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"I’ that" She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out her little black book, which had always brought about trouble in the past "What are you doing?" I asked warily

"I’ht"

"Faye I don’t think I’m ready for that kind of emotional connection with someone"

"What the hell does sex have to do with emotions?" she wondered, completely serious I didn’t even kno to tackle that question "Anyway, I know this guy who can help you clean up your garden of weeds His naenius when it comes to that stuff Once, he drew hearts down there on "

She smiled "I know But I can set up an appointment with Edward Scissorhands for you, and then you can pick any guy in ht stand with"

"I don’t do one-night stands"

"Okay You can lie down to do it, if you want" She s? Just getting out there around a few guys It doesn’t have to be anything serious, but I think it could be good for you I don’t want you to stay stuck in neutral"

"I’htly offended "It’s just--I have a daughter And it’s only been a year since Steven’s death"

Wow

I was soue without any backlash of emotion

"I didn’t mean it in a harsh way You know I love you, and you kno much Steven meant to me"

"I know"

"Look, I’et their hearts broken sos are hard to hed "I don’t think I’m ready for that just yet, but I’ll keep it in mind"

"I understand, sweetie But if there comes a point when you feel as if you need my little book, you just let me know"

I smiled "Your book seeer before"

Her hand dove into her apron again, and she pulled out twoto see ot the best offoot into Mr Henson’s shop Within a few seconds, it was easy to tell that Mr Henson pretty ical Half of the store was a coffee shop while the other half was set up like a closet that was filled with things I’d seen in ed above the door, causing Mr Henson and Tristan to look at one another with confusion in their eyes When they turned my way, I tried h I could still feel their eyes onto the top shelf of one of the bookcases for a book A book of spells? Okay then The binding was tied together with string, and it was covered in dust I picked up another book Both pieces looked older than dirt, but still soee collection of old books in his study that were in different languages or on subjects he hadn’t any idea about, but he just loved how the covers felt and looked

"How much for these two?" I asked Mr Henson He remained silent I arched an eyebrow "I’m sorry Are you closed?" When my stare met Tristan’s, I held the books to my chest and my cheeks blushed over "Hi"