Page 37 of The Soul of Archer
“Book shop? Your mom owns a book shop?”
“Yeah. They just bought the empty lot next door and she’s wanting to build a coffee shop and bakery. Course, my sister Jessi volunteered to be her pastry chef.”
“I know you said you liked to read, but are you an avid or occasional reader?”
“Avid. Books were my friends as a kid because of my shitty sperm donor of an old man. When mom remarried dad, he encouraged me to read. He always said that reading was just another way to channel my aggression. Mom introduced me to the classics. Hemingway, Poe, Tolkien, Lewis, Twain. Dad was the one who taught me about King, Clancy, Patterson, and Grisham.”
“My parents were like that. Course mom liked her romance. I didn’t really get into that till my freshman year when my roommate suggested a book by Karen Marie Moning. Dad always liked Stephen King. He had every book and now I have them. I just haven’t found a big enough bookcase for all his books, moms and mine.”
“Do you prefer the Highlander series or the Fever series?” he asked with a smirk.
She gaped, “You’ve read Moning? I’m surprised.”
“Like I said, I’m an avid reader. So which series?”
And that’s how Alora and Lance spent their three-hour flight. She couldn’t remember the last time she had such a riveting discussion on books. Probably back in college during her English Lit classes. Lance had given her several suggestions and she returned the favor. The library was going to be seeing a lot of her over the next few weeks. She was quite surprised that Lance said he read romance. But none of the fluffy stuff, he preferred romance with a bite. Like she did. They got into a heated debate on Robb vs Grafton which ended in her being tickled mercilessly till she gave in. That in turn led to her joining the infamous Mile High Club. A club she had always thought was overrated. Boy was she wrong.
***
Lance drove the black Navigator down the twisted road. He had nearly forgotten just how beautiful North Carolina was. He glanced over at Alora as she stared out the window taking in the scenery. Already his mind was planning all the places he wanted to take her. New Bern topped the list followed by a ride on his boat,The Phoenix. Of all the small towns he had always loved going to, New Bern was at the top of his list. It was like Austin; artisans, musicians, food, it had it all.
“What’s that over there? Behind the fence?”
“That would be Camp Lejeune. My parents place is just past the back gate.”
“Wow, I never realized it was so big. When I came here with Ryan and Jacquie, we didn’t come out here. We stayed near Onslow beach.”
“There are some nice beaches on base. I’ll see what we can do about seeing them while we’re here.”
Alora looked over smiling, “I’d like that.”
He reached over, took her hand and lifted it to his lips. He had never considered himself one of those guys that would show PDA’s but with Alora he couldn’t seem to stop himself from touching her, kissing her, hell just holding her, and he didn’t give a rat’s ass who saw. He finally understood what Ethan and Krista, as well as his own parents must feel about each other. A thought suddenly creeped into his mind. Was he falling in love with Alora? He pushed the thought away for the moment when he turned onto the hidden drive that lead to his childhood home. No sooner had he put the SUV in park, the front door opened, and his mom stepped onto the wide wrap-around porch.
“Well, what are you waiting for Lance? Go say hi to your mom.” Alora insisted.
He didn’t need to be told twice. Lance killed the engine and climbed out. The second his mom saw him; her face broke into a huge smile and she was running down the porch steps toward him. Lance met her half-way and caught her in a hug when she leapt into his arms, laughing and crying at the same time. Lance hugged her tight, turning her in a small circle before setting her back on her feet.
“Oh Lance, I can’t believe it. Why didn’t you tell me?” Carmen Archer demanded happily.
“I wanted to surprise ya ma.” Lance smiled.
Carmen wiped her eyes, then spotted Alora. “Well, now who do we have here?”
Lance looked back and signaled for Alora to come over. “Mama, this is Alora St. James. Alora, my mama, Carmen Archer.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you Mrs. Archer.” Alora greeted.
Carmen looked up at her son, before looking back at Alora. “Welcome Alora and call me Carmen.”
Alora’s eyes widened when she found herself wrapped up in a tight hug. Giggling, she returned Carmen’s hug. “Thank you. Carmen.”
Carmen released her, then looped her arms with one of Lance’s and one of Alora’s. “Now then, let’s get you two inside and settled. Then we can go out on the back deck and have a nice visit before Alex gets home.
A few hours later, Lance stood on the deck. Evening had fallen over Jacksonville and the lightning bugs were coming out, glittering to and fro. About twenty yards away sat his mom and Alora, talking and laughing. It warmed his heart to see that.
“Nice sight isn’t it son?”
“Yeah dad, it is.”
