"Yeah, you will be," I could have sworn I heard her say under her breath as she passed me, swinging a motorcycle helmet over her shoulder.
"What?" I called out to her, but she didn't turn around, just kept walking toward the stairs. When I walked into the apartment, Rhea was in the kitchen and shot me a dark look before she stomped down the hallway to her bedroom.
Now, that same blonde woman smirks at me from the bar and slams back a shot of amber liquid.
Elise cuddles up into my side, pulling my attention toward her.
"They just don't get it, Paul."
"Yeah," I murmur. "Yeah, maybe not."
???
My phone alarm goes off, pulling me from my thoughts. Distractions. I need distractions.
Untangling myself from a rousing Elise, I grab my phone as I head to the bathroom to shower, absentmindedly scrolling through my work emails.
I see something that stops my heart—an HR meeting invite in four hours. Elise is invited too.
Shit.
Chapter Fourteen
Sophie
The early evening air is cool on my walk toRivers & Rhodes, the sky bruised with shades of purple as twilight settles over Starling Cove. I slow my steps, savoring the walk toward my new favorite place.
I want to take my time browsing, to soak in the comforting hush of the shelves. I'm also hoping for a glimpse of Plot, and maybe, just maybe, a smile from Callum.
We've been texting, morning to night, but it isn't the same as seeing him in person, hearing his warm laugh, and being in his comforting presence.
Also, I made banana bread last night, and, well, I just so happened to have made too much for myself. I figure I could see if Callum and Maeve would like some.
That'stotallycasual.
I'm dressed in one of my prettiest sweaters, the red one Tess convinced me to buy three years ago, insisting it looked striking against my dark hair and pale skin. I paired it with the'peach jeans,'named so because they are magic and make my derriere look like a peach. On my feet are my cute, comfortable white canvas sneakers. I think I look casual yet put together.
And okay, maybe I put on a little more makeup than usual—sue me.
Not that I'm looking foranything, I'm still fresh and raw from the end of my engagement. But I still want to look nice. I want to feel normal, like a woman who dresses up to see a friend, who just happens to be very handsome, kind, and sweet.
I check my reflection in the shop window before steppinginto the warm store, the chime above the door announcing my arrival.
Instantly, peace washes over me.
Dusty Springfieldcroons from the shop's speakers, and I scan the store for my gentle giant. An older woman browses theNon-Fictionsection across the way. A younger man crouches near theHorrorsection. Two girls giggle over a book near theHistorical Romanceend cap.
I can’t find Callum, but… I can almost feel him here. It's like the pull of a compass inside me, pointing me in his direction.
It's a warm, happy feeling.
"Hello, my dove."
I jump, so distracted looking for Callum that I miss Maeve materializing out of thin air to my right. The blonde smiles serenely, dressed in a flowy burnt orange dress. She nods to the bundle in my hands. "Is that for us?"
"Oh—hi! Yes. Banana bread," I smile and hold it out, then hesitate and pull it back. "Wait, no one's allergic to bananas or nuts, right? Or gluten?"
"Very much fans of gluten," I hear Callum's voice behind me and my smile blooms instantaneously.
