.

To my right there's a Rhode Island Red chicken strutting along the sidewalk, pecking in between the cracks. The door to the Hoarder Emporium is wide open, but when I look in, I see floor to ceiling nicknacks and antiques. It’s like traveling through time. Hoarder is pretty close to an accurate description, because the place is filled to the brim. I’m waiting for the day Mike and Frank show up from American Pickers. They would be in awe of all of the collectables she has acquired. Then in front of the Chop Shop, Chelsea opens the door waving at me. And starts to walk in my direction. To my horror, Chad follows on her heels.

It was bad enough Jackson cheated with Chelsea; now that Chad is with her too, it's an extra stab in the back.

After a long, busy day filled with customers buying plants to start in their gardens, I am exhausted. And all I want to do isenjoy some fresh air and find a new book to read. I am not ready for whatever these two have planned for me.

“Hey Vivi, it’s nice to see you!” She gushes while flipping her long blond hair over her shoulders.

“Hey, it’s great to see you too.”No, it's really not.Not after what she did to my best friend and me in the past. Where’s Olive when I need her. Chelsea sits down on the bench next to me. Then Chad follows suit and sits down next to her. He seems to be following her like a lost puppy.

“I hope you’re ready to lose this next competition.”

Here we go. Be nice Violet.Be nice.Don’t let the intrusive thoughts in. “On the contrary, I plan to win.”

What was that! You were supposed to play it off and not start an argument! I am mentally slapping my face.

“That's rich. You know I’ve won the past two years. I will be winning again. So just kiss that plaque goodbye,” Chelsea says with a snark.

She was and still is a mean girl. In high school, she would always pick on me and Olive. For a while I felt sympathy towards her. I think it comes from her mother. Constance has always been worried about the gossip between everyone else but never gave Chelsea the light of day. But Chelsea has never shown me a crumb of kindness. I try my best to hold it together, but I’m at my boiling point.

“Hey Violet, are these two bothering you?” Dustin’s voice booms from my left. I look up and see him towering over us, looking like a perfect escape plan.

“Not at all. I was just about to tell them I have to go now that you’re here. We’re going to pick out some books together.” I plaster a fake smile on my face, showing my teeth.

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