The Mentor – Part 7

“Do you see her in there?” Tim whispered.  “I didn’t see that weird blue light.”

Allyson shook her head as she peered through the bushes in front of the store.  Just then Mac opened the front door and turned on the sign.  She stepped out onto the sidewalk, raised her arms and took a deep breath.  Then she turned and walked back inside.  Allyson looked at her watch.  Eight minutes more.

“Be careful how you handle that cup.”

“Well don’t forget to wait for at least 10 minutes before you come in.  I don’t want her to think we are together…uh…in some kind of conspiracy.  And if she asks if we know each other tell her that we do.  You’re dating my sister after all.”

“Got it; good luck.”

Allyson smiled and walked across the square.  She put on her ‘upset’ face and entered the bookstore.

“Allyson, you’re up early on a Saturday.  I thought teenagers liked to sleep in.”

“Well I would, but there is no peace in my house.  Tonight is prom night and Donna is having a fit.  I decided to split.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me.  Tea?

“English Breakfast; you know since it’s early and all.”

“Be right back.  Make yourself comfortable.”

Allyson looked around the store.  Every time she visited she always found something interesting.  A silver and gold bowl sat inside a glass case with strange letters inscribed around the rim.  She looked at it closely trying to recognize the writing.  Just then the door opened and Tim came in.  Mac poked her head back into the shop.   

“I’ll be right with you.  Oh hi Tim I haven’t seen you in a while.’

“Hi Mac, I thought I’d drop by and see what new books you have.”  He cast a sidelong glance at Allyson.  “Hey kid I thought you’d be helping your sister get ready for the big day.”

“No I’m staying out of it.  I figure if I ‘m gone until about 5:00 I can miss most of the chaos.  I wonder what she’ll be like on the day she gets married.”

“Probably just as crazy.  Here you are Allyson some nice English Breakfast tea.”  Mac looked at the two of them and a small smile crossed her lips.  “So it begins, and so young.” she muttered.

“So Mac, do you have any new adventure stories?”  Tim drew her attention to the stacks.  When her back was turned Allyson poured the tea into a potted plant then slipped the cup into the plastic bag hidden it in her purse.  She waited a few minutes then thanked Mac for the tea and left.