I froze.
Circus House?
Three?
I had no idea what that was.A video game? A movie? A comic book?But the guy looked so pleased with himself that I didn't have the heart to pop his proverbial balloon.
I smiled. "Boy, that's a really good guess."I think.
"So I was right?" His grin widened. "I knew it!"
Well, that made one of us.But hey, if he was happy, I was happy.
As the book signing continued, I took at leastsomecomfort from the fact that my outfit wasn't nearly as outlandish as some others, even if it did generate more commentary than I liked.
But why fight it, right?
I was just getting into a nice, steady groove when, at the back of the line, I spotted trouble times two.
It was the two girls from earlier.
When they saw me looking, the blonde gave a fluttery little wave and lifted an oversized paperback high enough for me to see.
I felt my gaze narrow. It wasmybook.
I was sure of it.
With growing concern, I turned and gave Jack a sideways glance. From his spot at the table, he was signing a new hardcover of "Swordplay" for a cute older lady name Marie.
If Jack noticed the dynamic duo, he gave no sign.
Was that good? Or bad?
Heck ifIknew.
As for the line itself, I still managed to keep it going. As I did, I watched with growing unease as the girls moved ever closer to the front. By the time they finally reached me, I was simmering with anger and agitation.
The blonde gave me a sunny smile. "Hi."
I didn't smile back. "Hi."
She held up the paperback. "I'm here to get my book signed."
My jaw clenched. "Yourbook?"
She gave a toss of her golden hair. "It's mine now."
Next to her, the brunette snickered.
Now here's where things got sticky. I wasn't stupid. I knew they were goading me. But I'd be foolish to take the bait.
Even so, I had to forcibly remind myself that the paperback was probably replaceable, especially with the money that I was earning from Jack.
Plus, I was here in a professional capacity.I could be professional, right?
Stiffening my resolve, I forced a smile and held out my hand toward the book. "Great. And your name's Darbie, right?"
She clutched the book tighter. "Heeeeey, how doyouknow?"
