Part 1
Part 2
So here goes:
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As always, Christmas day
came and went in the blink of an eye. Since the holiday had fallen on a
Thursday, I had all day Friday to spend with my family before they left for
home on Saturday.
My parents, Louise and
Parker Stone, adopted me when I was just a baby. Along with them came four
older brothers; Matthew, James, Luke and Samuel. I know, biblical, right? They
have light hair, blue eyes; it’s so obvious that I’m adopted. But none of that
mattered, they loved me and protected me like flesh and blood. They were the
most important thing to me. My grandfather made intelligent investments that
led to an incredible windfall, and so, my parents were independently wealthy.
My mother was a school teacher and my father owned a construction company where
all my brothers worked. For being millionaires, they lived a simple life in a
big house in the country.
Unlike me, they enjoyed the
peace and quiet of upstate New York and not the hustle and bustle of the big
city. I had to think of ways to keep them occupied without too much chaos. We
went on a carriage ride through Central Park, did a little holiday shopping-I
think that little bit was enough for them because when we got back to my apartment,
dad went straight into the guest bedroom and took a nap, it was only lunchtime.
Mom and I took to the
kitchen making lunch, laughing and talking as we did. My brothers sprawled out
all over the living room for an afternoon of college football. When the food
was ready, we settled next to each other at the dining room table for some good
food and conversation.
“So how have things been,
Mom?”
“Great. We’re all healthy
and happy, things couldn’t be better. I’m so glad we made the trip down here to
see you. I miss you lots up there in our little corner of the world.”
I leaned over and squeezed
my mom tight. “I miss you too. Things are good here; I keep busy and out of
trouble.”
Mom giggled. “Speaking of
trouble-how’s Sophie? You two up to anything fun lately?”
Dad walked in, stretching
and yawning. “You save any for me?”
I pointed to the kitchen.
“Yes, Dad. There’s a plate in the microwave for you.” I turned back to mom.
“Well, Sophie and I visited a new book store a few blocks from here. It’s
called Trussman and Sons and it’s amazing. We should go before you guys leave.”
I looked up, my fork in front of my mouth, and I noticed my parents glance at
each other. It was a split second, and then they both returned to what they
were doing. “Um, have you guys heard of it?” I asked and took my bite.
Mom finished chewing and
answered. “Actually, it’s a franchise. We have a Trussman & Sons in the
next town. We’ve been there a few times.”
“Oh. Is it as unbelievable
as ours is? It’s gorgeous, all those incredible books and the coffee shop.” I
smiled as I remembered the books I found there. But then I remembered the scene
with Milo. I must have been frowning.
My dad looked at me. “What’s
the matter?” He asked, his brow furrowed.
“What? Oh, nothing. The
employees were just a little strange. Other than that, the place was amazing.
Do you know anything about the Trussman family? I would be interested to find
out more about them.”
They exchanged a quick
glance again before mom spoke. “I don’t really know anything about the family.
We went in there last month and they had been talking about buying a new
building in the city. There isn’t much else to tell. Obviously they’re trying
to expand their business.”
“Okay.” I let it go, even
though I felt like they knew more than what they were telling. But what? Why
would they have anything to hide about a book store? Maybe I imagined the looks
they gave each other. I shrugged it off and continued eating.
*-*-*-*-*
My parents and brothers
loaded up the van early the next morning and headed toward the countryside. I
waved from the curb and then hurried into my apartment to get ready for my
outing with Sophie to the book store.
My mind was racing with the
unknown. I had no idea what to expect from another visit to Trussman and Sons.
I had questions I wanted to ask Vin and Milo, and I didn't know if I could get
more than a few strange looks and a polite phrase for a customer during this
trip. I’d only been there once, but I was more than an everyday customer. I could
feel it. Wanting to make a good impression, I put a little extra effort into
looking nice.
Sophie met me in front of my
building. As we walked towards the book store, I needed to know what Sophie’s
plan was. This felt too important and I didn't want any surprises.
“Sophie, what is your plan
for today? We’re just going to finish scavenging the store, right? No funny
business?”
Sophie ducked her chin into
her scarf, and I could tell she was stifling a giggle. “I don’t know. Maybe I
want a date. It’s been forever since
I've had a date, and it would be nice not to be lonely every weekend.” She
looked at me and I must have appeared wounded, because she tried to cover her
tracks. “Sorry, not that you’re not good company. I love spending time with
you, but I’m a young woman, Lily. I want a man in my life to go out to dinners
with, take long walks in Central Park with, and to keep me warm at night,” she
said, as she elbowed me in the ribs and threw me a knowing look.
“Just remember, you’re the
one going there looking for a date. I don’t want a date. I don’t feel right
about those guys. I mean, it’s okay if you want to see one of them, but I don’t
think I’d be interested. I’m interested in them, just not like that.”
“You’re not looking for a
new best friend, are you?” Lily pouted, pushing out her bottom lip exaggeratedly.
“No, Lily. You are
irreplaceable.” As we walked silently and arm in arm the rest of the way to the
book store, I got the feeling that she was imagining less lonely nights with
someone of the male persuasion who worked at Trussman and Sons. I just hoped
she could control herself long enough for me to get some answers.
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That's it for now, back on track on Monday with a movie review. Check back in next Thursday for another segment! Thanks for stopping by!
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