They spent several enthusiastic minutes talking about what they liked and their favorite parts and the overall awesomeness that encompassed the book,Just Die Already.
“I can’t wait to read the rest of the Dirk Crusher books. I hope I have time in the next couple weeks.”
Axel picked up a plastic shopping bag from the seat next to him and handed it to her. “Here are the other five books in the series. I brought them just in case.”
She took the bag, her eyes bright until a pensive expression shaped her lovely features. “I read pretty fast, but I hope I can finish them all before—” Her eyes widened as if afraid to say it. The wedding. Ugh.
Two more weeks of torture before life as he knew it ended.
He nodded, eyes closing for a moment, trying to convey his understanding. She didn’t have to say what they both knew was true. “If not, you can keep them. I also have hardback copies of all the titles.”
“Good. Thanks. Then perhaps before…um…you know, we could have one last official meeting to discuss them all. Or at least all that I can read in the next couple of weeks.”
“I’d love that. It’s great to finally discover someone who is as passionate about Dirk Crusher books as I am.”
She nodded and he couldn’t help but notice that her eyes seemed shiny with unshed tears. Time to change the subject.
Before Axel could think of something non-wedding-related to discuss, the bell on the café door sounded. Axel automatically looked up to see who it was. Skeeter Bite’s sheriff, Wyatt Campbell, nodded at him and tipped his chin, signaling he needed a quiet word outside the café.
“Excuse me for a second, okay?”
“Sure.”
Wyatt was waiting for him on the small outside patio. The air was still warm as the sun eased down the horizon to make way for twilight.
“What’s up, Wyatt?”
“I hate to interrupt your date, but I have something important that you need to see.”Now what?
“What is it?”
“It would be much easier to show you than tell you.” Wyatt looked over his shoulder at the quiet parking lot and then around at the other customers inside the Cosmos Café as if searching for trouble. Apparently not finding any, he turned back to Axel with an expectant look.
Axel said, “Okay. Should we call Cam or Diesel?”
Wyatt looked panicked for an instant, then his expression settled down. “No. I’d like to ask your opinion before we call the cavalry in, okay?”
“Sure, Wyatt.” Axel looked inside the café and wished he didn’t have to cut short his date.
“Is that your bride-to-be?” Wyatt asked.
Axel was momentarily surprised. Wyatt was a human. Axel didn’t think it was common knowledge that he was getting married. Perhaps all the visits to wedding places in downtown Alienn had spread the word. Alienn might have aliens hiding in plain sight, but it was also a southern town and gossip was as common as ragweed during allergy season.
“No. Actually, it’s my bride-to-be’s sister. She read the latest Dirk Crusher book and we were having a little unofficial book club meeting to discuss it.”
Wyatt grinned. “I love Dirk Crusher books.”
“You don’t say.” Axel looked through the window and Lucy waved.
“Maybe I can join your book club.”
“Maybe.” No, not a good idea.
“You could bring her along if you want. She can just stay in your vehicle when we go look at, you know, the thing I need to show you.”
“Right. Okay. Where are we headed?”
“The bauxite pit’s lovers’ lane near the first clearing on the road.”
