Charity's Storm (Charity Series Book 4) Read Free Page A

James Bond movies. He was a giant with a mouthful of metal. Personally, I didn’t know what she was talking about. But I did just what best friends are supposed to do, I nodded and agreed with her. You know, just making sure she doesn’t get a big head.
                  “Hey, Dad, can we stop at the Westside Drug Store? I need a few things.”
    “Oh yeah, can we?” Ashley asked, bouncing in her seat. “I need some things too.”
                  “Well, I really need to get home to work on my presentation for tomorrow.”
    My dad was a big wig for our local bank. I still didn’t really know what he did there, but I really didn’t care to know either.
                  “Pleeeeaaase,” we both begged in unison.
                  He laughed. “Okay. Anything for you two.”
                  “Thanks, Dad,” we both said.
                  As soon as the car came to a stop, Ash and I jumped out and headed for the door of the Westside Drug Store. “What things do you need?” I asked Ash.
                  “I need tampons, and eye shadow.”
                  My eyes widened. “Ash, you don’t need any more eye shadow.”
    “Sure I do. I’m sick of gold. I wanna try silver next.”
                  I rolled my eyes, not even trying to hide the gesture from her.
                  “What about you?” she asked me.
                  “Well, my lips have been cracking a lot lately. I wanna see if I can find some good lip balm.”
    We walked around the store for a few minutes, and Ashley picked up her things plus a few additional thi ngs. I strolled over to the lipstick area while Ashley went to pay for her things. Nothing was catching my attention. Then I noticed an older woman with a straw hat and orange sneakers putting lip balms on a special display. I walked over to observe her but said nothing.
                  “Oh, hello there, dear. Are you looking for lip balms?” the lady asked me.
                  “Oh, yes I am, actually.”
    She smiled widely and handed me one. “Here you go. I make these in my greenhouse. You won’t find any better. They’re made with all natural ingredients. This store just started carrying them. As a matter of fact, this display is my first.”
                  “Really? Wow, that’s so cool,” I responded, genuinely impressed.
    “I’ll say. And you can have that one for free, just for trying it out and giving me an honest opinion.”
                  My eyes widened. “Really? I can have it?”
                  She smiled sweetly as if she was touched by my question. “Why yes, dear.”
                  “Wow, thanks. No one has ever given me something for nothing before.”
                  She smiled and patted me on the shoulder. “Well, now they have. So try it and tell me what you think.”
                  “Oh, okay.” I took off the lid and saturated my lips heavily. I rubbed my lips together and was suddenly transported into Heaven. I closed my eyes, enjoying the silky feel and amazing smell. “Oh my jolly green jelly beans! I am totally in love with this stuff. What is this called?” I looked down at the simple tube in my hand. 
                  “That one is called raspberry ice,” she answered with an almost singing in her voice.
                  And that was that. I knew I was hooked for life.
                  “I love it. Thank you so much,” I said, and I truly meant it.
                  “Oh, you are very welcome. Who knows, maybe someday my lip balms will be so popular that they stay on back order. Now wouldn’t that be nice?”
                  “Well, that’s what I’ll pray for when I go to church this Sunday,” I said to her.
                  She seemed genuinely