Soothsayer: Magic Is All Around Us (Soothsayer Series Book 1) Read Free Page A

in the satchel hanging at her side. And don’t get me wrong, I updated my camera gear and software fairly often, but I also had an appreciation for the way life was before technology took over our lives.
    “You know that I like having the actual book. There’s just something about the smell of the paper and having the pages in your hands that just makes the reading experience so much more exhilarating.”
    “I guess.” Becky rolled her eyes. “Sometimes I worry about your sanity when you have your nose shoved in a book sniffing the pages like a Bloodhound.” She laughed and put her arm over my shoulders.
    “Oh, please! I put up with you on a daily basis,” I said with a laugh of my own and nudged her in the ribs. Her arm dropped from my shoulders and rubbed at her side.
    “Don’t you already have a copy you can use?”
    “Yeah, but it was my dad’s.” I took a long gulp from my water bottle and tossed the empty container as we passed a trash can.
    “Enough said,” Becky replied. “Are you still in for the Yosemite trip at the end of August?” She asked changing the subject.
    “Of course, you know I love going on that trip every year.”
    “Just making sure, I was planning on booking the same cabin we had last year.”
    “That’d be perfect,” I said pushing open the door to the bookstore.
    A familiar jingle welcomed us as we entered.
    “Good morning, ladies,” Frank welcomed us from behind the counter. “How are you today Miss Evans?”
    Frank Murphy was an older man who owned the bookstore and the bait shop down by the pier. He stood slightly taller than my five foot five inches and his hair had more salt than pepper. Every time I saw him wore a knitted vest over his shirt and khaki slacks that were just a little too big on him.
    “Morning Frank. How many times do I have to tell you to call me Violet?” I said with a smile.
    “Oh I know, but a lady should be addressed properly,” he said with a good-old fashioned nod, his manners reminiscent of an older time.
    “Even so, I prefer Violet. So how’ve you been?”
    “Oh, can’t complain. How about you? You ready for the big wedding?”
    “You know I could shoot that wedding with one hand tied behind my back.” I shrugged my shoulders confidently.
    “That’s true, you’re very talented with a camera. But this is a Maxwell wedding. That’s big doings you know. Everyone’s been buzzing that it’ll be the event of the decade.”
    “Well I don’t know about that. I shrugged. Everyone seemed to care so much about the Maxwells, personally I didn’t get it. "I’m sure it’ll be predictably over the top though.”
    “Now, now Violet, you behave yourself. The Maxwell family has a long history here. They’re good people,” Frank insisted. His tone was reminiscent of a parent reprimanding a misbehaving child.
    “I’ll be on my best behavior, Scout’s honor,” I said, raising three fingers in salute.
    Frank laughed and waved me off.
    Knowing the shop by heart, I made my way back to the poetry section with Becky right behind me.
    “That old man is so weird about the Maxwells,” Becky said under her breath.
    I gave her a reproachful look and changed the subject. “So aside from the pancake mishap, how was your date last night?” I asked.
    “A lot of fun actually. There’s something to be said about going out with an older man.” Her eyes glazed over as memories of the previous evening flashed before her.
    “Finally met someone who could teach you a thing or two?”
    She gave me a coy smile. “Let’s just say experience is the best teacher. You should really get back out there and have some fun.”
    “Don’t start with me about dating,” I huffed.
    I turned down the American Poets aisle and started skimming the shelves.
    “And why not? When was the last time you went on a date? You’re never going to find someone hiding behind your camera,” Becky pointed out.
    “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m just focused on my work right now.