Author: kharrison

Melissa ~Part 2~

If you want to read part 1 of Melissa’s story, click here.

It took longer than Melissa had expected to shake Gavin’s company. He was courteously persistent in making sure she wasn’t alone and having a good time. Eventually another partier needed him who he couldn’t foist off till later. Something about someone about to break someone, or something. Whichever the case, Melissa took that tiny opportunity to make herself invisible once again.

After a good half hour of dodging and hiding Melissa was ready to leave. Looking around, she couldn’t find Devin. In fact, she hadn’t seen him in a while. She searched the main floor for him but was not about to venture upstairs and go interrupting who knew what. With a shrug she headed toward the front door. Walking home alone was better than staying.

Luck was on her side as she spotted a girl that she was pretty sure lived down the hall from her. Mustering up all of her social bravado, Melissa approached the tall blonde.

“Hi. Melanie, right?” Melissa stumbled a little.

The girl nodded. “That’s right. You live near me, right? I see you all the time.”

“Yes!” Melissa nearly cried. “Are you headed home?”

Melanie nodded. “Yeah, a group of us are going. You want to come?”

Melissa took one more careful glance around the room. “Is that alright? My ride disappeared.”

In minutes she was out the door and surrounded by several giggly girls throwing their names at her as if she was going to remember any of them.

“Melissa!”

She turned at the sound of her name, however it wasn’t Devin that was running after her. “Gavin?” The entire group of girls stopped to look. At the sight of Gavin they began to preen and toss their hair. Melissa shrunk into herself as he came closer. 

Thankfully one of the girls stepped forward to meet him. “Where are you going? Don’t you have a party to host?”

“Eh. They won’t notice.” He shrugged, tossing his charisma into his full watt smile. He pinned Melissa once again, looking around the girls between the two of them. “Besides, you were leaving.”

Another one of the girls stepped up. “That is so sweet of you to come give out personal goodbyes. Your party was killer.”

“Thank you.” Gavin nodded to several of the girls. “I am pleased you liked it. I’ll have to throw another one.”

Rachel or something that started with an R, grabbed his arm. “Oh would you? It is so hard to find good parties to come to.”

Gavin grounded Melissa to the gravelly sidewalk with a smile. “I’ll throw an even bigger, better party next weekend. On one condition.”

Melanie nudged Melissa when she didn’t say anything. “What condition would that be?”

“Melissa agreeing to go on a date with me.”

“Me?” Melissa blurted with a laugh.

Rachel pouted. “Why are all the good guys taken?”

Melanie snatched at Rachel’s arm. “Don’t be silly. Let’s give these two a little space to talk.”

“Oh, go ahead.” Gavin motioned down the street. “If I can manage it, I’m going to convince Melissa to let me walk her home.”

“You’ll manage it.” 

Melissa couldn’t see who had spoken. However, the entire group walked off giggling and laughing. Only Melanie glanced back and shot Melissa a quick wink.

Gavin’s smile grew slightly serious as he looked over at the departing group. “If you truly would feel more comfortable we can stay in sight of the group.”

“And have them glancing back every two seconds to catch a glimpse of you? No.”

He laughed. “Well then, in that case, if you trust me not to murder you or anything creepy, crazy, or whatnot I have a better way home.”

“You don’t know where I live.” Melissa folded her arms tight. She was doing better now that she was out of the house. There was much more air as well as plenty of space to breathe it in.

He tilted his head, watching the girls go. “If you were walking with Melanie, you probably live near her. Which means that you are either at the same dorm or close. I’ll get you that far and if you don’t feel comfortable telling me any more specifics, I will say goodbye at the corner. Deal?”

With a nod Melissa moved to follow where the girls had gone. Gavin stopped her by offering his arm. Once she took it he led her off in the opposite direction. 

Melissa let out a tight bark of a laugh. “See, now I’m not so convinced about the whole serial killer thing.”

He stopped so quickly that Melissa stumbled. She looked back to find him frozen in shock. He tried to turn her back around. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think.”

“Maybe if you told me where you wanted to go.”

“I was just going to take the scenic route. I guess I was being selfish, trying to get as much time as I could get with you, maybe convince you that I was worth saying yes to.”

Melissa smiled but didn’t move even though he tugged back toward the direct way home. “Saying yes to what exactly.”

“A date.” Though his smile was a bit sheepish it still packed a punch.

She nodded and found that she was still nodding a minute later. 

Gavin chuckled. “I haven’t asked yet but I’m starting to feel like I can take that nod as a yes?”

Immediately she stopped nodding and blushed. “You’d have to ask first.”

“I vote that we take that walk first. That way I have a fighting chance.” He tapped her hand that was still loosely on his arm. “How about you choose our route home?”

Melissa gave a short little nod.

As they began to walk Gavin spoke as he looked back over at his house. “So, you never did tell me who convinced you to come to my party. They must be someone pretty important to get you there.”

Melissa tried to pull out her hand but he squeezed a little. Not enough to stop her, just enough to let her know that he didn’t want her to let go. She took a breath. “Just a friend from home who promised my mom that he would make sure I didn’t stay tucked away in my room.”

“He?”

She had his full attention now. “Yes. He.”

“Romantic interest there? Do I have competition?”

With a laugh she shook her head. “Devin is not interested in me. He’s known me way too long for that.”

“Devin? Devin Deja?” Gavin’s instant scowl shot nervous tingles up Melissa’s spine.

“You know him?”

His scowl didn’t fade. “Yes. You could say that. However, I do not want to get distracted talking about that twit.”

Click here to read Part 3 of Melissa’s story!

Melissa

“Are you going to hide in this corner all night?”

Melissa turned to face her new corner mate, easily snared by his twinkling eyes. “If all goes well…yes.”

“Why come at all then?” He leaned back against the wall next to her, his broad shoulder brushing against hers. She shifted but was already leaning against the corner so she only managed to rub shoulders with him again, sparking tingles to her fingertips.

“I was invited.” She looked back out at the crush of partiers.

“To the corner? Or to the party?” He also gazed out at the people talking and laughing around the room.

Melissa huffed. “I am going to ignore you now.”

“Aw come on.” He nudged her shoulder with his. “You can’t think that this is you being at a party. You’re just watching it happen. You could do that from outside the window just as easily.”

Folding her arms, she pointedly kept her gaze anywhere but his direction.

“You realize you are choosing to ignore the one person at this party who has come over in an attempt to include you in the very party you are pretending to be a part of. Right?”

Her jaw clenched tight.

“Am I getting to you? Maybe you can choose to not ignore me for two seconds and allow me to introduce myself?”

It was getting harder to not respond. She stared harder at the far wall, willing to have him give up and go away. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see him smile and lean closer.

It startled her when he whispered in her ear. “Are you being obstinate on purpose? Are you scared? You could just go home, you know.” When he paused, she almost sighed in relief but then he kept going. “Well, since you won’t give me your name, I suppose I must provide you with one. I vote Starla. Any objections?” 

She again tried to lean further away so he couldn’t reach her ear so easily. She couldn’t decide whether she wanted to smile and laugh with him or if she was ready to punch him in the face and storm out.

“Starla, it is. Though I may have to change it to something more provoking if you keep up the silent treatment. Now Starla, the main reason to go to a party is to meet people that could become friends. If you are sitting in the corner, curled up in a ball, ignoring everyone, you are missing the point of a party, especially this party.”

“I’m standing.”

“She speaks!” He pulls her into a hug. “Hello. And yes, I know you are standing.”

“I’m not talking to you.” She scowled.

“Oh ok.” He bit his lip to try and stop the smile but it burst out anyways. “And while we are not talking, do you mind shouting your name out into the universe? I love knowing who I am not talking to, unless it is Starla. Then I am a fantastic guesser.”

Instead of answering, Melissa pushed off the wall and went into the nearby room where a bunch of people were gathered around, watching two couples playing pool. She picked a table and sat.

“Bold move. Joining the party to avoid me. Luckily, I know how to follow.” He whispered as he sat down beside her.  “I’m Gavin.”

She noticed that several people nodded or smiled his way. And there were several girls who were glaring at her. She shrunk a little.

“Are you popular or something?” She muttered.

His focus broke away from the game and lasered into her. “Why would you ask that?”

She nodded in the direction of a few glarers. The instant he looked their way their daggery gazes melted into cheery smiles and flirty waves.

“Because of them?” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t say that a group of girls who think that a pretty smile is going to win them a date makes me popular. It only means that I’m attractive.”

“Ego much?” Melissa clamped her mouth shut, realizing she was no longer avoiding talking to him.

“Not really.”

Melissa pointedly watched the pool game, not taking her eyes off the green table, until a hand landed on hers. She swiveled to look at him.

“Don’t go back to ignoring me.” He gave her an exaggerated puppy dog look.

They were interrupted by several dolled up girls flouncing up.

“Hey Gavin.” One of them cooed, leaning in and laying her small delicate hand on his forearm. “You going to come dance?”

“Not now, Tracy.” He smiled. “Besides, wouldn’t Tommy be hurt if you weren’t dancing with him? Last I heard, the two of you were still dating.”

Tracy stuck out her lower lip in a pout. “He never wants to dance with me.”

“Sounds like something you need to talk to him about.” Gavin’s eyes landed back on Melissa but before he could say anything, another one of the foursome leaned onto the table.

“I’m single.”

He flashed her a devastating smile. He wasn’t even directing it toward her and Melissa was affected by it. “Yes, Layla. I know.”

Melissa held in her laugh but from the way his eyes lit up as he watched her, she could tell that he knew she was struggling to keep it in.

“Right now, I am trying to have a conversation with….” He nodded at her across the table, eyes sparkling with amused mischief.

Melissa rolled her eyes. “Melissa.” She begrudgingly supplied.

“Melissa.” Gavin smiled at her.

Another one of the girls looked confused. “Who’s Melissa?”

Melissa thought she would die from all the laughter she was holding in.

Gavin only smiled and pointed at Melissa.

“Ohhhh.” Miss Clueless nodded. “Hi Melissa.”

“Hi.” She gave a quick half wave.

“Let’s go find Tommy.” Tracy flipped hair over her shoulder and shot Gavin a pouty look.

Another minute and the girls were gone.

“Sorry about that. The hazard of being at a party where people know you, they always want to talk to you!”

This time she couldn’t hold it in.

His smile lit up even more as she laughed. “You have a beautiful smile.” He declared with a nod. “Want to play a game of pool?”

“In front of all these people?” Melissa looked around at all the people watching the current game. “No.”

“Who brought you here?” Gavin asked with a surprising edge to it.

Instantly, her jaw clamped together and she shook her head, looking away.

He tilted his head to get back in her line of sight. “You aren’t going to tell me? I can find out anyway.”

“How?”

He shrugged. “You have to leave sometime.”

“So do you.” She quipped. 

But he was already shaking his head as he smiled. “No I don’t.” He raised his hands and presented the room to her. “This is my house.”

“Oh…” She stopped, unsure what to say. “Well, hi.”

“Now I earn a hi because I own a house.”

“You own an incredibly beautiful and classy house.” She gave a small smile.

He grinned right back at her. “Don’t think you can distract me.”

Her shoulders caved inward a little. “I came with Devin Deja.”

Click here to read part 2 of Melissa’s story!

Lisel

Lisel grimaced at her face in the mirror. She shouldn’t have let her roommates do her hair and makeup. They had insisted that she looked like perfection. 

Her second mistake had been letting them pick what she wore out tonight. And the third mistake was that she had let them convince her to walk out to the car having not seen any of her new look all together.

She knew that the dress she was wearing was way too tight but at least she could feel the fabric approaching her knees. Yet that had been her only consolation. Now, looking into that mirror in the too bright bathroom she didn’t want to stay for another second.

Having just spent half the night either crammed 3 people deep in a booth or out dancing with everyone on the dance floor there hadn’t been a spare moment to sneak away until now. And maybe the saying was right. Ignorance could be bliss.

Thinking back over how her night had been going, a lot more of the looks and comments she’d received made sense. Her roommate had caked on the makeup. She didn’t even look like herself. Instead, she looked like a walking makeup ad, complete with over-stylized hair and a lacy red dress.

The overall look was making her stagger.

It’s not like she looked depraved or wanton. It wasn’t her at all. None of it was. Everyone she had met and might have been interested in her would only want and see this stranger in the mirror.

“Lisel? Where are you?” She heard Angie calling. Stepping away from the mirror Lisel tried to hide the look of horror she had seen in her reflection.

“Coming.” She called. Squaring her shoulders, she opened the door and plastered on a fake grin. “I haven’t been gone long.”

“No, but Lance is asking where you are. I figured that I wouldn’t make him wait any longer than he has too. A good looking guy like that shouldn’t have to wait for anyone or anything.”

I had to bite back my snort. What did good looks have to do with waiting?

“If Lance can get distracted by another girl because I am not where he wanted to see me the second he wants to see me then I am not interested, ever.”

Angie gave a tittering giggle as if I’d said the most hilarious thing.

I couldn’t think of any way to respond to her giggle, so I didn’t. We were both silent the rest of the way to the booth.

As we were passing the dance floor, Angie started to shimmy as she walked. I rolled my eyes and kept walking.

And there he was, in all of his glory, sprawled out on one side of the booth while flashing around his signature smirk. It seemed to be working well for him with all the other girls at the table batting their eyes and laughing at everything he said, especially with the girl practically climbing into his lap.

I made it all the way to the table before he noticed me. So he definitely wasn’t waiting or looking for me.

“Lovely Lisel.” He called out over the music. “Sit your pretty little self right here by me.” He patted the 2 inch edge of the bench he was on as if that was enough space for me to sit.

Ignoring him, I sat on the opposite side next to a guy who must have joined the table after I had left. Immediately Lance sat up straight and glared at the man sitting next to me. It caught the new guy’s attention and he glanced over at me.

Upon seeing me, the newcomer quickly turned so that his back wasn’t facing me and smiled. “Hello there. You come to see me?”

Lance stood and reached for me. I leaned away and out of his snatching hands, while smiling my best sultry look at the newcomer. “Oh yes. You see I was walking by and noticed that your back was so appealing I just had to sit down.”

He smiled even bigger. “Sweet.”

Lance made another swooping grab for me and I let myself be caught, if only to end the conversation with the apparently brainless newcomer who couldn’t catch sarcasm.

I shot a deadpan look around the table at all the people who weren’t doing anything and refocused back on the newcomer. “This is my table. I came here with them.”

Several of the other girls heard my monotone declaration and were laughing behind their hands. “Oh.” At least he had the decency to look embarrassed at his assumption. Lance, on the other hand, was still tugging fruitlessly at my arm as if he could convince me that he was the man of my dreams simply by yanking me out of my seat and into his arms. I folded mine.

My voice turned achingly sweet. “What’s wrong, Lance?”

“I told you to sit by me.”

Yanking out of his grip I glared at him as fiercely as possible. “I am not a trained monkey, Lance. And I am definitely not going to be ordered around by an immature, conceited boy I met less than an hour ago.”

Right before I dramatically stormed away someone else entirely interrupted me, sliding up next to me.

“Lisel! There you are.” Cue gorgeous man number three. Unfortunately, I didn’t know him either. But he still came right up to me with a huge grin on his face. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I only have about 5 more minutes before I have to leave and you promised me a dance.”

I narrowed my eyes, trying to remember if I had met him.

He turned so that neither Lance or the rest of my table could see him wink at me. “You promised.”

The hesitation was slight as I reached to take his outstretched hand. With a crazy beaming smile I said, “Lead the way.”

In seconds, we were out of sight from my table of friends and in the middle of the dance floor. It was a slow song and he pulled me in close.

“I don’t remember promising you a dance.” 

He chuckled low in his throat. “I know.”

“What?”

He shrugged and kept his arms loosely around me. “I heard the one guy say your name and after a few seconds I could tell you needed an out that would keep your lame girlfriends from running after you and dragging you back to the table.”

“Well then, I am glad I promised you this dance.”

“Me too.” His smile made his eyes twinkle as we continued to slowly twirl around the other couples. “I’m Brayden.”

Candice ~Part 3~

To go back and read Part 1 of Candice’s story, click here.

To read Part 2 of Candice’s story, click here.

Arriving at Mai Branton’s office was a blur. Probably because Candice was first escorted through a gorgeous, sprawling villa to reach it. The whole place was stunning. Artwork, fountains, gardens, people, dozens of turns she couldn’t keep track of, and her brain was still spinning through every word spoken in the car with Prince Dalton. A part of her still could hardly comprehend that she had seen him in person, let alone speak with him.

Thankfully Felix was still with her, leading her through the maze of hallways. When he stopped in front of a random door that looked no different than any of the other ones they had passed, Candice had to rock back hard on her heels to avoid slamming into him.

“Are you sure it’s this one?” She blurted. “How do you know it’s this one?”

“Don’t worry, miss. This is the one.” He didn’t wait any longer, opening the door and heading in. Candice reluctantly followed after him, taking a deep breath as she went.

Mai did not smile as Candice entered, instead moving to pull several papers off the printer. “Ms Evans. I trust your ride was uneventful.”

Surprised, Candice glanced over at Felix. He smiled and shook his head slightly. Thankfully Ms Branton did not notice since she was focused on the papers she’d printed.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Alright.” Ms Branton motioned to the seat across the desk from her. “Please take a seat. I have an agreement for you to sign as well as your schedule for the next few days. I hope you understand that some training will be necessary to prepare you for your required appointments and events. Questions?”

“What does the agreement entail? And what is my boss thinking is happening?”

“Your boss will be told in the morning that you have been temporarily contracted to assist in the upcoming conference and are required to be attending training meetings and such. If we need you after the conference we will think of something else to tell him.”

It took over an hour for Ms Branton to cover all the details that were outlined in the agreement as well as her schedule for the next day. After everything was signed and all the questions were answered and all the ‘don’ts’ covered, Ms Branton escorted her to the suite where she would be staying for the duration of her visit.

As they walked, Candice shook her head. “I am so lost, I’ll never remember where to go.”

“I will make sure you receive a map with your schedule in the morning. And if you still get lost, ask any of the staff for help and they will be happy to assist.”

“Ms Branton, I have what may seem like an odd question.” She chuckled hesitantly. “Will I be seeing the prince before that first public engagement?”

Ms. Branton stopped walking. “Why?”

Candice faced her with a shrug, smiling easily even though she wanted to wilt a little under the suspicious glare she was being subject to. “I wouldn’t want to react oddly to meeting him for the first time with who knows how many people watching.”

“You have a point.” Ms Branton gave a sharp nod. “I will have to check his schedule. Your first appearance with the prince won’t be for another week so we should be able to find some time somewhere, even if it is for only a few minutes at a time.”

Opening the door to her room, Candice forced herself to not stumble to a stop. It wasn’t actually a room, it was a suite with a beautifully appointed sitting room and branched off into two rooms, one on either side. Ms Branton stopped just inside the door.

“Now Candice, you should have all the essentials you will need for the night in your room as well as some snacks. Dinner will be brought here tonight in about an hour. When they come, let them know any food preferences, dietary requirements, and such that you need. I will see you in my office tomorrow after you have your breakfast.”

“Thank you.” She stopped herself from bowing. “I’m unsure how to fill the gaps in etiquette. I know how I’m supposed to act in public…”

Ms Branton shook her head. “Do not worry. We will cover it all tomorrow.”

Candice nodded and wandered further into my huge room as she heard the door click shut behind Ms Branton. She didn’t get farther than a small side table that was not visible from the door, sitting beside the sofa. Not seen from the door, laying there on that table, was a phone. Candice hurried to pick it up and rush to the door, turning it over in her hands. As she made it to the door, it buzzed in her hand.

Luckily she glanced down at the screen before she opened her door because she discovered that the text, several texts, were for her. 

Candice? 

Candice stared down at the phone and opened another. 

This is Dalton…the prince. I hope this phone is somewhere you can find it.

Apparently the prince was very swift on fulfilling promises. Her fingers fumbled and she unlocked the phone. As she hurried to open the messages she dropped the phone. Laughing to herself she picked it up and took a shaky breath, moving over to the sofa to sit. And breathe.

Another text came in before she began to type.

Dalton: I can only imagine what you will think when you find this phone with hundreds of texts from a random guy you just met. Ha.

Candice laughed. And finally sent her text.

Candice: You have amazing timing. I almost took the phone to Ms Branton thinking someone had left their phone. And you are not a random guy. Though I do appreciate the thought of acting like a beacon with all the texts to ensure that I noticed the phone.

Dalton: You found it!

Candice:  You managed to get me a phone. I admit to being surprised at how fast you followed through.

Dalton: Let’s just say that I was motivated to be prompt. I’m curious about this whole pastry thing you so fetchingly whispered into my ear. You definitely had my attention.

Candice blushed, writing, deleting, and rewriting different responses before settling with: Fetchingly? I was going for convincing.

Candice ~Part 2~

If you missed Part 1 of her story, click here.

My phone rang as I stepped out of Stella’s Bakery at the end of my shift. I had a guess who was calling and even after spending the rest of my shift trying to figure out if I would say yes to playing the part of a Countess, I still didn’t know my answer.

It rang again, startling me from my thoughts. After a deep breath, I answered. “Hello, Candice Evans speaking.”

“Candice. This is Mai Branton. Have you made your decision?”

“Wow. You weren’t kidding about needing an answer once my shift was over.” I stopped on the curb. “What if I hadn’t called the number until now?”

“Then we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” There was a slight pause. “You are going to say no, aren’t you?”

I shrugged. “I don’t feel right, lying to the prince.”

Mai laughed. “Oh you won’t be. He knows. In fact, he is part of the team searching for her stand in. He chose you.”

“Prince Dalton chose me to fill in for his fiance?”

“Would that change your answer?” Mai’s voice sounded hopeful.

Hastily reassessing, I slumped to sit down on the curb. “If he knows, then I guess it’s fine. How long?”

“Until Countess de Launcey is located.” Mai sighed. “Now, get off the ground and let’s be on our way.”

I shot to my feet and looked around. I couldn’t see the woman I remembered from the bakery anywhere. “Can you see me?”

“No, dear. I can only imagine how I would take the news of all this. I will send a car to pick you up. Are you on your way home or still at the bakery?”

I glanced back at the bakery and smiled. “I am standing in front of the bakery. Should I wait here?”

Mai’s voice crackled for a second, as if she were talking to someone away from her phone. Then she was back. “Stay there. Felix is on his way. Black sedan with our flag on the door panel. He will identify himself before approaching you. See you in a few.”

With that, the phone disconnected and I stared at the blank screen.

Ten minutes later a black sedan pulled up a few feet away and a tall smiling man stepped out, tipping his hat toward her. “Miss Evans? My name is Felix. Miss Branton sent me to fetch you.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Felix. Do you know if it would be possible for me to stop by my house for a minute?”

Felix opened the back door and bowed. “I believe that has already been put on the schedule for tomorrow. Is there something urgent you need to retrieve?”

Candice shook her head. “Other than necessities, no. Tooth brush, pajamas, that sort of thing.”

“We have some options available for you in the guest suite. No worries there, miss.”

Candice nodded and got in. She gave a small squeal when she realized she wasn’t alone. Thankfully her first instinct was not to strike out. “Prince Dalton!”

Felix dipped his head down, confusion on his face. “Did Miss Branton not inform you that he would be in the car?” Felix looked to the prince.

Prince Dalton waved him away. “It is my fault, Felix. I will deal with Miss Branton when we arrive. You will not get in trouble.”

I edged away from the royal with as much subtlety as I could manage. However, when his attention came back to me I couldn’t see straight.

“I am truly sorry to give you such a start, Miss Evans. I merely could not resist meeting you away from all the prying eyes.” He extended his hand. “A pleasure to meet you. Thank you for stepping in during this crisis.”

“I…you…hi.” Words were not working well for me at the moment.

Prince Dalton chuckled. “Hi.”

“I don’t know how I am supposed to address you. I know I’m going to be pretending to be a countess, and your fiancé at that but you know I’m not. Do I call you different things depending on the situation? How do I know which situation warrants which address? Does the countess run away often?” I clamped my hand over my mouth and took a deep breath. “Sorry.”

“No. I understand how this would all be very confusing. Especially if I am the first royal you have met.” One eyebrow raised in question at that.

“I…yes. You are my first royal. Not mine. Erm.” I lost the battle to not squirm a little in my seat.

Prince Dalton smiled. “Not to worry. Please call me Dalton, in private and public. That way, there is no confusion. Callista and I were on a first name basis, so you calling me anything else would raise questions.”

My mouth gaped, but only for a second. I reigned in my shock as quickly as I could. “Do you like pastries?”

I could see the surprise on his face at the abrupt change of topic but refrained from taking it back.

“I do.” His smile was back and more dazzling than ever. “Why?”

“Oh. I sell pastries. And my favorite thing is helping people find their favorite. Do you have a favorite?”

I watched as he thought, surprised that he didn’t have an answer right away.

“You know, Candice, I don’t think I’ve ever had someone ask me that. Usually I eat whatever pastry is brought. And I enjoy it. Would you be able to help me discover my favorite?”

“Oh, I wasn’t implying that you had to have one. I was only making conversation. Pastries are one of the things I know best.”

He laughed. “Then we are sure to be able to find my favorite. Say you’ll help me.”

“I already am.” I smiled. “Though I’m sure I can manage helping with both.”

The car stopped and his smile disappeared behind a neutral, rather regal expression. I was immediately intimidated again. Before I could question the sudden change, the door opened.

“After you, Miss Evans.” Prince Dalton motioned politely to the door. Gone was the man who had been laughing with me only moments before. For a brief second, I wondered if I would ever get to see that side of him again or if I would only be seeing him at the necessary public obligations as his Countess de Launcey.

I whispered softly. “We have to find your favorite flavor first. I’ll make up a list.”

A flash of humor momentarily brightened his eyes as he whispered back. “I’ll be sure to get you a phone with my number in it so we can begin our investigation.”

On impulse I squeezed his hand and exited the car.

Come back next week for Part 3 of Candice’s story!

Candice

“Order for Kenley.” Hank called out.

I winced as Kenley grabbed her order. While I knew that Hank having a good loud voice was great for helping the customers know when their food was ready, but him yelling right next to my ear was wearing my nerves down to nothing. I was flinching every time he stepped up beside me.

Shaking it off, I turned to the next person in line. “Welcome to Stella’s Bakery. What can I get for you?”

A woman dressed in a black power suit with an expression to match stepped up to the counter. She didn’t glance at the menu board or the pastry display. Her gaze remained locked on me and there wasn’t a smile to accompany it. I braced for her complaint. I gave her my best customer service smile and mustered up all the patience I had left.

Instead of ordering or complaining, she laid a business card down on the counter in front of me. “You have been called to serve your country and your crown. Call me when your shift is done.” The woman attempted a smile but it didn’t show in her eyes. Maybe she wasn’t used to using her smile muscles.

In seconds, the woman was out of line and walking out the door. For a second, I thought about running after her and demanding an explanation to such an odd phrase. However, with the line winding through the shop I couldn’t give myself any more time to think about the woman’s unusual announcement. There were other customers waiting who did want to order. Slipping the card off the counter, I shoved it into my work apron and got back to work.

“Welcome to Stella’s Bakery. What can I get for you?”

An old balding man smiled at me. “I don’t know.”

“Any favorite flavor or type of pastry?” I gave him a bright smile back. My secret favorite part of my job was helping people discover their favorite pastry.

“Lemon?” He said. “Do you have that here?”

“We do.” I nodded, pointing at the display case next to me. “We have lemon tartlets, creamy lemon mousse cups, chocolate covered lemon truffles, and powdered lemon drops.” I leaned over the counter. “Lemon is my favorite too.”

“Candice.” My boss called from the back room. “Your 5 minute break was due an hour ago. Take it now before I have to fire you for loving your job too much.”

I laughed. “I’ll get right on that.” Turning back to the old man. “I guess you are going to be my last customer before I have to go on break. Did any of those sound like something you want to try?”

“I’ll take one of each.” He smiled. “And a lemon tartlet for you to have on your break.”

“Aww thank you sir. I can’t. It’s policy.” I sighed. I rang up his order and handed him a bag full of his pastries. “Enjoy.”

Disappearing into the back room I rolled my shoulders and slumped back against the wall. Heading to the small closet-like break room I grabbed my phone and went out back into the alley. As far as alleys go, it was neat and clean and I loved the fresh air.

While checking my texts and skipping past the ones from my mother, I remembered the business card I had stashed in my apron. Pulling it out, I looked it over. Mai Branton. I hesitated at the phone number. She had basically demanded I call when my shift was over. It wasn’t over but I didn’t want to wait another two hours to figure out what was going on.

A second later I was calling.

“Hello Candice.” The voice was the woman who had handed me the card. “Your shift does not end until 3.”

“I’m on break. Who are you?” I kept my voice steady even though my hands were shaking.

“As it says on the card my name is Mai Branton. I am the royal advisor’s head of logistics.”

“Ok. Why are you talking to me?”

“There is a situation. And when going over our options your name came up.”

“My name? From who?”

There was a hesitation. “I wish we could have this meeting face to face but I could not arrange it. I shouldn’t say this before you agree to help but I think you have a right to know. However, if you do repeat any of what I am about to say you will end up in jail, at the very least. When reviewing our options your name didn’t come up, it was your picture. You match the description we need.”

“You need someone who looks like me?”

“Yes.”

My breathing caught and my chest constricted. “Am I going to be framed for something?”

Mai chuckled. “No. Something much more exciting. Countess De Launcey is missing and you fit her description well enough that with some heels and makeup you can pass for her.”

“Why not just find your countess?”

“We are trying. And in the meantime she has some high profile engagements that she can not miss. You won’t be making any decisions or changing laws. We just need time to locate her without hysteria over a missing noble.”

“So you want me to fill in for the Countess De Launcey?”

“Yes.” After a pause she continued. “You will be well compensated and arrangements will be made so that you will not get in trouble with your employer or school.”

I began to pace. “Do I have time to think about it?”

“Till the end of your shift. We will have to work through the night to make sure you are ready for the essential upcoming engagements.”

“Like what?”

“Luncheon with Prince Dalton.”

I dropped my phone. As I scrambled to pick it back up Hank popped the door open. “Is your break almost over? The line is piling up out there. Tonya’s shift just started and could really use your help.”

“Coming.” I shoved my phone into my apron and headed back inside.

Come back next week for part 2 of Candice’s story!

Natalie

“Oliver!” 

“Yes, Ms. Penrose?” A tall, well dressed and handsome man accompanied his darkly honeyed voice as he strolled out of his corner office in response to her yell. He smiled over at where she was standing halfway out her office door.

Natalie handed him a sheaf of papers. “You told me to holler as soon as these arrived.”

“I did.” He chuckled. “After all these years, I am still amazed by your remarkable knack for details.”

“All these years? You make it sound like I’ve worked for you forever. It’s only been 3 years.” She scoffed as she moved back into her smaller office. 

Oliver followed. “That’s a lifetime for me. Before you, I couldn’t keep hold of an executive assistant for more than a week.”

“True.”

“And yet, after three years of great teamwork, you still insist on being called Ms Penrose.” He leaned against the doorframe, a cajoling tone entering his voice. “You call me Oliver.”

Her hands went to her hips as she laughed. “Only at your insistence.”

“Then I insist you allow me to call you Natalie at work.”

She was shaking her head before he even finished speaking. “Mr Hickson, if you insist on that, I may have to insist on two weeks’ notice. Besides, you call me Natalie all the time.”

“Yes, but only outside the office.” He pointed a finger at her. “And do not call me Mr. Hickson.”

She folded her arms and smiled up at him. “Outside the office is when we are friends and you are not my boss.”

“If you weren’t so competent, Ms Penrose, I’d fire you.” He scowled and pushed off the door frame. “I’ll need you in my office at 3 tomorrow. There’s a deal being discussed that I will need your insight on after the initial talks are complete. You might as well be there in case you have any questions you need me to ask in my follow-ups.”

Natalie nodded and added a reminder on her computer. “I’ll be there. I also got a call from the Farrow Charity. They have not yet received your answer. Were you expecting me to reply for you?”

“The Farrow Charity? Isn’t that this weekend? I can’t go. I don’t have a date.”

Natalie leaned back in her chair and laughed. “So get one. I will let them know you will be coming with a plus one.”

“Don’t do that. Then I’d actually have to look for a decent date. And I don’t have time for that. How about this? If you want me to go so badly, you find me someone.” He pouted for a mere moment then glared. “Isn’t it your job to see to all the details?”

“No.” She glared. “I see to the details of your work life, not your personal life. Besides, you never like the dates I get for you. And at the end of the date, they don’t seem to like you either.” Natalie shook her finger at him. “If I find someone, you will have to promise to be nice and charming and at least pretend you are thrilled to have her there. Olivia still won’t speak to me after that disastrous gala she attended with you.” 

“That was not my fault.” He leaned over the desk. “And you never let me defend myself about that one.”

“There was a picture in the newspaper, Oliver. That told me all I wanted to know. And Desiree scowls at me everytime I even mention work. Who else?” She paused. “Oh wait. How could I forget about Bree or Nicole? Your history of dates with people I know is abhorrent. Now, you either agree to my terms or go find your own date.”

He didn’t move. “Why can’t you be my date?” His smile grew. “You would be the perfect date.”

“No, I wouldn’t.”

“And why is that?”

With a triumphant smile Natalie crossed her arms. “Because it would be a work event and I would have to insist you call me Ms Penrose all night.”

“You’re joking.”

She shook her head and went back to work, leaving him standing there. He didn’t move for several minutes, silent. After the first few minutes, she stopped glancing up to see if he was still there.

“Ms Penrose.” His pensive voice startled her.

Natalie set down the paper she was revising and looked up. “Yes, Oliver?”

“Work is over. Shouldn’t you be heading home?”

Glancing at the clock, she nodded. “You’re right. See you tomorrow.” As she stood, she glanced over at him. “Don’t forget to find a date. I’ll be telling them that you’ll be bringing one.”

He nodded. “May I walk you out?”

Side by side, they walked out to the sidewalk. Since she lived close, she always walked. However, his walking with her was new. And since he offered no explanation Natalie slowed down and peered over at him. As he continued to walk with her, she laughed. “Are you lost or are you going to walk me all the way home in an attempt to convince me to set you up with someone?”

Oliver glanced back at their office building and smiled, ignoring her question completely. “Would you say that we are officially no longer at work?”

She shrugged. “I suppose so. Are you waiting for me to call you Oliver before you leave? Is that why you are following me? See you tomorrow, Oliver.”

His hand on her arm stopped her as she turned to continue her walk home. When she looked over, he smiled broadly. “Natalie, my dear friend, dearest of all my friends, I don’t know if you know this but I have this charity thing I have to go to because my executive assistant is insisting I go and I would be honored if you would come with me as my date.”

“Oliver.”

He put his hands up. “Natalie, I am asking as a friend, not as your boss. Now you can’t insist on me calling you Ms Penrose at the Farrow Charity night.”

“I’m also not required to accept.”

“But will you anyways?” He gave her a huge fake pout. “Please.”

With a sigh she shook her head. “Put that face away and I’ll think about it.”

“Yes!’ He whooped.

“I didn’t say yes.” Natalie began walking away.

He called after her, “But you will!”

Lenore ~Part 4~

If you want to go back and read Part 1 of Lenore’s story, click here.

If you missed Part 2 of Lenore’s story, click here.

To go back and read Part 3 of Lenore’s story, click here.

Making herself comfortable in the taxi, Lenore rounded on Vaughn. “You are not going to tell my mother about all this crazy nonsense. I am not going to attempt to explain Atlan to her when I don’t even understand it myself.”

“You don’t have to worry about explaining. We will not be explaining Atlan. Or bringing it up at all. I will ask questions without mentioning any secret cities.” 

She shook her head. “No. That’s worse.”

“How so?”

With a groan she let her head crash back into the headrest. “Ugh. Just don’t talk. I need to figure this out.”

Thankfully he listened and remained silent as she kept her eyes closed and thought through what she could possibly say, rejecting it all as they came.

“We’re here.” He said, snapping her out of her thoughts.

She sat up straight and peered out the window, shocked at seeing her childhood home looking as normal and familiar as ever. Even more surprising was the sight of her mother, storming down the sidewalk toward the taxi, livid. Quickly, Lenore hopped out of the taxi and ran to embrace her.

In an amazingly fluid move Lenore’s mother hugged her, spun, deposited Lenore behind her, and went back to glaring at Vaughn in a heartbeat.

“Mom?”

She ignored Lenore, all her focus on Vaughn as he slowly slid out of the car with an easy smile. “Mrs. Shaisse. It is a pleasure to meet you.” His smile dropped and his eyes narrowed as he took in her stance. Immediately he bowed, low.

Her mother’s voice was harsh and strained as she asked, “Does she know?”

When he stood up straight, Vaughn gave a sharp nod. “I come as escort to figure out the discrepancy of her accidental arrival in Atlan.” He paused and glanced over at Lenore. “She found an old arch and practically fell through.”

Lenore could only stare in disbelief as her mother relaxed, motioning Vaugn to the house.

“Atlan. Then I suppose now would be the time to talk about a few things.” She put her arm around Lenore and looked back at Vaughn. “Join us inside, warrior.”

Lenore stared at her mother in shock. “Mom?” Turning to Vaughn she glared. “I thought you said we were absolutely not going to be bringing any of that up? Wait, Mom, do I know what? Why did you call him a warrior?”

“Inside, Lenore.” Her mother waved her inside without looking back at Vaughn. Closing the front door she took a deep breath. “Lenore, I need to speak with your guest for a minute.”

“Speak away, mom.” Lenore shrugged. “I’m not going anywhere. I want answers. You know about Atlan, talking about it like its commonplace knowledge and everything.”

Vaughn gave another low bow to her mother. “I did not know. Forgive my intrusion.”

Her mother waved her hand at him. “There was no way for you to know. Call me Zayta. Please sit down and I will explain.”

“Mom.” Lenore crossed her arms. “How do you know who he is?”

Spearing her with an icy don’t-cross-me glare, Zayta motioned once again to the sofa. “Go sit down, Lenore.”

Once all three were seated Zayta sighed. “Lenore, we come from a long line of well respected leaders in the city of Talsin. Similar to Atlan, our gates are closed to outsiders and can only be accessed through the archways. However, we believe that it is important to live among many diverse people to learn and grow from rich cultures such as our own. Your great grandfather was the first of our family to come here to Colorado. He fell in love with the place and its mountains. Eventually he moved here with his wife and children. After that, it became tradition for the women of our family to reconnect with our ancient heritage and live amongst the Talsin people for at least a year. Over the years many chose to remain in Talsin. Today only I remain here, for you.”

“For me?” Lenore jumped out of her seat and began pacing. “Why haven’t you told me any of this? Why the big secret?”

Zayta continued, unruffled by the outburst. “Tradition is special to us. I have been trying to set up the journey home with you for years. While I had hoped to take you as a gift before your wedding so you would at least know, I am sorry I have not pushed the issue harder. I did not want to burden you with so much change after your father died.”

Vaughn leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Your family line is Shaisse? I do not recognize it. And I have studied the lines of most leading families in all four cities.”

“Four?!” Lenore exploded. “There are more cities? Do they all have kings that want to study me?”

Zayta jolted. “King Taran wants to study Lenore?” 

Vaughn inclined his head. “Only because of the mystery surrounding how she saw the archway.”

Lenore watched as her mother visibly relaxed. “Shaisse is not our Talsin family line.  My grandmother married a Shaisse from here. We are of the Reske line.”

Immediately Vaughn was on his feet and moving away.

“What?” Lenore grabbed him.

Glancing between the two of them, Vaughn struggled to speak. Finally Zayta chuckled. “Your friend is merely struggling with shock. He doesn’t know whether to call me a liar or bow again.”

“Why?”

Her mother once again speared her gaze into Lenore. “The Reske line was rumored to have died out years ago when political intrigue led way to the assassination of your grandmother’s brother and his family. Since my mother lived here and had married into a new name, none knew to look for her. Though many tried. Over the years people forgot about us and I have sought to keep it that way.” Turning her full attention on Vaughn once again Zayta smiled. “Now, warrior, I would hear what line you are of. You bow like you aren’t used to it and study noble family lines as if you are one.”

“I am Vaughn Laros.”

Zayta stood and swept a beautifully intricate curtsey that Lenore had never in her life seen her do. “The only son…and heir.”

Vaughn glanced at Lenore. “Yes. Though not the only heir in the room apparently.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lenore shook. 

Her mother touched her arm. “My mother was sister to the king of Talsin. You are the forgotten heir to the city of Talsin.”

“So like a princess?”

Vaughn shook his head. “Not like a princess. You are one.”

She scoffed. “And what? You’re a prince?”

He bowed his head with a nod.

Lenore ~Part 3~

Click here to start Lenore’s story from the beginning.

Click here to read part 2 of Lenore’s story.

Vaughn did not leave her personal space for a moment as he walked her through the most amazing and clean city she had ever seen. Spiraling towers shaped like narwhal horns shot high into the bright water, shimmery bubbles encasing each one. Hundreds of walkways and bridges connected the city buildings. There was so much to see and gawk at and Vaughn would not let her slow down at all.

When she grumbled and tried to pull away, he only laughed. “Ah, Lenore. This is not the time for sight-seeing. We have things to accomplish today.”

“But we are leaving. When will I ever get the chance, if not now?”

“You will be back.” His hand on her back propelled her forward, his eyes scanning for openings in the crowd for them to pass through. They were moving fast.

Lenore shook her head. “You don’t know that. Your king might decide to have me disappeared instead. Get rid of the pesky annoyance before she can make any real problems. Maybe that’s what we are doing now. Are you going to make me disappear? Send me through a gateway with nothing on the other side? Make your king’s life a little less stressful?”

Vaughn continued walking, half pulling her along. “Such a delightful imagination, Lenore. However, despite your gruesome opinion of me, we are going to visit your mother.”

“My what?!” She shrieked, halting in the middle of the path. “I thought you were joking. You are not going to meet my mother. Are you insane? Why would I take you to visit my mother?”

It was his chuckle that stopped her cold. “You act as though you have a choice.”

Her shoulders slumped just a little. “I’m not going willingly. And you will have a hard time explaining yourself if you drag me everywhere. It’s not socially acceptable where I’m from.”

“Lenore. I will not be dragging you anywhere.” He held out his arm and gave a small bow. “However, I am the one who will be escorting you on the journey.”

“No. What am I supposed to tell her? I just met you and randomly thought the two of you should meet?”

He pulled himself up straight and shot her a charming smirk. “I will pose as your boyfriend.”

“No.” She shook her head so fiercely that her ponytail smacked her in the face. “That won’t work. I have…had a fiance and she’s met him, so you can’t be him either.”

“Do you currently have a fiance, Lenore? Or do you no longer have one?” The poor man looked genuinely confused.

“Had. I had a fiance. Though my mom doesn’t know yet that I don’t.”

“Why not?”

She sighed and pulled herself a little further away. He didn’t stop her. “Because I stupidly went to check out the golden arch that was shimmering on the wall of a cliff and a crazy psycho pulled me through it.”

Vaughn had started walking again and Lenore realized that she had followed without thinking. “I do not see the connection.”

Holding in a growl, she clenched her fists instead. “I broke up with my fiance the same night I was pulled through the arch. Was that last night?” She sighed, remembering how angry and sad she had been, walking down the beach. “I obviously haven’t had a chance to talk to her since then.”

He nodded. “I can see how that would prove to have been difficult. Why did you end the relationship with your fiance?”

There was devastatingly chill silence as Lenore abruptly put significant space between them and walked at a faster clip, her jaw clenched shut. It didn’t take more than a second for him to catch up, however he didn’t speak. They walked side by side for several minutes until his hand caught her elbow. She didn’t have a chance to yell at him because he quickly pointed down a hallway. 

“We turn here.” He didn’t say more, waiting for her to begin her long striding steps. Not wanting to deal with looking at his penitently chagrined face, she complied.  Again they walked until they reached a room that looked very much like the room she had arrived in, however there were several plush couches to the side where people were sitting around amiably chatting.

“Are they waiting for something?” Lenore whispered.

Vaughn motioned her closer to the arch. “This is one of the portals that is in current regular use. And they are probably waiting for people to arrive, not waiting to leave.”

She peered at the twisting archway again. “Regular? Where does this one lead to?” Her analyzing stare turned on Vaughn.

“For the next twenty minutes this one connects to downtown Denver, Colorado. Which reminds me. Where does your mother live? And what is her name? Where is your father?”

A little ‘ha’ burst out of her lips. “Shouldn’t you know all that already?”

“I was attempting politeness, but if you’d rather I not bother…” His face blocked out the rest of the room as his arm snaked around her waist. 

She was stunned to discover herself in his embrace, and not hating him for it. Despite her startling feelings she pushed him away. “How about we not hug it out. And you can let me go through the shiny magical portal alone.”

“What happened to being worried about going through a gateway to nothing. Have you decided to trust my word?”

She laughed sardonically. “No. Though I seriously doubt all these other people have gathered to willingly walk through the portal of doom or wait for people to come back through it.”

He shook his head and extended his arm to her. “Come. It is time for our departure.” Vaughn nodded over at one of the men standing near the arch and then pulled her through. He caught her around the waist once more before she had a chance to stumble when they ended up in a small empty office. Blithely walking into the also empty hallway, Vaughn nodded toward the window. “Now, your mother lives in the small town just to the west of here and we must hurry if we are to avoid traffic.”

“Here?” Lenore tried processing the sights she was taking in. “This is nowhere near the beach. This is Colorado.”

His persistent tug on her waist, had her in a taxi and zipping away towards her mother’s house before she could think to ask any questions. 

Click here to read the next part of Lenore’s story.

Lenore ~Part 2~

If you want to read part 1 first, click here.

Trying to shake the fuzziness in her head, Lenore blinked furiously. Her brain could not make sense of what she was seeing. A giant manta ray was swimming over her, on the ceiling. No, in the ceiling? Yet she was in bed. But not her bed. And she had no idea how she had come to be in that amazing comfy bed. 

Luckily, the more she blinked, the more her memories filled in the blanks. The Adonis guy, no. He said his name was Vince? Van? Maybe Vaughn? He told her where she was. 

But where was she, really? And she didn’t mean the city they were in. She didn’t even want to think about that yet. This was not the room she had been in before. No gateway or guards or views of a crazy awesome underwater city. And Vaughn was gone. He had ditched her in solitary confinement as soon as she had answered his questions and now he had no further interest or use for her. Though she had to admit, it was rather plush for confinement. 

But had she answered him? She couldn’t remember.

If she hadn’t still been laying in bed, she probably would have jumped out of her skin when the door slammed open and in walked a very officious looking woman, not a hair out of place.

“Staisse? Spell it.”

Lenore gaped at her. “Who are you?”

The woman’s eyes speared her. “Spell your name, girl. I can’t believe they sent me in to deal with the outsider. Me. I have far too much to do today to pamper a spoiled little nobody.”

“S-t-a-i-s-s-e.” Lenore gulped. “Am I a prisoner?”

With a groan, the woman finished typing in the translucent tablet she was holding and clasped it behind her back. Suddenly she looked like the stereotype ‘school marm’ ready to chastise her students a.k.a Lenore.

“Don’t be foolish, child. “ She gestured around the room. “Does this look like a cell? You are in a guest holding room until you can be confirmed and vetted.”

“And if I’m not?”

Another spear-tipped gaze was tossed her way. “Then you will forget any of this happened and no longer be my concern.”

Lenore exhaled. “That works for me. I’d rather be back to blissfully unaware.”

“Ms Staisse, you are the first to naturally see our doorway in over 400 years. The likelihood that the king will simply let you leave with no memories of what happened is next to none. Most likely  you will be vetted merely so he can hand you over to the science division to determine what went wrong so that we can prevent any more spill over.”

“I vote no.” Lenore plopped back on her bed.

“You lost your ‘vote’ when you crossed that doorway.” The woman crossed her arms.

“I didn’t cross the doorway.” Lenore tried to not screech hysterically. “The gorgeous, muscly guy pulled me through.”

“What do you mean?”

Before she blurted it all out, her eyes narrowed at the suddenly attentive tone. “You never told me who you are.”

“No. I did not.” The woman’s smile remained fixed. “I do not like to waste my time. Now you will tell me what happened or I will send you down to the interview room for a more thorough discussion.”

“Where’s Vaughn? That’s his name, right?”

Again the woman’s attention slammed into her. “Did Vaughn bring you here?”

Lenore was nodding as the door once again burst open. Vaughn came striding in with an easy smile.

“There you are, Ms Perkins. Are you still harassing the girl? I thought you just needed to confirm her name.”

Ms Perkins turned on him. “I was just about to hear an interesting story from the staisse girl. She claims that you pulled her through.”

Vaughn sighed. “Of course she did. She doesn’t understand how the doorways work. Her hand was already through the doorway. She was coming through whether she wanted to or not. I only finished the process faster so that she wouldn’t be spotted by anyone else as she was slowly disappearing into a cliff.”

“No! You…” 

Vaughn cut her off with a glare before switching back to his utterly charming smile. 

Ms Perkins humphed. “I’ll see that the king receives my report now.”

Lenore watched her leave. She quickly slammed her mouth shut as Vaughn faced her again. The door closed and she jumped just a little.

“Are you trying to get me in trouble?”

“Not knowingly.” With a bright smile she rose up. Standing with her arms crossed she cocked her head to the side. “If you weren’t so abrupt before and took some time to explain things I wouldn’t be talking to anyone who would listen.”

“Do you have a great great grandparent or further back that mysteriously disappeared without a trace and reappeared years later?”

“What?”

He shrugged. “I’m trying to figure out how you saw the doorway.”

“No disappearing relatives. Though every woman in my mother’s line goes on a year long trip with no phone or anything when they reach 20. Does that count as disappearing? That probably doesn’t count. Unless you are looking for women who are adventurous and have wandering spirits. Now I’m rambling.” Lenore clamped her mouth shut.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty one.”

“Did you go on this family trip?

“No.” Her arms crossed tightly across her middle.

“Why did you not go on your trip?”

Lenore shrugged. “I was busy with school. My mom has been trying to convince me to go but by the time I was done with school I had a fiancé. I couldn’t leave.”

“We must meet your mom.”

She laughed. “Your scary guard dog/secretary…”

“Ms Perkins?”

“Yes. She told me that I would either be heading to be experimented on or returning home minus the memories.”

“New development.” Vaughn slipped an arm around her waist and propelled her to the door. “And it looks like we get to spend some quality time together.”

Lenore glared up at him. “No kissing.”

“Let us meet your mother, then we can talk about kissing.”

“No, not kissing. We will talk about not kissing.”

Vaughn continued to escort her out. “We surely will have time to talk of both. Though I agree. No kissing in front of your mother yet.”

Come back next week to read part 3 of Lenore’s story!