Our Own Little Underworld by Paige Lavoie

Author:Paige Lavoie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Orange Blossom Publishing
Published: 2023-02-17T20:08:39+00:00

16

HAYDEN

What the hell are we doing? We’re in the middle of nowhere, kinda-sorta working at a tourist trap. Percy has befriended two old people who might be crazy for all we know. We know nothing about where we are, who we’re with, and now she’s off doing God knows what with “Ellen,” if that is her real name. Horror movie rule #1: do not split up.

Jesus Christ, this girl would probably bake cookies for Freddie Kruger if he showed up in one of her dreams. Despite all of that, I am entirely, stupidly, in love with her. I just wish she trusted me a little more.

“You cook?” Hank asks me. I jump at the sound of his voice. I was so worked up that I almost forgot he was standing right in front of me, like a big cranky statue.

“I’m okay with directions,” I say, overselling myself. He shrugs, glancing at the timer Ellen left on the stove.

“Ain’t much left to do. Chili’s simmered all day.”

“Right.” Then why was he asking?

“You can’t just leave it to the ladies to get it all done, ya’ hear?” he says. Oh wow, he’s trying to give me relationship—no, marriage—advice. All the color drains out of my face all at once, leaving me dizzied.

“I tried to make her breakfast, and it was a disaster,” I admit with a laugh. At least I hadn’t burned the toast. It would be nice to impress her someday.

The timer goes off. I slide a pair of oven mitts on and take the corn muffins out of the oven.

“You kids eating enough?”

I’m too distracted to reply right away. They smell incredible. My stomach growls again. This time it’s loud enough to echo through the empty store. I wish it would stop doing that.

“Guess that’s my answer.” He chuckles. “Switch the sign to closed and lock the door. We’ll go round the back.”

We walk to a small cottage in the back. I carry the tray of muffins while the keys jingle in Hank’s weathered hands.

“Why would you put all those rings in your face?” he asks, narrowing his eyes at me.

Here it comes.

“I like the way it looks.” Some people have argued maybe I wouldn’t get bothered so much at school if I just took them out, but I got teased plenty in middle school before I had them.

“You look like a disco ball,” he says.

“I’ve heard worse.” I laugh. I kinda like this guy. The way he says these things with a straight face has the same sort of feeling as when Kate is giving me a hard time. I think these people might be okay, but for Percy’s sake, I’m not going to let my guard down. Although with the stealing, and the poor attempt at swearing, I think I’ve been underestimating her.

We walk through the door, and I smell chili simmering on the stove. I set the muffins down. There’s musical laughter echoing from down the hallway. I’m glad everything sounds like it’s okay over here. So far, I’m pretty sure they’re probably not ax murders, but I still want to be vigilant.

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