Read Online Big Love by Saxon Bennett, Layce Gardner - Free Book Online Page A

of those suits,” Zing said.
    They all looked at Zing, undecided if she was joking or not. Finally, Nell said, “It’s not quite that simple.”
    Miracle said, “You know what? I have a friend who owns his own cab. He gives people-in-need rides. He’s workin’ off a karmic debt. Lemme give you his card.” She rummaged around in her big purse, saying, “I know I got it in here somewhere.” She pulled out a tea saucer and frowned at it. “I was wondering where that got off to.”
    After a bit more digging, Miracle located a crumpled card and handed it to Tom, who straightened it out and carefully stuck it in his shabby vest pocket. He always wore a vest, trousers, hat, and ascot. He even carried a gold-tipped cane like he was a down-on-his-luck gentleman straight out of a Dickens novel. Sometimes he talked like a 19 th century gentleman, or depending on the situation, he adopted a Shakespearean lexicon.
    “Now who are you exactly?” Carol asked, looking Miracle up and down, her gaze lingering on Miracle’s curves.
    “I told you. She’s my friend, Miracle,” Zing said. “Miracle, this is Carol. She’s Nell’s crabby friend I told you about.”
    “I’m not crabby,” Carol said, crabbily. “Who said I was crabby?”
    Nell’s smile tightened. She didn’t look at Carol.
    There was an awkward silence until Miracle broke it by saying, “I dropped by to see how Zing’s first day went. And to give her a ride home.”
    “Is Miracle your real name?” Nell asked. She opened the door wider, inviting them inside with a wave of her hand. Miracle stepped in, but Tom politely remained outside.
    “No, that’s just what Zing and Annabelle call me,” Miracle said. “Annabelle is my guardian angel. They call me Miracle because I’ve been known to get a wild hair up my butt and do things that are dangerous. They joke that it’s a miracle I’m still alive. I decided I’m keeping the name now because I’m reinventing myself. I think everyone should be allowed at least one, or…” she swooped her arms wide, “however many reinventions it takes to become your true self.” Her eyes glowed.
    “In other words, you’re as bat-shit crazy as her,” Carol said, jerking her thumb in Zing’s direction.
    Nell slapped Carol’s arm. “Don’t be rude,” she scolded harshly.
    Miracle laughed. “That’s okay. I appreciate a little honesty. Especially when it’s coming from such a pretty lady.”
    Carol was taken aback by the compliment. She was struck speechless.
    “Excuse me. May I have the donuts now?” Tom asked.
    “Oh, sorry,” Zing said. She handed the box to him. “I thought you’d like some ice cream to put on top of the donuts.” She plunked the ice cream container on top of the donut box. “Don’t eat it too fast, though. It’ll freeze your brain.”
    Tom seemed puzzled, but smiled politely. “Thank you, Ma’am. I’ve never had the pleasure of dining on ice cream and donuts, but I’m sure it’s very enjoyable.” He tipped his hat at them, saying, “I best be on my way. I’m meeting my colleagues at the Tenth Street park bench. Good day.” He turned and strode down the alley with his cane tapping out a steady rhythm.
    Zing beamed as she watched him walk away. Giving the donuts to Tom made her feel light and airy inside. She made a silent promise to herself that she would give to those in need more often.
     
    ***
     
    When Zing turned back around she caught Miracle staring at Nell’s bald spot.
    “It looks bad, huh?” Zing said.
    “I’ve seen worse,” Miracle said.
    “Really?” Nell asked.
    “No,” Miracle said. “I was just trying to make you feel better.”
    Carol scowled. “You sure have a funny way of showing it.”
    “But we can fix it,” Miracle said. “I have just the friend.”
    “I’m sure you do,” Carol said.
    Miracle didn’t seem to notice the snideness of the remark. “You can come, too. In fact, why don’t we all get our hair cut and styled? It does a body