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I can't shake the feeling their conversation has something to do with Dot’s news. The baby. Could…could Kellen be the father?
Heart racing and slightly out of breath, I walk into the library where Jack is checking someone out. Two days a week, he has spare time during my lunch hour and comes to the library to relieve me.
“Hey, Jack.” I remove my coat, still trying to catch my breath. “Thanks so much.”
“No problem.” He steps from behind the front desk. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” I don’t push for why he’s asking.
I feel guilty for eavesdropping on what was a private conversation and worse, getting caught by none other than Dot Malone.
“Okay. I’ve got to finish up this essay and then I’ll get going. If that’s all right.” He strolls over to the row of desks.
“Absolutely.” Still on edge, I steal a look out the front door before slipping behind the counter.
The coast is clear.Phew.
While cataloging the latest shipment of books and CDs, I try to bury the incessant questions about Kellen and Dot. It’s futile, but I want to know, especially since it might help the situation between Oliver and Dot.
Not long after, the last person I want to see stomps into the library, arm outstretched and finger pointed at me. “What the hell do you think you were doing?” Dot slaps her palms down onto the counter, glaring at me.
Well, so much for a successful escape. Either way, it looks like there’s no avoiding the aftermath of my poor spying.
“Hi, Dot.” My calm tone belies the roiling in my stomach. “What are you talking about?”
I glance around to see if anyone is in the library. Jack gapes from where he perches on the chair, ready to spring into action if needed. Except for the small kitchenette and bathroom in the back, I can see most of the ground floor. No one else is here, although someone may be upstairs.
“Don’t play dumb.” Dorothy Malone is a beautiful woman even when fuming. All around town, heads turn at her petite stature, hourglass figure, and long, shimmering hair. Despite all this, she usually looks sullen, much like right now.
“I’m not.” My fingers curl around the edge of the counter, grateful for the space between us.
She leans in, gaze narrowing, and lowers her voice to a harsh whisper. “I don’t know what you think you saw, but you better forget it.”
“I didn’t see anything.”
“You better keep it that way.” Her finger is now a mere inch from my face. “Or else your stupid little program won’t be approved. All it would take is one call to Daddy.”
My insides freeze. On one hand, her threat means she hasn’t said anything to her father, but on the other hand, she’s thought of it, and it wouldn’t take much to kill my program.
She really is something. The expression on her face is pure hatred, and I’m speechless, not sure how to respond without fighting fire with fire. As much as I want to, it isn’t a good idea to take her on. It would be like pouring gasoline on an already out of control flame.
Catastrophic.
Tone terse and gaze never wavering from hers, I push her finger from my face. “Like I said before, I didn’t see anything and don’t know what you’re talking about. You don’t need to come here throwing around threats. Leave the Bright Horizons program alone.”
“Uh, Miss Wren.” Jack stands behind Dot, clearly having overheard what I said if not Dot’s threat too. “I need to get back to school. Are you going to be okay?”
He glares at the back of the blonde’s head, but Dot acts as if he isn’t even there.
Cheeks heating, I plaster on what feels like a wonky smile. “Jack, I’m good. Thanks again for all of your help.”
“Um…” He hesitates, likely not satisfied with my response and worried given his frown.
I can’t have him caught in the crossfire. “Jack, you better get back to school.”
Expression as awkward as I feel, he dips his chin in agreement and walks to the door. “Uh, sure. See you later.”
Jack pauses at the door to peer over his shoulder at me. Our gazes lock. Worry etches his fresh face, and with a smile, I reassure him that I’ll be fine.
