Between Amazon and Goodreads, we are really close to forty reviews (some people posted in both places, which is awesome!). I promised a deleted scene when we hit that magical forty. Since I’m running like crazy this summer, I’m going to give you the first deleted scene today before I take off on another trip. It does have spoilers, if you haven’t read the book you’ll probably want to do that first! I do have another deleted scene for you and will get it posted super soon. Before I hand over the goods, I wanted to thank everyone for their reviews. I’ve learned a lot about what makes my writing work and what needs work. I’m excited for you guys to see the differences in book two!! Thanks again for all the support and for loving this story almost as much as I do!!!!
This scene falls after graduation and before Desiree discovers the convergence. The reason this was cut was purely for room…I just had too many pages so the café had to go. I was sad to lose the character of Deloris because she seems so real to me. I hope you enjoy her character too. Keep telling all your friends about the book and keep reviewing! With twenty more reviews I’ll post chapter one from Blake’s point of view!
The Convergence Deleted Scene #1
On the corner of a block in downtown Portland, the café is timeless. It probably hasn’t changed since my mom worked here. Sitting in a corner booth, I imagine her in this place. Working day after day, young and lonely. I close my fingers around her picture in my purse and gaze out the window at the large barges moving down the Columbia River.
My waitress approaches. “Here’s you order, dear.”
Usually I hate people calling me that, but the older woman is nice. Her smiles are genuine, her tone even and slow. A kind, well-balanced soul. At least according to all of my conversion research.
Before she can retreat, I reach for her arm to stop her. The power of physical touch—another gleaning from my study. “Can I ask you a question?” I say softly, drawing her in.
She glances around the café, which is obviously slow. “Sure, hun.”
I pull the picture from my purse and push it across the table. “Do you recognize this woman?”
Her hands flutter to her mouth. “It’s Sarah.”
I’m surprised by her immediate recollection, but even more by her words. Sarah was my mom’s middle name. At least, I thought it was. “Sarah?”
The woman’s eyes narrow in suspicion. “What are you doing with that?”
I gaze at her with my face open and readable. “She was my mother.”
Looking closer at me, her face softens. “Of course she was. I can see it now.” She takes the seat opposite me. “She’s gone?”
“When I was twelve,” I explain, then hesitate. I hadn’t expected it to be this easy. Or this complicated.
“I’m Deloris.” The woman introduces herself.
“Desiree,” I respond and give her a distracted handshake.
“What do you want to know about her?” Deloris asks gently.
I finger the edges of her photo. “She worked here…?” I start.
Her eyes brighten. “Oh, yes. For a couple of years.” She places her worn hands on the table. “Everyone loved her. She was so kind. No family, so we became hers.” Deloris looks out the window at a passerby. “I knew she lost her parents when she was young and had lived with her grandmother until, she too, passed away. Then she met him.”
“Him?” I ask eagerly.
“Paul.” My pulse quickens—now we’re getting somewhere. Deloris sighs, “Love at first sight—if you believe in such a thing.” Her blue eyes flash. “Oh, he was crazy about her, but no good for her. No good at all.”
I push my plate to the side. “What happened?”
“They dated for a couple of months and then one night she showed up at my house. Late at night.” Her expression darkens at the memory. “She told me she had to run, had to get away to protect her.”
“Who was her?” I persist, leaning forward.
“Don’t know.” She shakes a wrinkled finger at me. “But I do know it was Paul’s fault. I once overheard him telling her that if he ever disappeared, she needed to run. Then he gave her an envelope.” She sighs. “Yes, he was involved. Involved in something he shouldn’t have been.”
The door dings as a customer enters. “Don’t leave, dear. I’ll be back.” She pats my hand as she leaves the table.
I slouch back against the vinyl. My mom used to go by Sarah. Somehow, this makes her deceit that much deeper. But she had loved my real dad. That’s something.
Straightening, I absentmindedly grab a french fry. This is more information than I ever hoped to get from my visit here. And more hope. Converting, I process all of the information quickly. Paul is probably part of a group of converters–like Blake’s group. I’m sure they’re covert and powerful. The envelope he gave my mom must have contained documents she used to start a new life. Paul might not even know I exist.
Waiting for Deloris to return, I finish my meal slowly. The danger of my determined search finally starts to sink in. I’m running directly toward a group my mom sacrificed her future to avoid. But I need to find my dad, to know if he really is a converter, to know why my mom ran, and to know if he survived whatever mistake he made.
