Page 53 of A Little Luck

“He was exciting, too.” Her lips twist. “Or maybe his mustache was exciting.”

Taking out my key, I lock up the office. “He was a kook, and you’re never writing headlines for me again.”

She only holds up a dismissive hand, walking ahead of me. “Suit yourself.”

* * *

With the setting sun,Britt and Aiden’s back patio glows with twinkle lights, white-sheet ghosts, and oversized skeletons. Fudge walks along the railing between them all like he’s the star of Halloween.

“We can make a salt circle to keep away evil spirits!” Pinky grabs the white plastic bottle off the picnic table and runs to where the boys are throwing a frisbee with Edward.

“Pinky, come back with the salt!” Cass calls after her, placing a basket of French fries on the table beside the ketchup.

“You’ve definitely got your hands full with that one.” Jemima sits with her velvet-red lips curled, holding a bottle of Abita Amber.

“Don’t disparage my baby!” Cass argues.

“I never knew a kid so obsessed with Miss Piggy,” Jemima groans. “She was in my bed this morning making me watchThe Muppets Haunted Mansion. I didn’t even know that was a thing!”

“At least she’s not karate chopping anymore,” Britt laughs from where she’s standing with Aiden at the grill, and Cass makes a face at her. “What’s the word on those wild hogs? I saw your story about the one in Terra’s pickle patch. Glad she only suffered a sprain.”

“Terra was pretty pissed. It ate half her pickle crop.” I grab a beer from the cooler. “Luckily, it was a young pig, or she might’ve been hurt worse. Holly thinks one of the big ones impregnated Myrtle.”

“I thought they were cucumbers when they were still on the vine.” Jemima frowns at me.

“It’s what Terra calls her farm.” I take a seat across from her. “By the way, I have a job for you if you’re looking. I wasn’t sure what you meant when you asked me the other day—”

“I am!” Jemima sits straighter. “I’m not sure I can top those headlines, but I can write a decent story, and I’m great at getting the scoop from people.”

Twisting my lips, I hadn’t considered hiring her as a reporter. “I was mostly looking for someone to help me answer phones, open the mail, and keep things organized.”

“I worked at a hair salon in Branson answering phones. It was crazy-busy with all the old ladies trying to coax Dolly Parton styles out of their Tweety Bird hair. I told them it’s all wigs.”

“Our very own Katharine Graham.” The warm male voice heats my insides, and Adam takes a seat beside me at the table. “All the fires put out at the office?”

They might be put out at the office, but fire is rising inside my thighs. I do my best not to blush with everyone looking at me.

Adopting a professional tone, I give the low-down. “Harold said he was ‘offended and disgusted,’ and apparently, I’m in the mayor’s pocket because Britt and I are friends.”

“What!” Britt yells from Aiden’s side. “He’s got a lot of nerve. He’s in Drake Redford’s pocket if you ask me. We should picket the Popcorn Palace.”

“Don’t start all that,” Aiden grumbles. “Nobody’s voting for a dog.”

“Gram wouldn’t even come to lunch today, she’s so upset.” Britt walks over to where we’re sitting. “She really liked that headline, though.”

“I knew she would,” Mom calls from where she’s sitting beside Gwen near the chiminea.

“Of course, you did,” I mutter, taking another sip of my beer.

“So Adam, interesting that you’re back in town the same night the signs mysteriously reappear.” Britt arches an eyebrow at him. “Care to comment on your whereabouts two nights ago?”

His eyes flicker briefly to mine, and my breath catches. I stand, going to the porch railing so my back is to everyone while I pretend to watch the boys playing with the dog. I know exactly where Adam was two nights ago, and thankfully, the twilight obscures my blush.

“There was a new sign?” His tone is all innocence. “What did it say?”

I notice Mom watching us curiously, and I look away quickly. Last thing I need is her seeing me all flustered.

“Mom! Mom!” Ryan runs to where I’m standing, wrapping his arm around my waist. “Did you see Edward catch the frisbee? He jumped almost as high as Fudge does when he’s chasing his feather! Where is Fudge?”

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