Page 52 of Starry with a Chance of Nightshade

Stratton glanced at the counter to find Jeffrey’s mother, Faye, stepping back from the cash register as an absolute goddess took the spot.

Everything around Stratton ceased to exist, leaving only her. He swayed slightly, still holding the phone, his hands wanting to make contact with her. Drawing in air became an effort as his entire body responded to the sight of the woman.

Wisps of dark brown, nearly black hair broke free from a slouchy gray beanie cap, as she adjusted it. She had two long thick braids hanging down behind her shoulders. Her right eyebrow had three silver piercings in it. There was one on her lower lip as well. A number of silver earrings hung from each of her ears. He was fast realizing he had a thing for excessive piercings.

The woman’s moss-green eyes were wide and very, very familiar. His mind raced to recall where he’d seen eyes like that before, but unfortunately, his brain was no longer the organ in charge of his thought process. That function was currently being operated by his groin.

The woman behind the register parted her lips slightly. And just like that, his erection became mission control central for his actions too. He had to fight to keep from adjusting then and there.

The smallest of gasps came from her. Instantly, Stratton was struck with visions of what it would be like to sample her lips, and ease his tongue over the piercing there, before sliding down and exploring the rest of her glorious body.

She was absolutely perfect.

At first glance, she looked to be around five-eight, and he could imagine her long legs wrapping around his waist as he lost himself in her. Suddenly, his dress slacks felt a lot tighter in the groin area and the café’s temperature seemed to skyrocket. Had the air conditioning system gone out? If so, Yolanda would need to have someone check it straightaway.

As quickly as the feeling of being totally alone with her had struck, it ended, leaving everything and everyone else in the café rushing back into his consciousness.

Stratton didn’t dare move, unsure what in the hell had just happened. He took a deep breath, fearful his magik would get away from him once more. It was a full minute or so before he released his death grip on the cell phone.

Faye and her best friend Angela spoke to the woman behind the counter, giving her what sounded like a rundown on coffee orders.

Peggy twisted around from her position at the end of the counter, looking the newcomer up and down. “You all set to go, Star Child, or are we gonna have issues?”

Star Child?

ChapterNineteen

Stratton

“I’m good,”said the woman, her voice the same as the one Stratton had heard before the lights had flickered.

Before the phone call.

It was then Stratton remembered Marcy was on the line. “Marcy, can I call you back?”

“No can do, chicky-boo,” said Marcy, sounding content being basically ignored. “I want to be on the line for this. I’m so excited I might burst. Besides, your battery is dead on your cell, so you’ll need to charge your phone before you can call anyone. I cannot wait that long to hear all the juicy details. I’m fine where I’m at.”

He no longer bothered questioning how it was she knew certain things, like his phone battery being drained. He just went with it.

Star Child glanced at Dana, took a deep breath, and smiled. “What can I get for you today?”

Stratton had thought his pants were too snug before the woman had smiled. Now he was fairly positive he was wearing slacks that were a good three sizes too small. Painfully so.

“The largest caramel latte you have,” said Dana, slicing through Stratton’s mental chaos. “Withextracaramel. Did I mention I wanted the biggest cup size you have?”

“Tell her she can only have a small,” said Marcy on the phone.

Stratton eyed Dana cautiously, unsure he wanted to incur her wrath. “Marcysays you can only have a small.”

Jeffrey grinned. “I really love yourstepmom.”

“Remind me again that one of my best friends married my father and I’m going to rip off parts of you,” said Dana through clenched teeth.

“Oh, sweetheart,” said Jeffrey’s mother as she bagged a croissant and handed it over the counter to him. “Listen to her. When I was pregnant with you, your father tried to limit how much ice cream I wanted to eat, worried it would be bad for you. I nearly ripped off Jim’s—”

Jeffrey yelped and grabbed for the bag. “Mom, whatever you do, don’t finish that sentence.”

“Jeffrey, you do realize how babies are made, right? A stork didn’t drop you on our doorstep.” Faye smiled.

---