“Well, they could be,” she defended herself. “Just because you haven’t seen one doesn’t mean it’s not real.”
Oh dear Lord, Marisol. What are you even saying?
“You’re quite right. Dragons could very well be real.”
She let out a sigh. “I know I sound like an idiot.”
“Hey,” he said in a firm voice. “I don’t like you calling yourself names, understand?”
She chewed worriedly at her lip. This was something new to her as well. She’d gotten so used to others putting her down, it seemed almost natural to do it to herself. “I understand.”
“Okay, snuggle in. And just listen.” He started to tell her a story over the phone. It involved a prince, a princess and a dragon. He had such a nice voice that she soon found her eyes drifting shut.
And she didn’t find out the end of the story, unfortunately.
She hoped it had a happy-ever-after.
7
Marisol strode towards the diner.
She was early, but she thought it was best to get out of the house in case her aunt woke up. Although Rosalind hadn’t come in until the wee hours of the morning, so it was doubtful.
She drew out a new paperback she’d bought on her break yesterday. As she strolled along, she read it. She was chewing on a piece of gum, blowing out bubbles with it.
Suddenly, she slammed into something solid. Her book dropped as she attempted to step back and catch her balance. She sucked in her breath, forgetting about the bubblegum and started choking.
Firm hands clasped her forearms before she was turned, one arm was pressed under her breasts as a large hand whacked her between her shoulder blades. She wasn’t sure if it was the harsh smacks of his hand or just the sheer shock of being manhandled, but the gum shot back up her throat and into her mouth.
“Breathe. That’s it. Breathe,” he commanded in a low voice that wasn’t to be disobeyed.
Oh hell. She knew that voice.
He placed a large paw under her mouth. “Spit it out.”
She shook her head. Nuh-uh. No way.
“Marisol,” he said firmly. “Spit.”
She spat the gum into his hand. That was truly, truly gross. He moved away from her, throwing the gum in the trash can before he opened the door to the truck parked alongside the sidewalk. Shit. How had she missed him? She’d walked right into him.
How embarrassing.
He drew out a napkin from out of the truck. He quickly wiped his hand before leaning in and grabbing a bottle of water. He held it out to her.
“You’re not wrinkly and hairy.”
“Um, thanks, I think?” He gave her a strange look.
You’re talking out loud, Marisol.
“Here.” He wiggled the drink in his hand.
“Ahh, no thanks.”
“It’s new. I just bought it. Drink.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t. You’ll need it.”