Read Online Dream Lover (Denim and Spurs Book 2) by Aliyah Burke - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Aliyah Burke
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better than it is on television. I run there most days.”
She never stopped folding. “What about in winter? Do you run there even then?”
“I do.”
Jolene sighed. “I would give anything to get out of this town. Middle of nowhere and nothing to do.” In went another shirt. “How long have you lived there?”
“Over ten years now.”
“I’ve been here for thirteen. I’m seventeen and I hate cattle.” Her expression—one of tortured youth—had Laciee hiding her smile.
“A lot of those around here,” Laciee agreed with a nod.
Jolene blew out a frustrated breath. “Don’t I know it. I hate them, the smell, sound, all of it.”
“City doesn’t always smell like peaches.” Laciee felt like she owed Jolene the truth.
“I know but there are people there to talk to. It’s the only reason I took this job, I wanted some interaction with people. Not that we get a lot in Branchwater, but at least I’m not stuck in the house listening to my cousin ramble on about something or another.”
“Cousin?”
“Charlotte Beaumonde.”
Well shit. That explained the reason Jolene looked so damn familiar. “Charlotte Beaumonde is your cousin.”
“Yes, do you know her?”
Did she know her? Oh, how she knew her, but…couldn’t blame the cousin for her relations. Laciee ran over several responses before opting to merely nod her head.
“She’s trying to get out of town. I think she said she wanted to go to California. I want to go with her. I don’t care where I end up, I just want out of Branchwater.”
Laciee watched the teen shove her final items in the bag. Jolene flushed and ducked her head.
“Guess I got a bit loud there, I’m sorry.”
Laciee almost reached over and touched her hand, at the last moment gripping the counter instead. “I understand wanting to leave. I was where you are.”
Blue eyes met hers. “I don’t have money. I’m not sure how it would work.”
“College?”
“My aunt and uncle say there’s not enough to send me anywhere for a university. If I’m lucky I can go to community college. Assuming I can buy my own car and all that.”
No money? Laciee barely refrained from rolling her eyes in disgust. Charlotte always wore the latest fashions, gold, and diamonds. Stay out of this, her brain cautioned.
“Apply for a scholarship then.”
The expression on Jolene’s face had her wondering if anyone had mentioned it to her.
“I was told I’m not a candidate.”
Small towns. Laciee signed her credit card slip. “Trust me. You are. You need to look for some or ask your counselor. There’s always a way, Jolene. Never let…” She glanced over her shoulder at the opening of the door and saw Charlotte’s mom enter. “…anyone tell you different,” she murmured, facing the young woman again. “Thank you.” This time her voice was much louder, and she grabbed her bags before heading to the door.
Delores Beaumonde blocked her way, disgust and repulsion all over her face.
“I see you returned.”
Laciee wasn’t getting into this with her. One way or another she would refuse to be drawn back in. As she gripped the handles of her bags and prepared to step around the disagreeable Mrs. Beaumonde, the door opened again. This time admitting Laura Raines, Karis’ mother. They’d managed to not even speak at the wedding.
Their gazes locked, and sparks immediately flew between them. Time vanished as she stared at the woman who’d made her life such a living hell during her childhood.
“Still here?” Laura questioned, her tone both dangerous and ice-cold. “Thought you’d be gone. Heard you had an issue with your hotel room.”
“Laura.” Damn it! She was no longer a young child who could be cowed. She wouldn’t show anything. “You must be looking forward to being called Grandmother.”
Laura visibly winced, and Laciee held her gloating smile. Blue eyes narrowed, nostrils flared, and with a sniff Laura inspected her nails.
“Leave. Nobody wants you
She never stopped folding. “What about in winter? Do you run there even then?”
“I do.”
Jolene sighed. “I would give anything to get out of this town. Middle of nowhere and nothing to do.” In went another shirt. “How long have you lived there?”
“Over ten years now.”
“I’ve been here for thirteen. I’m seventeen and I hate cattle.” Her expression—one of tortured youth—had Laciee hiding her smile.
“A lot of those around here,” Laciee agreed with a nod.
Jolene blew out a frustrated breath. “Don’t I know it. I hate them, the smell, sound, all of it.”
“City doesn’t always smell like peaches.” Laciee felt like she owed Jolene the truth.
“I know but there are people there to talk to. It’s the only reason I took this job, I wanted some interaction with people. Not that we get a lot in Branchwater, but at least I’m not stuck in the house listening to my cousin ramble on about something or another.”
“Cousin?”
“Charlotte Beaumonde.”
Well shit. That explained the reason Jolene looked so damn familiar. “Charlotte Beaumonde is your cousin.”
“Yes, do you know her?”
Did she know her? Oh, how she knew her, but…couldn’t blame the cousin for her relations. Laciee ran over several responses before opting to merely nod her head.
“She’s trying to get out of town. I think she said she wanted to go to California. I want to go with her. I don’t care where I end up, I just want out of Branchwater.”
Laciee watched the teen shove her final items in the bag. Jolene flushed and ducked her head.
“Guess I got a bit loud there, I’m sorry.”
Laciee almost reached over and touched her hand, at the last moment gripping the counter instead. “I understand wanting to leave. I was where you are.”
Blue eyes met hers. “I don’t have money. I’m not sure how it would work.”
“College?”
“My aunt and uncle say there’s not enough to send me anywhere for a university. If I’m lucky I can go to community college. Assuming I can buy my own car and all that.”
No money? Laciee barely refrained from rolling her eyes in disgust. Charlotte always wore the latest fashions, gold, and diamonds. Stay out of this, her brain cautioned.
“Apply for a scholarship then.”
The expression on Jolene’s face had her wondering if anyone had mentioned it to her.
“I was told I’m not a candidate.”
Small towns. Laciee signed her credit card slip. “Trust me. You are. You need to look for some or ask your counselor. There’s always a way, Jolene. Never let…” She glanced over her shoulder at the opening of the door and saw Charlotte’s mom enter. “…anyone tell you different,” she murmured, facing the young woman again. “Thank you.” This time her voice was much louder, and she grabbed her bags before heading to the door.
Delores Beaumonde blocked her way, disgust and repulsion all over her face.
“I see you returned.”
Laciee wasn’t getting into this with her. One way or another she would refuse to be drawn back in. As she gripped the handles of her bags and prepared to step around the disagreeable Mrs. Beaumonde, the door opened again. This time admitting Laura Raines, Karis’ mother. They’d managed to not even speak at the wedding.
Their gazes locked, and sparks immediately flew between them. Time vanished as she stared at the woman who’d made her life such a living hell during her childhood.
“Still here?” Laura questioned, her tone both dangerous and ice-cold. “Thought you’d be gone. Heard you had an issue with your hotel room.”
“Laura.” Damn it! She was no longer a young child who could be cowed. She wouldn’t show anything. “You must be looking forward to being called Grandmother.”
Laura visibly winced, and Laciee held her gloating smile. Blue eyes narrowed, nostrils flared, and with a sniff Laura inspected her nails.
“Leave. Nobody wants you
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