“She owns Keke’s,” I explained, turning onto the main road toward the café.
Holly’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Really? I would’ve thought Keke owned it.”
“Nope,” I said, shaking my head. “Keke’s her daughter. Sailor opened the diner when Keke was eight so she’d have a legacy to pass down. Now Keke’s the head waitress and will be assistant manager once she graduates high school.”
Holly tilted her head, intrigued. “That’s actually really sweet. You know a lot about them.”
“I grew up with Sailor. There was a running bet for years which Smith son she’d end up with,” I said with a shrug. “The answer, if you’re curious, was none of us. I was two years too young and my brothers lost interest once she got knocked up.”
Holly pulled out her phone, a glimmer of admiration in her eyes. “Her website has good traction, but it could be better. You think she’d be interested in working with a marketing manager?”
“Maybe. I can introduce you next week if you want,” I offered casually, though I felt a surge of excitement at the idea of helping her land another client. Sailor was off today. She and Keke kept Sunday as a family day, but I now had reason for Holly to want to see me again.
Holly’s hand slipped across the console, her fingers brushing mine before giving a gentle squeeze. “That would be great. Thanks, Liam.”
She left them there, intertwined with mine the whole car ride. It wasn’t until I parked and was forced to let her go did we separate. “Fair warning,” I said as I opened the car door. “I’ve known Sailor’s mom, Alice, since I was a kid.”
Holly raised an eyebrow, her tone cautious. “Okay?”
I could tell she didn’t quite understand, but as soon as we stepped inside the diner, her confusion began to clear. The moment Alice spotted me her face lit up as bright as the diner’s neon sign. She tucked her notepad into her apron and hurried over, shooing away the hostess when she tried to greet us.
“Liam!” Alice pulled me into a tight hug that smelled faintly of flour and vanilla. “I swear, you get more handsome every time I see you.”
I loved Alice. She was warm, and kind, and never made me feel like I was a burden. She took me under her wing after my mom died and offered me more guidance than my dad or our nannies ever offered. She was family. “Good to see you, too. How’ve you been?”
“Oh, you know. Just living my best life.” Alice’s sharp eyes darted to Holly. Unlike my brothers, I never brought girls to the diner. This place was sacred. It was natural for her to be curious, but also nerve-racking. Her big browns rolled over Holly with a mixture of hesitation and wonder. “And who’s this pretty creature?”
Holly extended a hand, her smile widening. “I’m Holly. Nice to meet you.”
Alice glanced at Holly’s outstretched hand and waved it away, then pulled her into a quick but firm hug. “Honey, if you’re here with this one, we hug, not shake.” She patted Holly’s back before stepping back, beaming at us both. “I bet you’re hungry. Let me sit you at the best booth we’ve got. Follow me.”
Alice guided us to a cozy corner booth meant for six, complete with vinyl seats that creaked as we slid in. The dinerhad always been warm and cozy, but it felt even more special today. “Now, y’all look over the menu, and I’ll be back in a jiffy with two glasses of water.”
As she walked away, Holly turned to me, bright-eyed. “She’s delightful.”
“I tried to warn you,” I said, shrugging as I leaned back in the booth.
Holly shook her head, laughing softly. “Your warning didnotcount as a warning. It was like a bike bell when a train horn was needed.” She grinned, picking up the laminated menu. “But I like Alice. She's sweet.”
After giving us a few minutes to read over the menu, Alice returned with water and a notepad in hand. Holly ordered eggs Benedict, while I went with my usual French toast casserole. Once she left, Holly leaned her elbows on the table, her gaze steadily on me.
“So, what are you going to do about that bet?”
“At this rate?” I expected a sting in my chest at the realization that it was over, but something in me changed last night. I was at peace with letting Abbott's go. My brothers will expect me to keep running it—and I will… until I can open Abbott's 2.0 somewhere else. My staff are loyal to me, not the family brand, so the ones that matter will move with me. It’ll take some time, but everything will be alright. “Lose. But I’ve come to terms with it.”
Her expression faltered, a small frown tugging at the corners of her lips. “You can’t! There has to be something you can do. A loophole. Maybe?”
I shook my head. “No loopholes. The chances of meeting a girl and having her fall head over heels in love in a little over two months is slim. I’d be better off switching my focus to what’s next. Abbott's isn’t successful because of the games, it’sthe people. My team will move with me. I just have to figure out where I’m going.”
“I could help with the marketing. I feel bad because there’s something between us but marriage is… it’s just….” Her words trailed off and she reached out and touched my arm, giving it a sympathetic squeeze. “I’m sorry, Liam.”
I covered her hand with mine and gave her a small, reassuring smile. “It’s okay. Honest. Besides, I didn’t bring you here to talk about my problems.”
Her head tilted slightly and she leaned back, pulling away the warmth of her touch. “So, whydidyou bring me here?”
I met her gaze, the corner of my mouth lifting into a half-smile. “Because we’re friends.” I emphasized that last word, making it known that we may be friends but hopefully not for long. Not if I could help it. “And I was hungry. I figured you might be, too.”
Holly’s cheeks turned the coziest shade of pink. She shifted on the cushion and scooted closer to me. There was so much I wanted to say, but I was walking a careful line. Our friendship was in a delicate state. One push too hard and I could lose everything.
