Page 63 of A Little Luck

“Which part?”

“Not having ambition.” She nods, as if empathizing with our local outlaw. “That’s when I got the idea of proving them wrong by impersonating Taylor Swift. I would’ve made a lot of money, too, if her fans weren’t so overprotective.”

It’s the second time she’s mentioned the fans, and my journalistic nose tells me there could be a story there.

“Want to keep proving them wrong by seeing what you can do with that strip mall story? It’s over by the Popcorn Palace, and I think Harold would be more receptive to you getting to know his neighbors than me.”

“Okay.” She glances at Adam, poking his arm with her finger. “I wonder if I could catch a ride with this handsome fellow?”

My annoyance flares, but I tamp it down. I have no reason to be jealous of Adam or mad at Jemima, and even if I did, I haven’t given anyone any reason to think we’re together—not that I don’t want us to be.

“Sure, I can give you a ride.” He gives me a wink. “I’ll see you in a little while.”

“I’ll be over here investing in pork bellies.”

Jemima blinks at me. “Is that a thing?”

“Not anymore.”

Adam doesn’t miss a beat. “Wednesday’s headline: ‘Jones Sends Pork Bellies to Hog Heaven.”

“No.” I throw up my hands, wrinkling my nose. “That’s terrible.”

“I’ll workshop it.”

Jemima tilts her head. “I don’t think Martha has to worry. You’re not replacing her in the headline department.”

“Hold that thought.” He winks at her. “I’ll come up with something better.”

The two of them head out to Adam’s waiting car, and I hang at the counter watching them. I think about jealousy and change and the truth.

Then I think about luck.

CHAPTER14

ADAM

Wild Hogs Can’t Be Broken?

I’m still doing my best to top Martha’s headlines.

I know how much Piper hates writing them, so the whole time her cub reporter interviewed Pearl and Bill, proprietors of the Human Bean Coffee Shop, and FrangelicaNo Last Name, the owner of Heaven Scent, I sent her ideas.

I only took a break to drive us back to town.

Sell the Farm, These Beans Are Magic.

Piper

The paper can’t attribute supernatural powers to coffee.

I know plenty of people who’d disagree with you.

Piper

Find me the study to back it up, and I’ll print it.

How about, Frangelica’s Knocking on Heaven’s door?

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