Free Ring of Truth (A Silver Script Novel Book 1) by Jaclyn Weist Page A

meet you. For now we’re going shopping. I have to find the perfect silverware for your wedding.”
    “Wait, Mom, no. Don’t worry about that right now. We haven’t even figured out a date yet.”
    Jake’s phone buzzed. “Tell your mom and dad my parents would love to meet them.”
    Erin sighed. She couldn’t believe this was happening. “Jake’s parents say dinner would be great.”
    Jake drove a nail into the wall and hung the picture.
    “Fabulous. We’ll be your house at six so we can meet them at the restaurant.” Her mom paused. “What is that noise?”
    “Jake’s hanging a picture. I better get going. I need to help him. I’ll see you at my apartment.” Erin hung up and fell back on the couch. “We’re in so much trouble.”
    “We’ll be fine. You knew they’d want to meet at some point. This way we just get it over with.” Jake stepped back. “How does it look?”
    Erin stood on the other side of the room. “It looks great. We just need a few other things to go around your living room, and we’ll be good.” Erin gestured to the corner by the couch. “We should probably get rid of those papers as well.”
    “Oh. I forgot to dump those.” He scooped up all but a couple of the papers into his arms. “Ready?”
    Erin grabbed the last two and opened the door. “Let’s do it.”
    Jake went out the back door to the recycle bin and dumped the newspapers inside. He took Erin’s hand and helped her through the alley. “Sorry, this probably wasn’t the best way to go, but I didn’t think you wanted all my neighbors to stare at you again.”
    “No, it’s a little embarrassing. Besides, this isn’t too bad. I’ve seen worse alleys in this city.” Erin shuddered at the thought of the smells she’d experienced.
    “Sounds like you have some interesting stories.” Jake let go of Erin’s hand once they were out.
    Erin wanted to reach out and take his hand again, but forced herself not to. She didn’t need to complicate this any more than it already was. “Okay, it’s just over here. This is where I go when I need cheap props for ads.”
    “Perfect. I like cheap. Much better than cute. Not quite as cool as manly, though.” Jake’s elbow brushed Erin’s, sending a thrill up her arm.
    “Well, you’re in luck, because it’s all three. So we can go and grab what we need and put your room together before I head to my apartment to meet my parents.” Erin stopped at the intersection and pushed the button. She glanced up and noticed he’d been looking down at her. “What?”
    “You always have everything mapped out, don’t you?” Jake held up a hand when Erin started to argue. “Don’t take that as a bad thing. I admire it. I have no idea what I’m doing after these two jobs, and you probably know exactly what you want to do. It’s pretty cool.”
    Erin stayed silent. It was true she liked things organized, but she wasn’t that  predictable. She liked doing spontaneous things. Like offering him the job. Or most of what she’d done in the last couple of days. They crossed the street before she answered.
    “I just want to have some control in my life. I wanted to make something of myself, and I have to keep things perfect in order to stay where I’m at.”
    “Doesn’t that get stifling, though?”
    Erin shrugged. “Sometimes. But that’s when I go shopping or explore the city. I learned the ins and outs of the city and I’ve been to every part of town. Of course, that all has to fit into my schedule, but I make it work.”
    “Now that sounds a little more exciting. So, what’s your favorite part?” Jake hit the button and they waited.
    “Right here. Although, I love Times Square and Chinatown. But this area is perfect. Close to work, close to being able to see a play, close to my favorite diner.”
    “Close to me,” Jake’s face turned red. “So where is this store?”
    “It’s just one more block ahead.” Erin couldn’t help the smile as she kept walking. She