Page 2 of Pretty Stolen Dolls

Jerking my attention to my sister, I smile when I see the doll. It’s a twelve-inch porcelain doll with silky chin-length hair and wide hazel eyes—an exact replica of Macy.

“Oh,” I gush, “she’s beautiful, but too expensive. Pick something else, Macy.”

Macy frowns and nods before setting the doll back down on the table. We’re just about to walk away when a voice halts us.

“Pretty doll for a pretty doll,” a man states in a smooth tone.

Macy and I lift our gazes to the booth owner. The dolls are a thing of the past as we both drink in the handsome guy regarding us with a mischievous crooked grin. A mop of overgrown brown curls hangs down over his eyebrows into his amber-colored eyes. With just the smallest dusting of facial hair, I can tell he’s older—maybe early twenties—but he carries an innocence about him that makes him appear younger.

“She can’t afford the doll,” I tell him, a slight quiver in my voice. He’s cute like the guys from the teen magazines Momma sometimes lets us buy from the grocery store when funds aren’t too tight.

His gaze darts between us and he grins. “Maybe we can strike a deal. I don’t think I quite like it when girls as pretty as you two are sad. I prefer them…” he pauses, his top teeth piercing into his thick bottom lip as he gazes at me in thought. I hold my breath, almost hypnotized as I await his answer. “Smiling.” He grins and motions toward me. “How much you got?”

I try not to focus on the fact that he has muscles, unlike Bo from next door. He’s a senior in high school and still doesn’t have muscles—not like this. This guy is better than Bo, better than those guys in the magazine. He’s dreamy. My stomach clenches into knots.

Momma calls these knots hormones. Says I’ll be a woman soon. Ack.

“I have a dollar,” Macy tells him proudly, lifting her chin, gaining his attention back, and I mourn the loss of it. Her cheeks turn rosy and I suspect she’s just as embarrassed to have this cute guy’s attention. I want it back on me…

At this, he chuckles. It doesn’t seem rude or like he’s making fun of her, more like he’s entertained by her words—like he thinks she’s cute, too.

A pang of jealousy spikes through me. I quickly squash it down and remember I’m supposed to be looking after my sister—protecting her from leering men and getting into trouble. The air begins to feel a little cooler and the crowd starts to thin, alerting me to how much time has passed.

“Come on, Macy,” I hiss, snatching her elbow. “We need to get home. These dolls are too expensive. And you know Daddy doesn’t want us talking to strangers.”

“Benny.” He smirks at me. One dark eyebrow disappears under his curls and a small dimple forms in one cheek. “I’m strange, but I’m not a stranger. My name’s Benny.”

My cheeks heat and I swallow. “We can’t afford the doll.”

He shrugs, his eyes moving like he’s watching a ping pong match between my sister and I. “Suit yourself.” His shoulders lift in an uncaring shrug and he rearranges the doll so she’s back in place.

Macy swivels around to glare at me. My sister is sweet and carefree; not once have I seen her hazel eyes glimmer with anger. “You have some money saved. Maybe I could borrow a few dollars. I’ve never had a dolly like this before.” Her eyebrows crash together and her bottom lip protrudes.

Guilt trickles through me the way the sweat dribbles down my back: slow and torturous.

“I don’t have twenty-eight dollars,” I tell him, my voice hoarse.

His smile is warm and does nothing to cool my heated skin or nerves. Time is ticking and it’s a long walk home. “I could sell the doll to you for twenty.” He tilts his head, studying me, and I squirm under his gaze.

Macy gives me a hopeful look. Her anger is gone and her eyes twinkle with delight.

“Fifteen. All I have is fifteen dollars,” I say in defeat, my breath coming out in a huff.

Benny scratches at the scruff on his jaw as he contemplates the deal. There’s a glimmer of victory on his up-tilted lips. “Fifteen it is.”

Letting out a squeal, Macy scoops the porcelain doll into her arm and spins in a circle as she hugs it to her chest.Brat.

“Thank you! I swear I’ll pay it back soon!” she gushes.

Swallowing, I break the bad news to them both. “The money is at home. I’m not sure I have enough time to get there and back before the flea market closes.” Or if Daddy will allow me to come back once I’m home.

He frowns, his eyes dragging between us both. “I suppose I can wait.”

Macy’s hands tremble as she sets the doll back down on the table, clearly defeated.

“Or,” he says with an easy grin, “you two could help me pack up here. I’ll knock off another five bucks for your services and then I can run you by your house on my way out of here. I can even meet your folks. Who knows, maybe we can talk your dad into buying one for you too.” His eyes flit over to mine and my flesh heats again.

“I don’t play with dolls anymore,” I tell him in a clipped tone. For some reason, I want him to think of me as a girl closer to his age rather than one who plays with dolls like my sister.

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