Page 39 of Bounty
Once I completed the transaction and she signed the book, Andi bagged my book and added cool swag. She was quite helpful and directed me to Jessa’s table since I absolutely refused to find food until I sought her out.
I didn’t read mafia books as much. Bikers and rockstars were my thing and damn did she have bikers. By the time I reached Jessa’s table, my energy had dipped to zero. Probably because I still hadn’t eaten. Before I walked up to her, I paused and drew in a few deep breaths to calm myself. Iwouldnot ramble the way I had with Andi.AndI’d remember I wore a fucking name badge.
Smiling, I sailed to the table, happy to see two copies ofA Biker’s Tiny Presentbut not many other books left. “Hi Jessa,” I said brightly. “When I saw Tiny’s name, I thought it was because he had a tiny peen. I’m so glad I was wrong. He was hung, wasn’t he? I was like ‘go, girl. Yay, you. And the way they loved Nicky…”
She blinked and I squinted. I could not believe what the fuck came out of my mouth.
“Er—”
She, like Andi, burst into laughter. I couldn’t help myself—I laughed, too.
“I’m sorry. All of that came out wrong.”
“It’s okay,” she assured me. “I’m so glad you enjoyed Tiny’s story.”
“I did. It was short but it packed such a punch.” My motherfucking stomach growled again. “My mother writes encyclopedias. Like, really. Eight, nine hundred pages.” I shook my head. “I love her imagination, but I think you should save the two-ton tomes for the penultimate book in the series.”
“I get what you mean,” Jessa responded. “But I like a combination. Short and sexyandlong and spicy.”
Slice’s length came to mind and I wanted to die of mortification. First, that asshole didn’t deserve one moment’s consideration. Neither him nor his dick. Secondly, I wasoverhim. He didn’t want me, so I didn’t want him.
My stomach growled for the millionth time and I gave up trying to ignore it.
“Let’s get your book signed, so you can find something to eat.”
I smiled at her. “Thank you, Jessa,” I said, drawing in a deep breath to tamp down the raw pain of Slice’s rejection. Sating my need for food would help my perspective. “You and Andi have been the best. I appreciate it so much.”
“Any time, love,” she told me.
I’m sure my mother was ready to send out the National Guard for my ass. Once I finished my transaction and collected my book and more swag, I went to Mom’s table and set my purchases on my chair.
“Where were you?” Mom screeched.
“Buying books,” I answered. “Now, I’m really going for food.”
Not allowing her or Slice a chance to respond, I rushed off.
I found only Leah Kaylen in the breakroom. Leah was an author stationed near my mother’s table. Turned out, she was a fan of Mom’s work, and was inspired to write her own MC series after reading the books. She’d been nice when she’d introduced herself to Mom, so when she smiled at me as I entered, I offered one of my own, happy to see a friendly face. I wouldn’t be a bitch to some random woman for something that didn’t involve her.
“You’re Daria’s daughter, right?” Leah asked as I filled my plate with little sandwiches.
“Yep. Her youngest one,” I answered, then took a much-needed bite of food.
I nearly groaned in delight at the taste of cold cuts, cheese, and Italian bread. I could do without the lettuce and tomatoes, but right now, I appreciated every bit of sustenance.
“Ah, thought so. She introduced you as her assistant, but I was like, you two are damn near identical,” she said with a laugh, popping a chip into her mouth.
Again, I copied her, forcing a laugh even though I found nothing amusing. “Yeah, I get that a lot. My siblings took after our father, but her genes were stronger for me.”
She nodded. Perhaps I’d stop by her table before returning to Mom’s. Maybe, I’d take a tour of the entire convention center, instead of dealing with Slice’s brooding stares and my mother’s accusatory glances.
“Girl, that’s a good thing. Your mama looks good, so you know you’re gonna age well too.”
A genuine smile spread across my lips. Compliments always lifted my mood. “I hope so, because my daddy’s side of the family leaves a lot to be desired.”
Leah laughed again, harder than last time. Real giggles escaped me at the boisterous sound. I could bring her to Mom’s table so she’d spread some good vibes and allow the final hours of the convention to be enjoyable.
Once our chuckles faded away, we fell into silence, focusing on our food. Fine by me. Even though the friendly conversation helped, idle chitchat wasn’t high on my list of priorities.
