Mirror of Shadows Read Online Free PDF Page B

not unkindly, but sternly.
    “I could really use your help; besides, aren’t there a few things you’ve found that you need for repairs? We can stop at the hardware store first,” she said trying to persuade him. She could see that she had hit a chord—he undoubtedly had come across some things he needed.
    “We could get some food and bring it back—make a meal out of it to show you my appreciation.”
    “You don’t need to do that; you’re already paying for my services,” he said bluntly.
    “Please. I’d like the company,” she pleaded.
    The statement seemed to surprise him and he looked up from restlessly fiddling with his gloves.
    “Seriously? Aren’t you from around here? You must know plenty of people in town that you can go shopping with,” he said sharply.
    “Actually…I may be from Dead Oaks Hollow, but I was never very popular. I’ve always been rather…quiet.” This caught his attention and she wasn’t sure, but she almost thought he started to laugh.
    “Liar,” he retorted. Her face went expressionless. “I mean,” he quickly interjected as if realizing he’d offended her, “I find that hard to believe,” he said more kindly.
    “It’s true. Ask anyone. I’m not very social and I’m usually pretty quiet. There’s just something about you…maybe it’s your reticence…that makes me open up to you. I can’t really explain it, but…”
    “Hmm,” was all he said, but somehow it seemed as if he might agree with her thinking.
    “So will you? I’d really like your opinion. I’ve never bought appliances or dishes, or anything for a home of my own. All I own is in that bag in the foyer, the contents of my purse, a few items at my mother’s, and my laptop. I’d really love the company.”
    “Really? Why? You don’t even know me,” he asked, seemingly puzzled.
    “You seem to need a friend about as much as I need a friend; I mean what can it hurt?” She smiled coyly.
    She felt silly pleading with a complete stranger, but she felt some kind of connection with him that she herself did not quite understand. He certainly wasn’t the most friendly guy she’d ever met and she wasn’t even sure he liked her, but there was definitely something there that had brought out a part of her she’d never known existed. He piqued an interest in her she’d never experienced before. She’d never really opened up to anyone but her grandmother in all of her life, but with this complete stranger she couldn’t seem to keep quiet and it felt nice—really nice. She wondered if he felt the same.
    She saw in him the social awkwardness that she often felt in herself. His sometimes harsh, short responses caused by being out of practice with communicating with others—she’d had this problem herself in college. Many thought her to be snobbish or arrogant when she spoke, but it was a lack of confidence and social skills that kept her from having many friends. Knowing this about herself, she could see, as plain as day, the same traits in him.
    Her smile seemed to melt his icy exterior and a slight curl of the lips, a smidgen of a smile, was all she needed to know she had hooked him.
    She exclaimed, “You’re driving.”
    As they exited the house he argued, “Why? Why am I driving?” to which she only giggled.
     
    *****
     
    During the ride down the hill, Ella spoke nonstop and it wasn’t until they got into town that she realized this.
    “I’m sorry…I’m not usually so talkative, especially with strangers, but for some reason when I’m with you I can’t seem to hold my tongue.”
    “Lucky me,” he said sarcastically and without much emotion.
    “No, really. I’m sorry, it was rude of me. I guess just so much has happened in the last couple of days with the funeral and the house, I’m just not acting like myself.”
    “Hmm,” was his only acknowledgement as he parked the truck in front of Hal’s Hardware Depot.
    “So what do we need to get here? I didn’t make a list of things