Until We Touch (Fool's Gold #15)(36)

“I’m backing off,” Jack said, knowing he had to. “You’re right. It’s too big a risk. For all of us.”

Kenny stared at him for a long time before nodding. “You’re making the right decision. Stick to it or I’ll kill you.”

Jack started to say he’d have to catch him first, then remembered who he was talking to. Back in the day, Kenny could outrun all of them down a football field. He would guess that hadn’t changed overmuch.

“Point taken,” he said grudgingly.

“Good. Now about Percy—we’re going to need a plan. He said he didn’t graduate from high school.”

Jack nodded. “He also said he doesn’t read really well. By the way, he doesn’t want Larissa to know that.”

Kenny’s grin returned. “You have competition. Good to know.”

“I’m pretty sure I have a leg up on Percy.”

“I don’t know. He’s young and probably virile. Oh, wait, that’s not one of your problems.” Kenny snickered then drew in a breath. “I can help with English requirement and some history. Sam will take math, but you’re going to have to get him reading.”

“Will do,” Jack said, wondering if they would flip a coin over the science information the kid would need to know. “Any suggestions on how to start him reading?”

“No. Go online.”

Jack perked up. “Great idea. You can find everything on the internet.”

“Good. Entertain yourself. Just stay away from our girl.”

* * *

PAPER MOON HAD started life as a bridal boutique. At least Larissa was pretty sure that was the more sophisticated way to refer to it. In her mind, it had been a wedding-gown store. Then about a year ago, Isabel had decided to open a fancy clothing store in the adjacent space. There had been lots of remodeling, a grand opening and now Paper Moon served women at every stage of their lives. Well, not while pregnant, although there was a store for that in Fool’s Gold.

Paper Moon wasn’t Larissa’s kind of place. Not only wasn’t she interested in a bridal gown, she didn’t wear designer clothes. Her idea of dressing up was to wear jeans instead of yoga pants. She never curled her hair or bothered with makeup. About once a month, she had the thought she should spend more time on her appearance, maybe try another style with her hair or put on mascara. But the impulse usually passed and then she was fine.

Although she could make a case that shopping in the fancy places was really nice. Especially when champagne was involved.

She took another sip of the bubbly liquid and settled more comfortably in the very cushy love seat on the bride side of the store. In front of her was a platform and a half circle of eight mirrors. The platform was big enough for a bride in the most ridiculously huge dress and half her family. Larissa supposed the mirrors were there to reflect the magnificence of it all.

Taryn walked around in a robe and bare feet. She was pale and shaking.

“This is totally ridiculous,” she announced, picking up her champagne glass, draining it, then putting it down again. “Why am I even here? I could be at work. Being productive.”

Isabel, a beautiful blonde with a curvy figure, rolled her eyes. “I knew you were going to be difficult, but this is completely over-the-top.” She glanced at Madeline, her assistant. “It’s time.”

Madeline grinned. “Really?”

“What?” Taryn demanded. “I hate this. I’m going to punish all of you later.” Her gaze landed on Larissa. “Not you. You’re here for moral support.”

“And to help the men in white coats with the restraints,” Larissa murmured.

Taryn glared at her. “Funny,” she said, her tone icy. “Very funny.”

Madeline nodded. “You’re right. It’s necessary.” She walked to the front of the store and locked the front door, then turned the sign to show the store was “closed for a private event.”

“Better?” Isabel asked. “No one will come in or out. I’ve closed the door between the two sides of the store, so you have complete privacy.”

The normally unflappable Taryn sniffed twice, then covered her face with her hands. “I’m a wreck.”

“Yes, you are,” Larissa said cheerfully. “But impressively so.”

Taryn straightened. “Fine. Mock me all you want. This is really hard for me.” She drew in a breath. “All right. Go get them.”

Isabel nodded at Madeline who disappeared into the back of the store. Isabel then led Taryn to a straight-backed chair in front of a small dresser.

“Let’s get you ready,” she said gently.

“I’m ready,” Taryn told her, obviously reluctant to sit. “What? I’m wearing makeup.”

“Just sit.”

Taryn did as she was told. Isabel opened a couple of drawers and pulled out a brush, a few pins and a sort of knit-crocheted thing with beautiful ivory roses along one side.

“What is it?” Taryn asked.

“A snood. It’s to hold your hair up while you’re trying on dresses.”

As she spoke, Isabel ran a brush through Taryn’s dark hair. She loosely braided it for about three inches, then picked up the snood and slipped it around the ends. A few pins later, it was secure, with the row of lace roses acting as a decoration.