Page 6 of More Than Words
“Hey, back.”I couldn’t help but smile at the girl.
Quinn.
Her long, dark hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail, her backpack slung over her shoulder, and her hands were stuffed into an oversized hoodie.
She’d been in at least once a week for the last few months.Always with a sharp eye for whatever new books I’d recently stocked and an even sharper wit.
“You again,” I said with a smile.
“Got anything new that doesn’t totally suck?”
I tilted my head.“Depends.You still on your dragon kick, or are you ready to branch out?”
The girl grinned as she wandered toward the used shelf.“Dragons are pretty classic.But I’m open to explosions or something juicier.”
“Juicier?You’re twelve,” I said, teasing gently as I joined her near the shelf.
“I’m very mature for my age,” she shot back with a smirk.“Ask anyone.”
I didn’t doubt it for a second.I pulled a well-loved paperback off the middle shelf and handed it to her.“This one’s got a bit of everything.Dragons, age-appropriate steam, and a twist that made me yell.”
Her eyes lit up as she took it from me.“Nice.How much?”
“You can borrow it,” I said.“Just bring it back when you’re done.”
In all the time that Quinn had been coming into the store, she’d never bought a book.Normally, she just pulled one off the shelf and curled up in a chair, speed-reading until closing time.Not that I minded.In fact, she kind of reminded me of myself at her age.
“Seriously?”Quinn blinked up at me, surprised.“For real?”
“For real.”
“Okay.”She grinned.“But I’m going to give you an honest opinion when I bring it back.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
She started toward her usual spot, already absorbed in the book.Before I could stop myself, I asked, “Do your parents read, too?”
Quinn paused, but didn’t look up.“I don’t know.My dad’s always busy working.And my mom…she’s not really around.”
Just like that, my heart gave a little tug.
“Well,” I said softly, “you’re always welcome to hang out here.Anytime.”
She turned and smiled at me.It was just a flicker, but it was real.
Without another word, she settled into her chair and lost herself in the book.The saws and hammers from next door started up again, but instead of letting them get to me, I lifted my wrists to my nose and inhaled the scent of lavender and peppermint.
Ethan
I shoved the door open with my elbow, doing my best to balance the tray of drinks and not drop the paper bag of burgers and fries.“Dinner of champions,” I called out as I walked through the small house.
Quinn padded into the kitchen moments later.“Please tell me you got fries.”
“Do Ieverforget the fries, kiddo?”
She shrugged and rolled her eyes.“You forgot your own birthday last year, so…”
Fair point.
