Midnight At The Bright Ideas Bookstore Novels & Stories

New York never slept. Not really. At two in the morning, the streets still pulsed with yellow taxis, flashing billboards, and strangers chasing things they couldn’t name. Dreams. Money. Love. Revenge. Sometimes all four. Ava Sinclair stood outside Club Rouge with her arms folded tightly across her chest, trying not to freeze in the brutal December wind. Her best friend, Talia, was still inside dancing with some finance guy who wore too much cologne and talked like he owned Manhattan.

The bright neon glare of the convenience store faded behind her as she walked, the plastic bag crinkling softly against her leg. Instead of heading straight back to the quiet confinement of her bedroom, Yolande found herself drifting toward the public park that anchored the center of the neighborhood. Even though it was nearing midnight in late November, the city didn't sleep, cars still cruised along the perimeter, their headlights sweeping across the grass, and a few scattered night owls moved along the paved paths, seeking the same crisp, solitary air she was.

The memory of the blonde woman telling her that they stay open until midnight struck me like lightning. What time was it? It was almost twelve when I parked my car outside the supermarket. 11:30. Perfect! If I had been in a hurry, I would catch up. |I ran to the bedroom and wore a pair of tracksuits and my sneakers. I grabbed my wallet and keys and left. "Just on time." I thought in relief. I got quickly out of the car and turned my steps towards the entrance. On the stairs, I fell out of action. I was about to hit the floor when two hands grabbed me at the last moment.

Her aura pulses a warm, concerned orange—the color she always wears when she thinks I'm not taking care of myself. "Late night," I mumble, wrapping my fingers around the mug. The coffee shop is quiet this morning, just a couple of regulars tucked into corners with laptops. "New shipment of books came in at midnight. Distributor mix-up." Luna leans on the counter, her dark curls falling forward. "Or you could just admit you stayed up reading again." I take a sip and don't deny it. The coffee burns a path down my throat, momentarily clearing the fog in my head. "The bookstore doesn't run itself."

Jack and Henry's getaway vehicle, an old pick-up truck, was parked right outside. They'd planned it for midnight, and so far everything was going just right. Scarlet's house key was right where they knew it would be, under a stone near the backdoor. They quietly got in. Thank goodness Scarlet didn't have a dog or an alarm system, and they made their way with their small flashlights in the elegant house to the master bedroom. As they entered her room they snuck up and caught her fully asleep.

The villain will surely go mad seeing her body. [This blind date of hers is quite good-looking, too. No wonder the villain's been jealous for so long.] [Why are there so many people siding with the villain? How disgusting! She deserves her death! I really want to see the hero taking the villain down!] When I woke up once more, it was back to midnight again. The moonlight shone dimly into the lounge as my hand was on the window latch, about to open the window. [Don't open the window! There's no cat outside! It's a serial killer!]

Colin comes in, a wave of surprise hits me, but before I can say anything, Shawn follows him in. “You're here already, Eva.” Colin said, acknowledging me, a wide smile on his lips. “Not too long ago.” I replied, returning the smile. I sneak a glance at Shawn. He watched me like a hawk. Like he knew what I'd been doing. My eyes slowly stray to the big book, just to be sure I had actually closed it. The golden back rested heavily on the rest of the book, “The Codex Luporum” deeply engraved on it, you could pour water in it, and it'll sit comfortably.

And I walk to the door but before I open it I dim the light to set the mood more sensually. "Password?" I ask, sticking out only one side of my face. Midnight has wet hair and looks excited as she answers, "Vendetta," "Come in, Miss. Welcome to your love nest." Midnight enters looking almost as uncomfortable as Baxter, but almost as excited as I am. A strange mix. I close the door and clear my throat as she walks over to the board and admires my work. "This is..." she tries to hide it but I can see she doesn't quite understand what's in front of her eyes, "Nice."

She shivered at those thoughts. No, she wanted to handle this on her own. She sat back and drove to work. ... Carina glanced around at BookCrazy with satisfaction. Poetry nights drew large crowds, and they were all book buyers. Every Friday night, she often folds the bookstore into a small hall. Quietly, the soundtrack is melodious through the dimly lit passageways. Apple-green chairs were crammed together, and distorted coffee tables had been pulled from the warehouse and arranged in an informal circle. The crowd was an interesting mix of intellectuals, some quite serious and others just wanting a night of entertainment. She pulled the mic up onto a small platform, and checked her watch aga

Bummer he wasn't in the right mind. “Idiots.” Damion hissed darting out into the night. No doubt already hunting down an innocent creature out of spite. He was just a bloodthirsty killer. Even I have boundaries I never crossed. Looking down at the girl. Her blonde hair was tangled from the floor yet she still remained cold. Her power probably had something to do with that. For all I know she could always be cold. Eric rubbed his hands together, opening a portal to the dreadful castle. “This will be such fun.” His cheery voice was still sharp leaving me stung.