Chapter Three
Lia walked into the house. She was cold, drenched and annoyed. Who did that 'H' guy think he was anyway? He must have been a new worker because she had never seen him before. And she would remember a face like that. Something about that boy--rather a man--made her angry. He was confident, not just in his face but in his being. But with a SAT score like that, she didn't blame his confidence.
"Lia?" Her mother called from the living room. "I'm home," Lia called back. "Just a little wet." She walked into the living room. Her mom and dad both sat on the couch watching the news.
Her mom turned the T.V off. "Lia, it was just reported on the news, there's been a strand of robberies throughout the town. They haven't caught anyone yet. They have no clue as to who it is. But they seem to be a violent bunch. They've left people to die after they've robbed them. You have to be home before 7:00 on the weekdays and 9:00 on the weekends. Just as a safety precaution." Her mom pointed to her dad. "Thomas, do you agree?"
Her dad nodded. "Just for your own safety, pumpkin." Lia nodded as she pulled her hair from the braid.
"I got the book," she said. "The newest one."
Her mother smiled approvingly. "Good girl," she blew a kiss. "Now go get your homework--where's your jacket?"
Lia then noticed she wasn't wearing her grey jacket. She cursed mentally. She had forgotten it at the bookstore. Lia groaned. "I forgot it at the bookstore." She looked at her phone. "They closed five minutes ago."
"'Not to worry, honey." Her mom said. "Just get it tomorrow. Now go get your homework started."
Lia trudged up the stairs.
Looks like the boy from the bookstore would be getting his wish.
~~~
When Lia woke up the next morning she was in a surprisingly good mood. She woke up on time: 5:30 AM. She showered and got dressed. Today Lia wore a peacock blue blouse with white jeans and brown sandals. Lia curled her hair and did her make-up expertly. When she was finished getting ready, she walked down the stairs and to the kitchen to find her mother there cooking breakfast. "Good morning, mom!" She kissed her mother's cheek.
Her mother smiled as she scrambled eggs. "Good morning, Lia. You're just in time. That's my girl." Lia sat down at the table. She ran a hand through her hair carefully. "What time does the bookstore open, do you know?"
Her mom looked at the time. "It opens at eight," she said. "It's 6:37 right now. Just go after school, sweetheart. Did you study for your English test?"
She nodded. "I did," she said. "I will." Damn it. She wanted to get her jacket now. She didn't want to face that stupid fucking boy again. He annoyed her. She didn't have time for annoyances. Maybe she'd just swing by before school. Her first class was at 7:20. The owner could be there getting everything ready. Lia would just knock.
She finished her breakfast eager to get out the door. She kissed her mother good-bye. Her dad had already gone into work. She would see him tonight at dinner. Lia took the minor detour to the bookstore and got out quickly, not wanting to be late for school. She was at the door and knocked loudly.
There was music playing, she could hear it. Indie music. She recognized the song, she just couldn't put her finger on it. She knocked a little louder. The music stopped and through the stained glass window she could see a figure coming. The door opened a smidge. Lia's kind smile disappeared when she came face to face with bright green eyes.
"Lia?" The boy asked, confused. "When I told you to come back, I meant at the regular hours. Not now." He opened the door further. "What are you doing here?"
