Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail (Bright Falls, #2)

by Ashley Herring Blake

panoply

secret passageways

Every kid's dream.

A perfect pairing. Matched souls.

standing there under the morning sun in a tailored suit and looking like a younger Cate Blanchett,

“It’s very calming,” Natasha added. “Spa-like, which a lot of inn-goers are looking for.” “Luxury,” Astrid said, nodding at Natasha. Pru nodded, her mouth pressed flat. Fuck my life, Jordan thought.

Ha

“This tension between you. This . . . shall we say, light enmity? It’s gorgeous.”

“Her grandchildren—twins, I believe they are—were notoriously unkempt when they were here during the summers, running around barefoot with tangled hair and dirt under their fingernails.” Oh no, not tangled hair and dirt.

The piece looked like something out of Beauty and the Beast that might spring into song at any moment.

removing all remnants of history was not the answer. Gray paint and fucking subway tiles were not the answer.

Jordan continued to gaze at her coolly, one eyebrow lifted. Goddammit, Astrid wished she could lift one eyebrow.

This was a woman doing her work and doing it well. That was all.

Uh huh

Jordan had never considered fratricide before, but suddenly, the concept sounded incredibly enticing.

She felt suddenly lost and overwhelmed. She knew it was juvenile—she was thirty years old and a professional, for god’s sake—but she was starting to believe you were never too old to feel lonely, to wonder where you belonged in the world.

her incisors, which were a little bit sharp, like a vampire’s.

She said it

There were other memories, countless moments she’d long ago chalked up to admiration or envy.

Me, I wanted to be a Disney singer when I grew up.” A laugh flew out of Astrid’s mouth. “A Disney singer.” “You laugh in the face of my dream?” Jordan placed her free hand on her chest.

love doesn’t always think through the details. Sometimes, love just does.”

a perfect Brandi Carlile sort of style.