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A Grim Smile

Author: RaShelle Workman
last update Last Updated: 2022-11-24 14:36:40
"Cindy Croswell, will you - " Gabe, the angelic chayot leader and my boyfriend studied me, his glorious features a painting of perfection.

"What?" I asked, glancing at Pops nervously before focusing on Gabe.

My heart picked up speed. Was he going to ask me to marry him right here? Right now? In an alley full of smelly trash and debris.

His hands circled my arms, and he pulled me to the side. "Will you move out of the way? You're blocking my view of the street." He gave me a grim smile.

"Oh." My heart sank. How had my thoughts gone to marriage? I clucked my tongue and clenched my fists together. "Sure."

The town of Salem, Massachusetts, was quiet, which was unusual for a Saturday morning. Typically people were shopping in the market or children played in the park.

It could be that it was before seven in the morning, and none of the shops were open.

Plus, Pops, Gabe, and I were in the alleyway behind several stores.

The backs of the tall, brick buildings lined one side. Green trash
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