Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23762 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23762 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
I can already hear murmuring as we make our way up the steps. A few people who haven't seen my wedding ring yet stop us as we enter. It appears to be a simple gold band at a glance, but it has beautiful etching on it.
It’s soft and beautiful while still being functional for me. I’m always using my hands and moving things around at the hardware store. I also am very hands-on at home with renovations and tending to the animals. I’ve even won Dominick over. Mint leaves and chopped-up apple slices can go a long way. Along with scratches behind his ears. Paprika is as feisty as her name.
When we finally reach the table inside, I see everyone is lingering around it. It’s the place to leave the gifts, but there are pamphlets placed on it too.
“What’s this?” I say loudly as I pick one up and flip it open. “Oh my gosh.” I gasp even louder, scandalized. “What is this filth?"
“Are you sure you had the lead in the play?” Paxton whispers next to my ear, and I elbow him in the side.
"Who did this?" Brian comes storming into city hall, snatching pamphlets out of people's hands. "It's bullshit! All lies!" he bellows.
"That's not true. I'm on page two," one woman says.
"Sadly, I'm on page seven," another adds.
They wanted in on Brian's downfall too, and who am I to deprive them of it? It is the holiday season and the time for sharing. My catfishing attempts make up about five of the pages. Some might call it entrapment. I call it revenge.
The pamphlets are filled with page after page of all the bullshit Brian has been doing online. It shows how he treats and talks to women when he thinks no one else will ever know. I put all his dirty deeds on full display.
"I think you're going to be on the naughty list this year, Brian," I tell him, and he swings around, narrowing his eyes on me.
"This is your doing."
"Maybe." I shrug. "If you fuck with others, they might fuck with you right back. Don’t be shocked if they do it better."
"You stuck-up bitch!"
He charges at me, and I think I'm about to find out if I can fight, but Paxton is quicker, as I knew he would be. He nails Brian right in the face, and the guy flies backwards like a cartoon character hitting the ground.
"I'll kill—" Paxton says as he goes for Brian again.
I throw myself in front of him, covering his mouth with my hand.
"Don't say that out loud in public." I stare up at him, and I can see the fury in his eyes. He really wants to lay Brian out again. "Right now it’s still self-defense."
"Hey, what are you doing?" Brian screeches, and I turn back around to see the sheriff putting the cuffs on him.
"You're under arrest." Sheriff Snower yanks Brian to his feet.
"For what? He hit me." Brian’s voice has gone high-pitched.
"For attempted assault and a whole list of charges. I have a warrant for all your electronics."
Brian pales. I'm guessing there’s a whole lot more than him taking people's identities and pretending to be them online in those devices.
"Nothing to say to that?" the sheriff asks. Brian's face turns red now, and he seems genuinely embarrassed.
Everyone cheers as Sheriff Snower leads him out of City Hall. If this doesn't run him out of town, I'm confident once they pull all the things on his electronics and I make a public records request for that information, that will surely do it.
"Tilly," Paxton says.
"That's me," I chirp, turning back around to face my man.
"Is this your doing?"
"It's your Christmas present." His brows rise. "You got to hit him scot-free."
Paxton chuckles. "I have to say, there’s nothing better and more entertaining than being on your good side."
"No one messes with my man and gets away with it," I tell him. "Except me."
"Except you,” he agrees. "Now let's go home so you can mess with me some more."
"I love this plan." I grab the front of his shirt, pulling him down for a kiss. Everyone starts to cheer, and what can I say? I’ve made Cheerful all the more cheerful.
* * *