Page 11 of Little Twisted Things

Alex should have been home by now. I grabbed my phone and dialed his number.

“Dahlia, I was just going to call you. I’ll be home in thirty minutes.”

“I expected you a while ago, Alex.”

“I know. I’m sorry. My phone died, and I couldn’t find my car charger, so I had to stop and pick up another one. As soon as it got some juice, your call came through. How is Kris?”

“Devastated,” I said.

“I’m sure. I still can’t believe Kevin was murdered. Has there been any more information?”

“She knows about his affair. I was at her house when the detectives showed her the text messages between Kevin and Rachel.”

“Oh, man. Poor Kris. Did you eat dinner yet?”

“No. I was waiting for you.”

“I’ll stop and pick up some Chinese food on the way home.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you when you get here.”

I was in the kitchen pouring a glass of wine when I heard the front door open, and Alex call my name.

“Dahlia, I need a little help.”

I set the wine bottle down and walked to the front door.

“What on earth?” I laughed, staring at the stack of books against his chest and a large plastic bag in his hand.

I rushed over and grabbed the plastic bag with the Chinese food.

“You are looking at one of the greatest finds of my life.” He grinned.

“The books or the Chinese food?” I smirked.

“The books! The Chinese food is just a bonus.” He followed me into the kitchen.

He set the books on the island.

“Don’t touch them yet,” he said.

“I wasn’t planning on it.” I smiled.

“Right. But I know that look.” He pointed at me.

“What look?”

“The one where you’re pretending you don’t care.”

“I care. I’d rather eat first,” I said.

He picked up the first book with extra care.

“The Great Gatsby.” He proudly held it up.

“It looks very old.”

“It is.” His eyes lit up. “It’s a first edition. Third printing. Along with all the others.”