Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

her five-foot-two frame and delicate Asian features and failed to

recognize her inherent scrappiness ran the risk of suffering horribly

at the hands of a grossly underestimated opponent. The nickname

?Giggles? was her personal albatross. She?d had it since she

was a baby. In her friends? and family?s defense it was impossible

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to resist calling her Giggles. Claire had, hands down, the best laugh

in the universe. Never forced or shrill, it was the kind of laugh that

could make anyone within earshot smile.

?Fo-sho, sire of my BFF,? Claire replied. She hugged Jerry back

with genuine affection, ignoring his use of the dreaded nickname.

?Might I have a word with your progeny? Sorry to be so rude, but

it?s top secret, high-clearance stuff. I?d tell you . . .? she began.

?But then you?d have to kill me,? Jerry finished sagely. He

shuffled obligingly off to the concession stand to buy himself a sugary

soda while his daughter, the chief of the food police, wasn?t

looking.

?Wacha got in the bag, dad?? Claire asked. She grabbed Helen?s

loot and started rifling through. ?Jeans, cardigan, T-shirt, under

. . . whoa! You go underwear shopping with your dad? Ew!?

?It?s not like I have any choice!? Helen complained as she

snatched her bag away. ?I needed new bras! Anyway, my dad hides

at the bookstore while I try everything on. But trust me, even

knowing he?s down the street while I shop for underwear is excruciating,?

she said, a smile on her reddening face.

?It can?t be all that painful. It?s not like you ever try to buy anything

sexy. Jeez, Lennie, do you think you could dress more like

my grandma?? Claire held up a pair of white cotton briefs. Helen

snatched the granny panties and shoved them to the bottom of the

bag while Claire stretched out her magnificent laugh.