Death Knows My Name (Memory Keepers) by Casse Narome Read Free Book Online Page A

ever get lonely?”
    I couldn’t answer right away. I couldn’t lie to him, and Eric’s cocky smile and honey-colored eyes flashed through my mind. Even at the thought of him my heartbeat increased.
    I couldn’t feel this way about Eric. He represented everything I was running from. He takes from the living. He ruins us. Still, my body responded even to the thought of him.
    “Mayne?” Devon broke into my thoughts.
    “I have to go. I don’t want to be late.” I pushed away from the counter and walked away.
    Devon caught me by the wrist. “I worry about you, that’s all. I know I give you a hard time, but you know I love you. We’re like family.”
    “I know, Devon.” I leaned into him, kissing his cheek. “I love you, too.” He closed his arms around me. “You don’t have to worry about me, Devon. I’m a big girl now.”
    His head nodded against mine. “But I do. You will always be that little girl who used to follow your brother and me around. I’ve always felt the urge to protect you. When he died, I just took you on as my responsibility. And when Dante told me he was going to date you, I even threatened him not to hurt you.”
    I laughed. “Didn’t work.” I felt moistness on my cheek and realized I was crying. “Um, Devon, you have to let me go now.”
    He held on tighter. “But I don’t want to. You hardly ever let me touch you anymore, let alone hug you. This is twice in one week, I’m in heaven,” he joked.
    I held still and fought the urge to squirm. “I know, because I’m not a kid anymore and people are starting to think we’re weird.”
    Devon loosened his grip and then released me altogether. “Don’t drink too much. If you do, call me so I can get you home safely. I don’t want you walking home drunk.”
    “Me? Drunk? Never.”
    “Promise me.”
    “I promise.” I turned and walked away. I looked back when I got to the door.
    “Night, Devon.”
    He smiled and waved.
    I walked into Lenny’s at 7:30. After my love-fest stroll through memory lane with Devon, I was ready for a drink. I caught Tammy’s eye as soon as I walked in. She grinned.
    “I’ll be ready soon,” she called out.
    I sat on the plastic-covered bench by the front door to wait. Two booted feet stopped in front of me.
    “So, you didn’t call me,” said a deep, slightly hoarse sounding voice.
    I looked up to see Mr. Lounge Singer smiling down at me. The guy was attractive.
    I shrugged. “No, I did not.”
    “Then maybe I can call you.” It wasn’t a question.
    “I’m not trying to be rude, but I’m really not interested. Sorry.”
    Just then Tammy walked up. “Hey, Michael, what’s up? Oh, you know Mayne?”
    He smiled wider. “Like the state?” He was looking at me, but it was Tammy who answered.
    “Just like the state but with a Y.” She nodded. “I literally ran her over this morning on my way here. She didn’t cuss me out, so I figured she had to be cool.”
    I noticed that Tammy had a slight southern accent when she yammered away.
    “Really?” Michael turned to face Tammy.
    I stayed seated while thinking how much I regretted my decision to go out tonight. Why in the hell did I agree to this? I was hoping they would forget about me and take themselves away from my presence. Maybe if I sat still enough I could disappear all together.
    “Hey, we are going to go get drinks, would you like to join us?” I tuned back in time to hear Tammy invite Michael
    “Sure! I would love to.”
    Of course he would. He wanted in my panties. They both turned to me. Nope, guess I couldn’t disappear no matter how still I sat.
    “You ready, Mayne?” Tammy asked.
    “I guess so,” I answered.
    We headed down the block to Devon’s bar. Well, it used to be Dante’s, but we inherited it when he died. I told Devon I didn’t want it, but he refused to remove my name on the documents, so technically it was still our bar.
    “I usually can’t get in here until it gets really late, but I’m hoping it’s