Falling Stars (Shooting Stars 5)

"Maybe he's right," Rose thought aloud. "I

never considered that."

Howard looked smug.

"Don't pay attention to him. Rose," I said.

"Howard, you're making her feel bad."

"I'm just suggesting a possibility," he insisted. "It' s not even a possibility," Cinnamon

snapped at him.

"Oh? Why not, pray tell?"

"First, if Edmond sent someone here who didn't

meet his mother's standards, she would know

instantly, wouldn't she?" Cinnamon asked. "And what

do you think she would say or do to Edmond?

Remember what Madame Senetsky told us? We, of all

people, can't hide our imperfections, our failures.

There's no way to fake it. You either belong here or

don't," she told Rose.

"Howard." she said, sending daggers his way

with her small eyes. "should know that better than any

of us, and does know that. He's just a little jealous. "Beware the green-eyed monster. Howard, it

mocks the meat it feeds upon."

"Ha! I guess she told you. Howard Rockwell

the Sixth," Steven cried and reached for a piece of

bread.

"Don't!" Cinnamon barked,

He pulled his hand back as if he had burned his

fingers. "What?"

"You can't do that until everyone is here. It's

not good etiquette."

"She's right," Howard muttered. I'm surprised

you didn't know that!"