Page 18 of Where the Little Birds Are (Little Bird Duet 2)

Maybe I always knew I’d wind up in this situation—needing people in my corner. If I’d left the state like I thought about, I’d have nobody. Then who would help me?

Gavin wouldn’t.

Blinking away the emotions that build in my eyes, I walk into the nearest corner store that I frequent for snacks and premade meals when my energy is too depleted. Browsing the aisles for sugar, I grab a few candy bars and head to the checkout.

The middle age woman working the register smiles at me in familiarity. “I see you’re back for more. No Twizzlers again today?”

Staring down at the various chocolate I chose, I give her a lighthearted shrug. “Guess I’m not in the mood for them.”

&nbs

p; She swipes them across the scanner and grabs a bag for me. “I thought they were your writing fuel? Haven’t seen you buy any in a couple months now.”

I haven’t been able to eat Twizzlers since I found out I was pregnant. I’m just starting my second trimester and the smell of my beloved candy still churns my stomach. My cupboard is full of stale candy wasting away since I haven’t bothered throwing it out. I haven’t been able to stomach much food between stress and morning sickness, so I go with what I crave. Unfortunately for me, that’s junk food that’s added on a few more pounds than Dr. Ray likes.

“Switching things up a bit.” I give her a small smile and pass her some cash as she gives me the plastic bag.

As she counts my change, she says, “I finally read your book. I can see what the fuss is all about. What was it like?”

My brows raise. “What?”

She looks up and hands me the remaining change. “Being with all those famous people? The boy they have leading is a looker. I saw the pictures of you two.”

When she winks, it’s the last thing I expect. I slowly wrap my fingers around the dollar bills and blink as a heaviness settles in my chest. “Uh…”

She chuckles. “I’m not going to judge you, darling. If I got close to Johnny Depp I’d be trying to climb him like a tree. I won’t fault you for getting a few good squeezes in.”

I choke on air. The few times I’ve engaged with people on the topic, I denied the claims or walked away without commenting. But I can’t find the words now because she says it so casually. I’ve known Mel since I moved here. People don’t get her eccentric personality, but I always liked it.

Thankfully, she changes the subject. “Are you working on anything new? I’ve been talking to a few girls in my book club and they’re planning on reading Through Shattered Glass before the movie comes out.”

The best I can do is smile. “I’m taking my time with my next book. Tell the girls I said thank you for the support. My agent talked about doing a local screening party here before the movie is officially released.”

Her eyes light up. “Will the entire cast be here? Perhaps the handsome boy with those sexy eyes that you’ve caused a stir with?”

My face heats. I wouldn’t call Corbin Callum a boy but given the fact she’s probably in her early fifties, I can see why she calls him that. “I don’t know, to be honest.”

She nods. “Well I’ll support you regardless if that hunk comes here. But sign me up for a front row seat if he steps foot anywhere near this place.”

For the first time in too long, I laugh. “I can do you one better. I’ll send him to your store. He has a sweet tooth too.”

Her blue eyes light up. “Does he now?”

I gesture toward the magazine rack. “I haven’t thanked you for what you did. I’m sure your boss wasn’t happy when those copies disappeared out of the blue.”

When her shoulders lift, the playfulness in her eyes increase. “Delivery must have gotten lost.” We share an amused look. “I never liked how people were portrayed in those silly things. It’s nobody else’s business what goes on outside their own lives.”

My fingers twitch around the handle of the bag I’m holding. “You’re one of the few who believe that.” Sighing I nod toward the door. “I should get going. Thanks again.”

“Enjoy the sugar, Kinley.”

Before I push the door open, she says, “I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I’m here if you need me. Things can be tough in the early stages, so know you’re not alone.”

My palm freezes against the door handle as I slowly turn to her. Her smile is warm, genuine. It barely eases the fear from the knowing look staring back at me.

“How…?”

She waves me off. “Have two of my own. Call it a sixth sense. None of my business, but I just wanted to let you know that I’m here if you need advice. Or if you have a craving the store carries. Pickles were my choice after the sickness stopped.”

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