Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 31078 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31078 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
London looked at Matt not knowing what this woman was talking about. He stepped forward. “I’m sorry to disturb you, ma’am, we’re not trying to sell anything or convert you. We’re just looking for information. You see, my friend lived here in this house twenty years ago, and she’s looking for the whereabouts of her sister who last lived here. They were separated when they were children.”
The woman’s face softened. “Oh, well that’s okay then. I’m not really sure how much help I can be. My husband, Tyrone, and I have only lived here for the last ten years. We’ve probably been here the longest.” She looked down at the little girl. “Shonda, go set the table for dinner.” The little girl continued to stare at them like a couple of oddities. “Shonda!” her mother said sharply.
The child rolled her eyes, and huffed off. London covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. “She’s adorable.”
The woman sighed. “And too damn grown for her own good. I’m sorry, but if you’d like to come in and take a look at the old place, you’re very welcome to. My name is Shirley by the way, and you are?”
“I’m London and this is my… this is Matt.” What exactly were they? She couldn’t even introduce him as her friend because he barely spoke to her now.
“We’d love to take a look around.” Matt smiled at the pretty woman.
Jealously cut through London like a knife. She wished he’d smile at her like that, but he was such a stubborn fool.
Shirley showed them around the house. The inside had totally been remodeled. Some of the walls had been knocked down to make more room. Tears sprang to London’s eyes when she entered the bedroom she and Paris used to share. She felt an affinity for this place.
“This is my room,” the little girl called Shonda came in not looking too happy to find strangers there.
London smiled at her. “And it looks like you take very good care of it. You know, I used to sleep here too when I was a little girl.”
“That must have been a long time ago. You’re pretty old,” the little girl observed before stuffing a thumb in her mouth.
“Shonda! That was rude, and take that thumb out of your mouth. You know you’re too old for that,” scolded the mortified mother.
Shonda reluctantly tugged the thumb from her mouth, and sauntered out of the room again, but not before shooting London and Matt a venomous glare. London liked that kid.
“I’m really sorry. She’s usually a sweet girl,” Shirley apologized.
“No harm done. She’s a beautiful child.”
“And she’s a handful. You know what, I just thought of something. There’s an older woman who lives across the street. She was here before we moved in. I think her name is Mrs. Hines or something like that. She keeps to herself and rarely comes out of the house so not a lot of people know too much about her. I say hello when I see her, but that’s about it.”
“Mrs. Hines! That’s the name of the sitter who used to watch us!” London turned to look at Matt, excitement rushing through her veins.
“Do you think she’ll be home?” Matt asked.
“She hardly goes anywhere. She has a daughter Carol or something like that who comes to visit with her two bad ass children occasionally. Shonda plays with them when they’re here. That’s probably where she’s starting to pick up this attitude,” Shirley mused rubbing her chin.
“Thank you so much. You’ve been a big help to us.” Matt shook hands with the woman, and London gave her a hug.
“Thank you so much for letting us see the house. It really meant a lot to me.”
“No problem. This house has given us many happy memories. I hope it brings as much joy to the next family.”
“You’re moving?” London asked.
“Yes, we’re house hunting. We’re having a baby at the end of the year, and this is only a two bedroom so we’ll need the space.” Shirley led them back outside and waved them off. “I wish you both luck in your search. I’ll pray for you.”
“We should go and see Mrs. Hines. I remember her. She used to watch me and Paris.” London was about to cross the street when Matt grabbed her arm and pulled her back just in time for a car to speed by.
“Watch where you’re going! Are you trying to get yourself killed? If you are, try not to do it when I’m around,” he barked.
“And what does it matter to you anyway? I bet you can’t wait to get rid of me. You’ve been nothing but cold and nasty to me since last night and all because you’re a big coward!”
An incredulous look crossed his face. “I’m a coward for not wanting to be used which is exactly what you did?”