dissonance. (a Böhme novel) by Sarah Buhl Read Free Book Online

myself when Conall teased. “Shut up dude,” I said.
    He gave me a steadfast expression, focused on waiting until I spoke further. He understood I had something to say. Yet another trait he shared with his father.
    “Okay, yes, I looked him up online. I’m curious about him.”
    “Ahh, you’re curious about him?” Conall asked with a raised brow.
    “Yes, he’s so genuine,” I said as I closed my eyes, realizing I more than likely wore a dreamy expression. “I appreciate that about him and it feels abnormal. I shouldn’t be attracted to a guy that young.”
    “Why does it matter how old he is?” Conall asked.
    “I guess it doesn’t to me; I never imagined myself a cougar though,” I said.
    “You’re awesome and he’d be crazy not to be as interested in you, regardless of how ancient you are. Besides you’re more like a puma than a cougar. Grandma’s a cougar.” He pulled me in for a half hug and a laugh.
    I gave him a light shove. “I suppose so. But stop calling me auntie and ancient —and never compare me to your grandma again” I said as I pointed at his face and stood to go to bed.
    “Good night, nephew.” I kissed the top of his head and as I got to my door I paused, turning back to him with a smile.
    Day by day he reminded me more of his grandfather as well.

 
     
    More people know about these now. They’re talking. Talking is good. The more talk, the more attention is drawn to them. The more attention, the more people will begin to think about things. Then the more people will want to know the truth behind them.
    The writer only hoped with each of the questions posed, the reader will become aware—aware of themselves and the world around them. Aware of what they did to those they should love.
    The painting this time was of a little boy tying his tennis shoes. The boy’s face held sadness and fear as those around him, just watched—judging to see if he gets it right.
    Why did you run?

3
Blake
 
    I dropped my phone next to my bottle and pushed myself up, squeezing the bar with my hands in frustration. I growled, and Gabe gave a mocking laugh in response.
    “What’s your problem?” he asked.
    “I’m an idiot. I couldn’t stop thinking of that drummer, Brecken, so I found her profile online. Yeah, so I sent her a message,” I said as I put my hands atop my head and let my elbows relax.
    “That doesn't sound crazy to you?” Gabe smiled and looked to our friend Toby with a smart ass grin. Toby showed up a short time ago and Gabe filled him in on my day, making sure not to forget my Abby story. He also shared about my new interest in Brecken. These guys were worse than a bunch of old women.
    “Yeah, I know it does. I looked up her band, got her full name, and then sent her a message. It’s crazy as fuck. She's pissed at me,” I said as I spun my phone around on the bar.
    They both laughed as Karl came back to join us.
    “Well, considering you managed to piss off Abby royally, it sounds as though you’re 2-0 for the evening,” Toby said with a pointed expression, taking a drink of his beer.
    “And what’re you guys discussing?” Karl asked with a shake of his head.
    Gabe leaned onto the bar and pointed at me with his beer, “Blake has it for the drummer chick, but apparently he pissed her off, which makes one worry for our friend Blake considering his track record with the female of the species this evening.”
    “Oh, so you have a thing for Brecken?” Karl asked with a shrug.
    “It's not a thing. I’m not going to ask her to the school dance or something,” I said, leaning both forearms onto the bar and flipping my phone over in my hand several times.
    “She’s the one that used to babysit me,” Karl said matter of fact.
    “For real?” I asked.
    “Yeah, she grew up on the same street as my parents. Her mom still lives there, over off of Broadway,” Karl said.
    “What's her story?” I asked.
    “Well, she’s tough,” he said with another Karl