Full Moon-Appalachian Shifters

Chapter Two Marie

I loved retail shopping, mom and I were always looking for the best bargains, and I had to admit I was a bit of a label w***e. I loved Fall, I loved shopping, and I practically danced on the way to the Coach store.

I needed some new athletic wear as well. But first some shoes and purses. I wished that they had Gucci and Prada. That was a day trip to New York City though. Scrolling through my phone I looked at the upcoming dates and smiled.

“Mom, do you think we can head into the city on the 28th? Maybe brunch, mani-pedis, and then shopping at Gucci and Prada?” I saw a man watching my mom and me and he was gorgeous. I didn’t normally go for redheads but he was definitely doable.

He winked at me and went back to scrolling through his phone and sipping his coffee. He looked like he would smell good too. I felt someone tap my shoulder and saw my mom grinning at me.

Tossing my blonde hair back I adjusted my knit hat, and caught my reflection in the Cinnabon window, and preened. I looked like a cross between a snow bunny and Stevie Nicks. My jacket was a silver puffer, my tresses were beachy waves that trailed down my back.

I had on my Uggs with the faux fur tops and my long flowy black skirt was tight enough to show off the curve of my ass. My jewelry was a lot of items that Jolene made and I was wearing my favorite teardrop diamond earrings.

“I see you were checking out tall and sexy over there. Girl, you should go bump into him and get his number.” I giggled and linked my arm through my mom’s she was short and her head reached the top of my shoulder.

I had a few modeling gigs recently that supplemented my shopping habit. I wanted Jolene to come with us but she wanted to sleep in and wait to see if she had gotten into college. Scowling I couldn’t figure out how we were related.

“Don’t scowl honey, I know you wanted Jojo here but understand how important college is to her.” I sniffed, mom patted my hand and I was still a little hurt that my twin sister wanted to run away from me.

“I just don’t understand mom, oooh look at those shoes.” The thought of Jojo leaving almost soured my mood but the suede ankle boots I was admiring blew all thoughts of Jojo out the door.

“Honey, you have to understand, you have modeling and she has her own pursuits. It was bound to happen that you would go separate ways.” I sulked and the salesgirl was making eyes at me. She was whispering to her coworker and they were pointing.

Slapping on a smile I grabbed the shoe and walked over to the counter, the girls stopped their whispering and I placed the shoe on the counter. They had the same star-struck look everyone gets when they recognize me.

“Hi ladies, do you have this in a size seven?” They practically tripped over themselves to head to the back of the store. I could hear my mom chuckling and shook my head. I would be nothing without my followers though.

They came back out and presented the box as if it were the most precious item in the world. They were looking nervously and I smiled at them again. They kept sharing looks and then the petite brunette finally gathered her courage.

“Are you SnowHippy83? I like totally follow you on every social.” They both giggled and I dug around in my purse for my signature scent I carry around with me. Everyone loves my perfume line and the girls practically passed out from joy.

“I am, would you like a selfie? Remember to hashtag SnowHippy83.” They squealed and I posed with the shoes and took a few selfies with the two girls. We ended up saving a lot more than I thought.

My stomach growled and we decided to grab a late lunch. I wanted to check out some of the new beverages the pub had. I dragged my mom to Barley Creek. I nearly tripped over the threshold when I saw my flame-haired prince sitting at the bar.

As if he could sense my presence, he slid off the bar stool and time seemed to stand still as he swaggered over to my mom and me. Mom nudged me and I managed to compose myself before he reached us.

“Ladies, I’m visiting the area and I am kind of lonely would ye like to join me for lunch?” He smiled and he had two dimples. I nearly swooned and shot him my million-dollar smile. Who was I to pass up free lunch?

“Why thank you, I am Marie Blackwell and this is my mother, Florence. A pleasure to meet you, mister?” I extended my hand and he took mine. I was sort of disappointed that there was no spark between us.

“Gideon O’Connor the pleasure is all mine.” He turned to the hostess to get a table for us and I was practically doing a happy dance. His accent was sexy and the man could rock a Dolce & Gabbana suit.

The hostess led us to a table and we sat down and ordered drinks and our food. Time seemed to fly by, I looked at my phone and realized we had been talking and drinking for the past hour and a half.

I was slightly drunk and Mom had a glazed look on her face. Giggling, I was going to have to order a driver to come to pick us up. Gideon noticed I was fiddling with my phone and he grinned at me.

“Do ye need a ride home, beautiful? I could have my driver take us.” I fanned my face and fluttered my lashes at him. He was kicking back the drinks like mom and I, the Irish really do know how to hold their own.

“That isn’t necessary, Mr. O’Connor, we can hire someone to pick us up.” I glanced at my mom and wondered why she was changing her tone all of a sudden.

“Tis not a problem to be the knight that saves two beautiful women.” My mom was squeezing my knee under the table but I was drowning in the green depths of Gideon’s eyes.

“That would be wonderful Gideon.” He smiled again and sent a text to his driver. Something was nagging at me but I was too drunk to care, and he was so hot I wanted to spend more time with him.