Welcome to the Neighborhood by Mary Abshire Read Free Book Online Page A

best he could, but the damn demon always found him.
    “You’re a good neighbor,” Mr. Hadley said. “Everyone in the community has been nice, supportive and willing to help each other. It truly is a great place to live. There are a couple homeowners who prefer to keep to themselves and that’s fine. They’re not disturbing anyone or causing problems. I’ve been a real estate agent for twelve years and this one is by far an A-plus residential area with outstanding individuals. I’m very proud to have met and worked with each person here.”
    “Hello, Greg.”
    Sylvia stood within arm’s reach. Heat drifted from her in waves as it did with most demons. He disliked the closeness, but forced a smile.
    “Sylvia Henshaw, how are you?” Mr. Hadley asked.
    A sly grin formed on her face. “Better now that I’m with good company.”
    Greg stiffened and fought the urge to walk away. He didn’t want Alexandria to see Sylvia with him and get the wrong idea.
    “Has our new neighbor arrived?” the demon asked as she surveyed the room.
    “I don’t believe I have seen her.” Mr. Hadley looked at Greg. “Have you?”
    Greg gave a single shake of his head. “Not yet.”
    “Would you like a drink, Ms. Henshaw? The bar is open until two,” Mr. Hadley said with a smile.
    Perspiration started to form on Greg’s forehead and neck. Though he doubled up on deodorant, the heat flowing from Sylvia was too much for him to bear.
    “I’d love a glass of wine,” Sylvia said.
    “Excuse me while I have a word with my roommate,” Greg said politely.
    “Always good to see you, Mr. Holmes,” Mr. Hadley said.
    Greg walked off without looking back. Every time he bumped into Sylvia, she followed him like a moth attracted to a light. He hoped she wouldn’t do the same in front of Alexandria.
    He wormed through the clusters of neighbors and spotted Corey sitting at one of the few tables Charley sat next to him and it appeared they were having a friendly conversation. Mattie and Olivia were not with them. Greg curved around a group, strode between two tables, then stopped across the table from Corey and Charley.
    “Did you scare Mattie and Olivia away?” Greg asked.
    “Hi Greg,” Charley said with smile. She had a lovely pair of green eyes, chocolate-colored skin and wavy, brown hair that attracted many men. Her soft voice was always a pleasure to hear. Greg had considered dating her, but something always came up and he’d forget to ask her out. He blamed fate for wanting to keep them apart.
    Corey lifted his plastic cup. “They went to mingle.”
    “Which is something I should do.” Charley pushed her seat back and stood.
    “Please don’t leave on my account,” Greg said, wondering if he’d interrupted a juicy conversation.
    “It’s okay, my rear is numb and I really do need to talk to a few people here.” She stepped around Corey. “I’ll catch up with you two later.”
    “Have a seat,” Corey said as Charley disappeared in the crowd. “Have you seen Alexandria come in yet?”
    Greg circled around the table and sat in the chair Charlie vacated. “No, haven’t seen her.”
    “Maybe she’s one of those that believe in being fashionably late.”
    “Maybe.” Greg sighed. “Sylvia’s here.”
    “Uh-oh. Has she seen you?”
    “Oh, she’s seen me. I was talking to Mr. Hadley when she made her appearance. Fortunately, he offered to get her a drink.”
    “Good time to bail.”
    “Which is exactly what I did.”
    “Have you heard about the Radfords?” Corey asked excitedly.
    “What news?”
    “Vickie is pregnant with twins.”
    “Really? That’s great. James must be very happy. Is he here?” Greg scanned over faces in the crowd.
    “No, just Vickie. He’s on the road again.”
    “Seems like that werewolf is always on the road.”
    “Charley thinks he’ll quit his truck-driving job and find a different one when the twins are born.”
    “I’m sure Vickie would like him to get a job closer to home,