Page 7 of Pretty Relentless

She smiles widely, glancing to where her husband and son sit, talking. “He was up pretty late last night, hanging out with some friends all home from college, and I haven’t confirmed it yet, but I think there might have been a little alcohol involved,” she says, shaking her head.

I nod. “Nothing we didn’t do at that age, right?” I reason, recalling how my friends and I would sneak beer out of our parents’ refrigerators and share it at someone’s house. Theunspoken rule was no one leaves if alcohol was ever involved, something we stuck to even when our dumb, teenage brains wanted to challenge us.

“Well, I wouldn’t know,” she replies with a chuckle, reminding me of how her life was different than her classmates, thanks to a teenage pregnancy. “But he stayed put at his friend’s, and that’s all I ask. You either call me or TD or you don’t leave.”

I nod. “Good rule.”

She sighs. “They’re technically adults, but it’s hard not to still view them as kids. As long as they’re smart about it, we have to let them make their own decisions, right or wrong.”

“He’s got a good head on his shoulders, Ellie.”

“I know,” she replies proudly.

“Hey, I know it’s early, but if Brody’s looking for summer work when he gets out of school, I’m always searching. I could definitely keep him busy for the months he’s home on break.”

She grins widely. “Wow, really? I’ll mention it to him, thanks.”

“Just have him give me a call or stop by this spring if he’s interested. Or if he has a friend who might be.” Summer is always crazy busy with construction projects, and having an extra pair of hands comes in very handy, especially since Annabelle is also out of school and I try to spend extra time with her.

“Thanks, Gavin,” she replies, hearing the ringing of the bell at the kitchen window. “That’s probably your order. I’ll be right back.”

I turn my attention back to Annabelle and give her a smile. She’s the perfect combination of her mom and me, with her mom’s round face and brown eyes, but my brown hair and full lips. She catches me watching her and gives me a wide grin. Her front teeth are slightly crooked, an indication she’s probablygoing to need braces someday soon, and her eyes are twinkling with both mischief and anticipation.

“So, about the bookstore…”

Chapter Three

Ava

Last-minute shopping is the worst, especially on Christmas Eve. Throw in the fact I don’t have a vehicle and had to borrow one from my dad—which he had to deliver to me, mind you. But he did it with a smile, and even tried to slip me gas money when I dropped him back off at the house so I could finish my Christmas shopping.

I don’t have a lot to do.

My dad is done, as is my sister, Analise. I have a gift for my brother-in-law, Chris, but I wanted to add something to it, so I made a quick stop to see Logan at the hardware store for a hand tool recommendation. That leaves my twin nieces, Riley and Molly. I can shop for them all day long, though gone are the days they found cute little matching outfits adorable.

The girls are thirteen now, and, despite being identical twins, are as different as night and day in personality. Molly is as girly girl as they come, always wearing pinks and purples, is a junior high cheerleader, and loves big, fancy hairbows, while her twin, Riley, prefers sports brands, plays soccer, and is learning the guitar.

And I love them to pieces.

I find a parking spot on a side street and climb from my dad’s Ford Explorer. Thankfully, he has two vehicles, the Explorer being the one he doesn’t drive as much as the truck, so it was easy for him to agree to let me borrow it for a few days.

Making my way to the storefronts, I pass the barbershop and the beauty salon, both closed on Christmas Eve, and go straight to the heavy wooden door of my favorite little shop indowntown Pine Village. Stepping inside, I bask in the warmth, familiarity, and scents of books—both new and old.

Jasmine’s Books started as a small used bookstore and has slowly grown into something unique and magnificent over the years. While her used books are a big draw, in a small town like Pine Village, she realized she needed something more. So, she started researching and discovered she could purchase new books through different channels, including directly from the authors themselves. She has a decent selection of signed books—most of them romance. They make the perfect holiday gift, if you ask me.

But Jasmine didn’t stop there. You’ll also find vendor tables, all selling their homemade crafts, art, home décor, or clothing. Even jellies and honey. It’s the best kind of store, offering a variety of products, and I’m not surprised it’s busy.

“Good morning, Miss Ava,” Jasmine hollers from the front counter.

“Hello, Jasmine. Merry Christmas,” I reply, dragging my feet over her welcome mat to clean off any remnants of last night’s snowfall.

“Merry Christmas, dear. Let me know if you need anything,” she says, returning her attention to the customer she’s checking out.

I make my way through the room, taking in the festive holiday decorations, the homemade goodies, and head toward the children’s book section. I bypass the used shelves and go to the new offerings, hoping to find what I’m looking for, since there’s no way to order it—either through the bookstore or online—and get it in time.

I find a book fitting of my idea for Molly. It’s a step-by-step book on crafting all sorts of things from hairbows to jewelry, and it’ll be the perfect addition to finish out her gift. Smiling, I start searching for something for Riley. She’s not as crafty as her twin,so I opt for a book about women in sports and hope she finds it inspiring and educational. Considering one of the athletes on the cover is Mia Hamm, former soccer superstar, I’m sure she’ll enjoy it.

Happy with my selections, I turn to head toward the section housing romance books. I have big plans on decluttering my closets over Christmas break, but I’m certain there will be a little time over the next week and a half to do a little reading too.

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