Total pages in book: 14
Estimated words: 13530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 68(@200wpm)___ 54(@250wpm)___ 45(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 13530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 68(@200wpm)___ 54(@250wpm)___ 45(@300wpm)
Google Maps is no help as I search for the house my mom told me about. As I pull into the driveway, I realize that she didn’t tell me it was a mansion that looks like it was built in the 1800s. It’s gorgeous, I can’t believe I get to live here, at least for a little while.
Now that I am done with my summer trip to Europe, I need to buckle down and figure out what I want in life. I need a job, but I am not sure I’ll find one in Heart Falls. The drive from Billing's wasn’t terrible so there’s always that. I get out of the car and run up the stairs. It’s been three and a half months since I’ve seen my mama and I’ve missed her.
Before I can knock on the door, my mom throws it open and pulls me into a hug. It’s only seven in the morning. I am not sure why she’s even awake.
“Sabrina!” she shouts, right into my ear. “I missed you.” I can tell she’s on the verge of tears.
“Mama. It’s so good to see you,” I reply, my lungs being crushed by her. She’s a big girl like me, so she gives the best hugs. “I missed you too. So much.”
“Come inside. We expected you last night,” she says ushering me into a fancy foyer.
“Sorry. I was delayed. I tried calling when I got to town, but my phone didn’t work,” I tell her. I’ll tell her everything later. Now isn’t the time to bring it up.
“Yeah. You’ll need Verizon. It’s the only thing that works here. We’ll go into Billings later and switch you over.”
“Hello, young lady,” a man says from behind us. I turn around and have this sense of deja vu.
“Hi. You must be James. Have we met before?” I ask, cautiously.
“No, I don’t believe so. Come in. Come in. I was just making breakfast,” he says. I hand my purse to my mom who puts on the table next to the door. Hers is already sitting there.
“Sure. Thank you. You just look so familiar. I could swear we’ve met before.” I can’t shake the feeling. It’s so intense.
“I’m the mayor of Heart Falls, maybe you saw my picture in town on your way in,” he offers. I sit down at the little breakfast nook and watch in awe as he serves my mom her meal first. My heart melts. My mom hasn’t been with a man since my dad broke up with her when he found out she was pregnant. They were just kids. A completely unplanned accident the summer after ninth grade. She told me James’ wife left him and their son when he was eight. He had given up on finding love until they met at the hotel. Hell, they both had. It sounds like something right out of a fairy tale. They got married after six hours and haven’t looked back. That was three months ago now. They seem to be so in love.
“You’re the mayor? That must be interesting,” I say, making small talk.
“Less than you think. Nothing ever happens here. The biggest news in years was when I brought Penny home with me,” he says, chuckling. “Besides, a Felton has been mayor of Heart Falls since 1886. We live and we die here.”
“That’s lovely. Morbid, but lovely nonetheless,” I tell him, eating some truly delicious pancakes.
“Have some more, there’s plenty. My son should be here soon. He has a large appetite.” I smile and dig in. Chatting with them when they ask me about my trip.
“What was your favorite country?” Mama asks.
“Ireland, without a doubt,” I respond before taking a bite of bacon. I’m starving. I haven’t eaten since a meal on the plane from Heathrow to New York. After last night’s vigorous activity, it’s no wonder I’m starving.
I proceed to tell them all about Ireland and Amsterdam, where I got some tattoos. My mom has a few, so she doesn’t say anything.
“What does your son do?” I ask when I’ve run out things to discuss about my trip.
“He’s a firefighter in town.”
“That’s nice. Scary, but nice.”
“As I said, nothing ever happens here, but our guys are trained to handle anything. He’s off today.”
“Well, that’s good,” I say as I hear the front door open and then close loudly.
“Dad, Penny? You here?” I freeze, fork halfway to my mouth. I know that voice. Please, God! No!
“In the kitchen,” Mom says.
“Sorry I’m late,” the deep voice I know so fucking well says as he walks into the kitchen. “What the fuck are you doing here?” he asks, sounding pissed.
“Jesus Conrad. Don’t be rude to your new stepsister,” James says. I feel my face flush. I’m going to be sick.
“This is my daughter, Sa…” Mom begins, but he cuts her off.