He’s conventionally handsome. Hot, I think most people would say. Blond men are not usually my type, but I don’t think I’ve had a type in years—since the one whowasmy type ripped my heart out of my chest.
My type used to be tall—much taller than Levi—with dark brown hair, light brown eyes, smooth tan skin, short stubble, and a smile that made me melt.
Levi will have to do.
Just saying that to myself hurts more.
This is another reason why I never get drunk. It awakens a sadness I’ve worked so hard on healing, and it still hasn’t healed entirely.
I only allow myself to drink with Natalia and Isabelle—sometimes at brunches with pretty cocktails we take pictures of, or during wine and movie nights.
But I never allow myself to get to the point of total inebriation. Tonight is a fluke.
“Can I buy you a drink?” Levi asks, a small smile on his lips.
I nod, forcing a weak smile. “Just water.”
He flags down the bartender for another beer and a bottle of water. Levi twists off the cap for me, and I nearly chug the entire thing—trying to wash out the taste of tequila on my tongue and soothe the burning in my throat.
“So, how is your bookstore café?”
I smile. My bookstore café, Books and Beans, is right on acorner of Main Street with Violet’s Florals as my neighbor across the street. I’ve worked hard to build my own business—with the little my mother left behind and a giant payoff.
Books and Beans was only a dream five years ago, and it was made a reality last year. It’s my pride and joy.
You should do it, Lana. It’s what you’ve always wanted. I’ll be your first customer.
That’s what he always said when I talked about it. Until he wasn’t my first customer. He hasn’t been a customer at all.
But I guess, if it weren’t for his disappearance, I would not have received the money I needed to open Books and Beans.
“It’s good,” I manage. “Now that it’s summer, I can finally put the tables outside again.”
Levi’s Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows a mouthful of beer. I want to throw it against the wall and scream.
“I love that you do that.”
“Yeah?” I bat my lashes again. My brain just doesn’t seem to be into it, though.
Except—who knows? Maybe Levi is the real love of my life or something.
He isn’t.
I’m going to vomit.
Levi nods. “My mom loves outdoor seating. She says your place is a good getaway from my dad.”
I chuckle. “Poor Charles.”
“Ahh, he’s fine,” Levi laughs.
His dad is a sweet man. He was even on the PTA board when we were all in high school.
Everything about Levi’s life makes him seem like a privileged golden boy. I don’t get the appeal.
“Lana, can I take you out?”
I blink.
