“Don’t worry. Cashmere Cove protects its own. If you ever need anything, I have a background in personal security.”
The story of how this woman took a bullet for Anton, single-handedly saving his life, flies through my mind, and I stare at her in awe.
“The offer to be a friend or a bodyguard is always on the table. Or if you’re a reader, come see me at Mood Reader. That’s my full-time gig now.”
“The cute bookstore downtown?” I’ve wanted to stop in there a million times, but I’ve been afraid of drawing too much attention.
She nods. “The one and only. I’m a part owner.”
“Dream job,” I say on an exhale.
Her eyes light up. “You’re a reader.”
And a writer.
I swallow the words and nod. “I love to read. Romance, especially.”
“Come see me sometime, then. I’ve got the new Philomena Grace book in, if you’re a fan.”
I smile at that. I can’t help it when I think about Philly’s success. Little does Rose know I have a signed and personalized copy from Philly herself in my nightstand at Daisy’s Inn. She started as an indie author and got so successful that Cassie picked her up. Her newest book is her first traditionally published title, and it hit the big bestseller list. The success couldn’t have come to a more deserving person.
“I’ll swing by. I love Philomena Grace.”
“I’ve been trying to get her to come for a book talk and signing, but so far I haven’t heard back. Keep your fingers crossed for me.”
“Will do.” I make a mental note to talk to Philly and Cassie about scheduling a trip to Mood Reader. Would it be a selfish way for me to get some in-person time with my friends? Yes, yes, it would. I’m not above it. I’d love to help Rose out too.
A pinch of FOMO pricks at the base of my spine. If I wasn’t writing behind my Ava Reese pen name,Icould offer to come for an author chat myself. I reel in that thought. If I wasn’t writing behind my Ava Reese pen name, my author career would have been cancelled right along with the rest of my life. I’ve never worried about missing out and not getting to claim my stories publicly before. It’s been enough to write them for myself and know I’m bringing joy to my readers … even if I’m gauging their reactions from a distance. It’s for the best this way.
“I should run. I’ve got to get back to Mood Reader with snacks in time for book club. If you’re ever interested in coming, all the details are on our website. We’ll post next month’s title there, too.” Rose smiles and my heart tugs. In another life, I’d be there with bells on.
“Thanks for the invite.”
“Door’s always open,” she says with an easy shrug, like she knows I’m not going to take her up on her offer, but she really hopes she’s wrong. I get the sense she’s not wrong about many things. “I hope you have a good time with TJ’s grandparents.” She leans in. “If you happen to give TJ a shot … outside the friend zone”—she winks—“the other wives and girlfriends on the River Foxes are great. We’d welcome you with open arms.”
I’m shaking my head before she’s finished. “He needs a different type of woman than me.”
“I’d say that’s for him to decide.” She flashes me an easy smile. “For you to decide for yourself, too. Not my place to butt in.” She holds up her hands in surrender. “Nice to meet you, Lucy.”
“You too,” I say as she disappears around the corner.
I stare after her. What is going on with my life these days? I’ve gone from a hermit troll, sequestered away in my room at Daisy’s Inn, to attending a ball, going to TJ’s house, planning to go to a chili cook-off and square dance, and now I’ve got Rose Kasper inviting me to join the WAGs. Yeah, I looked it up. That’s what they call the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes.
I get out my phone and text Philly and Cassie, letting them know that the owner of Mood Reader in Cashmere Cove is super cool and they should maybe, hopefully, consider a book event in town. After I send the message, I pocket my phone again and pause to assess my circumstances.
I’m dying to stack another layer of bricks onto the walls I’ve built around my life. To pull everything back in on myself and stay tucked safely away, where nothing can touch me. But as I stare at the line of kidney beans in front of me, I think about what my dad would say.
The mantra I haven’t thought of in years pops into my head, and my vision blurs again.
“You glow, Lu. Don’t hide your light.”
Dad used to recite it every morning before school. I was a shy kid, and he never pushed me to be anyone I wasn’t. He always reminded me that I was good enough, just as I was, and that I had something to offer.
He wouldn’t want me to hide away.
But he’s not here. And putting myself out there is easier said than done.
Chapter 16
