Scarred by Tess Thompson

Author:Tess Thompson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781732790278
Publisher: 4kids5cats Editions

Trey hung behind with Pepper while Stone and Autumn went out to greet their mother. Leaning against the counter, he took a slug from his beer. When he looked up, Pepper’s eyes drilled into him.

“What?” He chuckled nervously. When Pepper gave him that look, he knew he was in trouble.

“I know what you guys are up to, and it’s a terrible idea.” She folded her arms across her chest.

“For the record, it was Stone’s idea.”

“I’m quite aware of that. I’ll tell you what I told him. You’re playing with fire. Women do not like to be lied to.”

“Men don’t either.”

She made a face. “No one’s lying to you. You better stop before she finds out.”

He gestured at her with his beer, as if that would shield him from the spice of Pepper. “She opens up to me in there.”

“Your job, if you want her to fall for you, is to show her yourself for real. Don’t hide behind a computer screen.”

He didn’t have time to answer because Stone and Autumn appeared with their mother. Pepper rushed to Valerie and grabbed her in a hug. “You poor thing. What can we do?”

Valerie looked taken aback but returned the hug. Pepper didn’t seem to notice Valerie’s trepidation. She grabbed her hand and led her over to a chair by the kitchen table. “Let’s get you a drink. White wine?”

“Sure. That’s fine,” Valerie said as her gaze darted to Stone. “But don’t go to any trouble.”

“It’s no trouble.” Autumn was already pouring her mother a glass.

Pepper brought Valerie’s drink to the table, then took the chair across from her. “We need to talk about our plan for tomorrow.”

“Plan?” Stone asked as he brushed a hand through his wavy brown hair. “Pepper, I’m not sure Mom needs us to help with a plan.”

“Sure she does.” Pepper flashed a reckless smile. “I’ve had enough of this nonsense.”

“Nonsense?” Valerie asked. Her hand shook as she reached for her glass.

Autumn shot Trey a nervous but amused glance before pouring herself a glass of wine. He busied himself with his beer to keep from laughing. Stone had migrated to the opposite end of the kitchen and was now leaning his backside against the cabinetry with both hands in his cargo shorts pockets. Trey moved to stand next to him, patted his shoulder in sympathy, and then turned to watch the show. Pepper in action was a fine sight to see.

“Yes, this total and complete nonsense.” Pepper gestured toward Autumn. “Could I have some of that, please?”

“Oh, yes. Where are my manners?” Autumn winked at Pepper before pouring a glass of wine.

Pepper turned back to Valerie, who had seemed to shrink since sitting at the table. She gazed at Pepper with wary eyes, like a child on the first day in front of their eccentric and unpredictable new teacher.

“Here’s the thing, Mrs. Hickman.” Pepper placed both hands on the tabletop. “You may not know this, Valerie, but I’m filthy rich and getting richer. I just had an offer for another film, and they’re giving me a ridiculous amount of money for six weeks of work.

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