How (Not) to Fall in Love(28)

The tea drinkers set their mugs on the table and left quickly.

“You knew she was in here?” Lucas looked surprised and slightly pissed off.

I crossed my arms defensively. “Yes, of course.” I glanced down at the tiny girl sandwiched next to me. “Necklace-making one-oh-one. Today was our first class.”

Pickles stuck out her tongue at her brother.

Lucas leaned back on his heels, his narrowed eyes taking us both in. “Well, pardon me, ladies.” He leaned over and righted the table. “I thought my little sister was helping Charlie organize socks by color. Like she promised.” He shot her a dark look. “She forgot to tell me she had other plans.”

“Lucas, don’t be mad,” I pleaded. She was so adorable I didn’t want her to be in trouble. “She’s fine. We were having a great time together.”

He looked at me doubtfully, pinning me with those hypnotic eyes.

“Really,” I insisted. “Pickles and I have a lot in common.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“You wouldn’t understand,” I told him. “It’s girl stuff.”

“Yeah,” agreed Pickles. “Girl stuff. Go ’way Lukie. I’m staying with my friend.”

Lukie was not amused. “You made a huge mess, Pickles. You need to help us clean it up.”

“I’ll help. You go.” Pickles fumed.

Choosing to steer clear of the sibling love fest, I knelt to pick up the scattered tools, and wires…and the beads…so many beads. Lucas whispered something in Pickles’ ear. She stomped to the other side of the store and plopped onto a couch, chubby arms folded over her chest, as she glared at her brother.

Lucas knelt next to me, looking contrite. “I’m sorry about the mess. And about Pickles being in here bothering you. She was supposed to stay in the shop.” He took a breath. “I didn’t mean to get angry. I just freaked out when I realized she was here with you and I didn’t even know it. If anything happened to her…”

“She’s great,” I said. “She can come in here anytime I’m working.” I paused. “Liz must love her, too.”

Lucas nodded. “Yeah, totally. I’m sure that’s why she snuck over here. Liz fills her up with cookies and hot chocolate.”

We piled my tools and wire on the table. “You make jewelry?” Lucas asked.

I nodded.

“Cool.” His gaze swept the floor. “This bead situation sucks. I’ll go get the broom.” He turned to glare at his sister. “Pickles, don’t move.”

She stuck out her tongue again. “You not my boss,” she said, still glaring. “I like Darcy more dan Heather.” She looked at me, and then turned a frowning gaze to her brother. “Why don’t you like Darcy instead? You could kiss her instead of Heather.”

“Pickles.” Lucas’s voice was low. “Don’t say another word.”

I stood frozen with embarrassment as I imagined Lucas sweeping me into a passionate kiss while Heather and Pickles looked on.

“Sorry, Darcy.” Lucas laughed and shook his head, keeping his eyes on his sister. “Sometimes she says stupid stuff. Don’t pay any attention to her.”

The idea of kissing me was stupid? I glared at him, too. “She’s a good kid, Lucas. Don’t call her stupid.” I turned away and stalked to the counter to make his crappucino.

Lucas went to sit with Pickles on the couch, talking to her in a low voice. She slid off the couch and walked over to me.

“Sorry for making a mess, Darcy,” she said, looking pitiful.

I handed her a chocolate chip cookie. “Accidents happen, sweetie. Maybe we can try again another day.”

Her face brightened as she bit into the cookie.

“I’m taking her back to Charlie’s,” Lucas said, coming up to take her by the hand. “I’ll be back to clean up the beads for you, but I can’t stay too long because I have to get to class.”

My hand was steady as I gave him his drink. “Don’t bother.”

He frowned. “Did I… Are you…upset with me?”

Pickles glared at him. She was clearly the smarter sibling.

I looked down to wipe the spotless counter. Think of Heather, I told myself. Goddess of beauty, lover of Lucas. And who was I? Niece of Charlie. Duster of shakers. The girl next door. Literally.

Of course what Pickles had said about him kissing me instead of Heather was stupid. So stupid that he’d laughed at the idea. I raised my eyes and let out a long breath. “It’s been a long week.”

He hesitated before speaking, as if holding something back. “You’re sure about the bead clean-up?”

“Positive.” I forced a smile.

Lucas and Pickles left, but as the door squeaked behind them, I heard her clear voice.

“I still like Darcy better dan Heather.”





Chapter Twelve


October 25


Dear Darcy,

My journey continues. Not sure when I’ll be back. Still following the Stones.

Love,

Dad

This one was postmarked Rolla, Missouri. “Greetings from the Middle of Everywhere.”

Rolla? More like the middle of nowhere.