Page 14 of Big Enough to Bite
“Mommy, look.” A little girl with strawberry-blonde hair in pigtails tugs her mother’s arm and points at Mari. “Can I ask her?”
I blanch at someone, even a child, pointing at a monster as if they’re a spectacle.
I’ve seen the woman before. Lori Manning is a secretary at the sheriff’s office. She has twin daughters.
I’m about to say something about the pointing when Lori smiles and takes both twins by the hands. She walks directly to Mari. “Forgive Dotty for pointing. She’s just excited to have the chance to meet you.”
Mari looks from the mother to the child.
The other twin hides shyly behind her mother, but Dotty looks Mari in the eyes and says, “I’m sorry, Miss Shepherd. It’s only that I want so badly to learn how to play piano and sing, and we hear you all the time when we pass your house. I wanted my mommy to let me ask you if you give lessons.”
Giving both children a long look, Mari smiles. Her fangs are showing, and yet, the Mannings seem unaffected. “You are forgiven for the pointing, Dorothy. What is your sister’s name?”
Bright and happy, Dotty says, “Livi is shy. She really wants to learn to play piano too. She’s just afraid to ask.”
Mari studies the family. She holds out her hand to Lori. “Mari Shepherd, and you are?”
“Lori Manning. It’s nice to meet you.” Lori shakes her hand. “We live down the street from you and hear your music daily. It’s the highlight of the girls’ day.” She blushes. “And mine as well. We’d never heard anything so beautiful before. Are you an opera singer?”
“I was a long time ago. Thank you for the compliment.” She studies Livi. “Is it true that you’d like to know how to play piano?”
Peeking around her mother’s back, Livi nods. “Yes, ma’am.”
“But not sing?” Mari raises an eyebrow.
“I’m too afraid to sing in front of anyone.” Despite her fear, Livi steps out from behind her mother.
“I might be willing to teach. I hadn’t thought about it since recently.” After studying the girls, she looks at Lori. “Wouldn’t you be afraid to leave them with me?”
Lori blushes. “Creatures and humans who come to Harmony Glen usually want to be part of the community. I know you’re a vampire. I assume you’d keep them safe. Perhaps you’d let me sit in on the first few lessons.” She stumbles on the next words. “I, I can’t pay much. I’m a single mother.” The shame that she might disappoint her daughters rushes to her redhead cheeks and makes her ruddy from her forehead to her chest.
Cocking her head causes Mari’s veil to shift and catch the breeze. She pulls it back into place with her quick hands. The movement is a blur. “You may attend the lessons. We shall try it for a couple of weeks and see if Olivia and Dorothy have a true interest. Then we can discuss payment. I’m certain the cost will be within your means, Lori.”
All three stare with their mouths open. Lori recovers first. “Thank you, Miss Shepherd.”
“Mari.” Her smile is warm and inviting. If she wanted to terrorize humans, it would be easy for her to lure them in. “Bring them on Tuesday. What is a convenient time for you?”
“I don’t get off work until four. Can I bring them at four thirty?” Apology rings in Lori’s voice.
“That will be perfect.”
The girls both hoot and jump around as if it’s Christmas morning, and they've just received the best gift ever.
Lori thanks Mari and herds her daughters inside the market.
I let out a long breath. Stepping next to her, I take her hand. “That was nice. Those girls looked ready to burst with joy.”
“I can’t believe any of the three of them wanted to come anywhere near me.” She pushes away from the wall and looks around at the mist rising off the very green views. “It’s even prettier here than I imagined.”
“How about if I take you to see some even better views?”
“You’re determined to woo me?” She meets my gaze, and her dark eyes are magnetic.
“Very much so. I’ve never met anyone, monster or human, who intrigued me like you do.” I lift her hand and lean down to kiss her lace-covered fingers.
“I suppose a Sunday drive never hurt anyone.” She swings our arms as we walk to my truck.
I wonder if she even realizes she’s happy.
