Silent Night 2 Read Free Page A

Evian bottle. Then she turned to see Francine, the frizzy-haired, mousy woman who shared the perfume-counter duties, step up beside her, shaking her head. “Sorry I’m late, Reva. My car broke down in the middle of Division Street. Has it been terribly busy?”
    â€œYes, terribly,” Reva replied, sighing. “I’m exhausted already, Francine. I’m going to take my break. See you.”
    Francine tried to sputter a protest. But Reva ignored her and hurried down the aisle.
    As she passed by the Christmas tree, Reva felt a cold chill on the back of her neck. Once again memories of last Christmas and all its horror forced their way into her mind.
    I promised I’d be a kinder person after all that happened last Christmas, Reva remembered. I promised I’d be nicer, warmer, more considerate.
    Well, I would be nicer if I were lying in a bikini on a hot beach somewhere! she told herself. I’d be a lot nicer, that’s for sure!
    But how can I be nice if I have to spend Christmas vacation standing behind a perfume counter, waiting on tacky jerks in this stuffy store?
    Reva made her way past the stocking department, headed down three steps, and spotted her cousin Pam beside a long wall of greeting cards.
    Pam had red and green ribbons in her straightblond hair. She wore a short green skirt over red tights and a red stretch top.
    I knew I could count on Pam to have plenty of Christmas spirit, Reva thought sarcastically. I guess she’s happy just to have a job.
    Pam’s mother had been laid off most of the year. And her father had to give up his drugstore and go to work for someone else.
    But, thought Reva, Cousin Pam seems as bright and cheery as ever.
    And who is that babe she’s talking to?
    As Reva entered the stationery department, she saw that Pam had her hand on the shoulder of a dark, very handsome boy in black denims and a white sweater. He had straight black hair pulled back in a short ponytail, a broad, tanned forehead, and intense dark eyes that were locked on Pam. He was smiling at Pam, the most beautiful smile Reva had ever seen.
    â€œHi, guys,” Reva said, stepping between Pam and the boy. Pam was forced to remove her hand from his shoulder and take a step back. “How’s life in the stationery department, Pam?” Reva asked, her eyes on the boy.
    â€œGreat!” Pam replied. “It’s an easy job. Not bad at all.”
    â€œWay to go,” Reva said. She still hadn’t taken her eyes from the boy.
    â€œHave you—uh—met Victor?” Pam asked. “This is Victor Dias. My cousin Reva.”
    â€œHi.” Victor gave Reva a shy smile.
    Wow, Reva thought. What a smile! What a babe!
    I am totally captured by this guy, Reva told herself.
    â€œDo you work in the store?” Reva asked, returning his smile, training her blue eyes on his.
    â€œYes. For the holiday,” Victor replied. “In the stockroom, usually.”
    â€œThe stockroom? I have to work there every day from three to five,” Reva said. She absolutely hated working in the stockroom. But now, she thought, studying Victor’s handsome face, maybe she’d enjoy it a lot more.
    â€œDo you like it here?” she asked him, eager to keep the conversation going.
    â€œBe careful, Victor,” Pam broke in. “Reva’s father owns all the Dalby stores.”
    Victor smiled. “I love working in the stockroom. I hope to work there all my life!” he joked.
    Reva laughed.
    Victor glanced at his watch. “I’d better get back. See you later, Pam.” He turned to leave.
    â€œI work in the perfume department,” Reva called after him. “Come say hi sometime, okay?”
    â€œNice to meet you,” Victor called over his shoulder. He disappeared into the crowd of shoppers.
    â€œIsn’t he terrific?” Pam gushed.
    Reva finally faced her cousin. “Seems like a good guy,” she said casually.
    Pam’s face