Page 25 of Air Of Mystery
I batted my eyelashes at him. “You flatterer, you.”
Across the kitchen Kenna laughed.
“You’re so much like your sister,” he said to me. “Working incredibly long hours and busting ass, trying to prove to everyone that you can do it all by yourself.”
Deliberately, I fluffed my hair. “I assure you that I am more than capable.”
Tyler sent me a look. “Never said you weren’t. But it’s clear to see that although you may be capable, you are run down.”
Brushing off his concern, I stood. “Thanks for breakfast, Kenna.”
“Hey.” Tyler snagged my arm before I could walk away. “Do you want me to talk to Charlie for you?”
I looked pointedly at the hand that was loosely holding my wrist.
Instead of letting go, Tyler gave my wrist a gentle squeeze. “I overheard,” he explained.
“There’s no need for you to play big brother,” I told him, tugging my hand away.
“Skye…” Kenna’s tone was admonishing. “He’s only offering to help.”
“I can take care of it myself,” I said. Turning my back on the two of them, I walked out of the kitchen.
***
I managed a nap and woke up a few hours later feeling out of sorts and low-level bitchy for the way I’d acted with Kenna and Tyler. Climbing from my bed, I discovered I was a tad wobbly, and that I ached all over. Wondering if I was coming down with a summer bug, I headed for shower and stuck my head under the hot water, hoping for a miracle.
After drying off and getting dressed in walking shorts and a sleeveless summer black and white top, I still felt woozy. So, I sat down at my vanity table to do my hair and makeup. Typically, I did that standing over the bathroom sink, but that day I made an effort to move slower. More deliberately.
Scowling at my own reflection, I gave myself a silent lecture. I didn’t have time to be under the weather.My to-do list is a mile long…a trip to the local library, and then the Alton Genealogy & Local History Library, in the hopes of learning more aboutthe history of the house on Henry Street. Then at noon, I am set to interviewa possible candidate for a local paranormal investigation.
Leaning closer to the mirror, I darkened my brows while I thought about my day.Maybe I should hit up the Ames Crossing library too... Amanda is the branch manager. She’d probably be able to really help with my research.
Sitting back, I studied my reflection critically. The makeup had managed to conceal most of the circles under my eyes, but I was still looking washed out. Picking up an eye shadow palette, I dipped a brush in and added more taupe shadow, blending it into the crease of my lids. “Better,” I decided, and then thickened my charcoal eyeliner for good measure. True, it was a bit dramatic for the library and historical society, but I found that the moody cosmetics suited my disposition.
I was still pretty damn pale though and forced to admit that I was looking run down. With determination I swiped more blush above my cheekbones and called it good.
Standing, I walked across my apartment, mashed my feet inside of my tennis shoes, snagged my purse, and headed for the fire escape door. The room tilted a bit, and I had to stop and wait for the dizziness to pass. “I’ll get myself a solid breakfast,” I told myself. “Push the fluids today, load up on protein and I’ll be fine.”
Letting myself out, I went carefully down the iron spiral staircase. I sometimes used that exit, typically when I didn’t want to talk to or see anybody else. Feeling rather smug that I’d managed to avoid the family, I strolled to my gray car and using the key fob, popped the locks.
“Ha!” I said. “Made it.”
I’d only opened the car door when I heard my name being called.
“Skye! Hold on a minute!”
Damn it,I thought, as I saw my older sister, Brynn, walking toward me.
Dressed in denim shorts and a casual T-shirt, her long dark hair fell in loose curls down her back. She was carrying a large woven basket of cut flowers and was barefoot. “Glad I caught you,” she said.
“I have appointments in town this morning,” I said in an effort to stave off a conversation.
“This won’t take long.”
I tossed my purse in the front seat. “What is it?”
Brynn smiled. “I was wondering if you would mind dropping off something for me while you’re out and about.”
