Turned out we had the same vision for Sweet Dreams, making the entire process a lot easier. I’d be sad to see her go but knew she’d be back soon, since she seemed to have taken a liking to small-town life.
Kinsley jumped up from a booth off to the side, waving at us. Landon, Stella, and Mason were also there. Stella was another one of Willa’s friends, and her boyfriend, Mason, was Jameson’s brother. They didn’t leave their farm just outside town very often these days, so it was great to see them.
We all hugged, and after I introduced everyone, we sat down. The waitress, Suzie, set down drinks shortly after we arrived, not bothering to ask for our orders. She startled when she spotted our new addition. “There’s another one. What can I get you?” she asked Mae.
“Tequila, please.”
Suzie nodded. “Be right back.”
We settled in, and Stella clapped her hands. “Everyone, I have an announcement to make.”
“You’re pregnant.”
“You’re married.”
Willa and Kinsley called out at the same time.
Stella gave them the finger. “I know I’ve put on some weight, but I didn’t think I looked pregnant.”
Mason put his arm around her, pulling her in to him, and kissed her. She bit her lip, her face taking on a pinkish tinge, and turned back to us. “I got a job.”
Willa jumped up, banging her knee on the table in the process. “Oh my God, you didn’t even tell us you applied for anything. And congratulations, of course.”
“I didn’t want to jinx it. And it was a long shot. But you’re looking at the new librarian of Humptulips.”
Kinsley, who sat next to Stella, leaned in to her. “Congratulations, honey.”
“I guess we’re forever doomed to do our own paperwork,” Jameson grumbled. Stella had been helping at the garage office with Willa.
Willa waved her arms, trying to get Suzie’s attention. “This calls for drinks.”
Kinsley held up her nearly full glass of wine. “We already have drinks.”
“Celebratory drinks aren’t the same as normal drinks.”
There was a collective groan around the table. We all knew what that meant. And since we all had to get up tomorrow and work, none of us wanted to have more than a few drinks.
At least Jameson was here. If things got too rowdy, he’d carry her out.
Willa leaned forward, ignoring the protests. “When do you start?”
“In two days. I also signed up for a master’s degree in library science, and Lizzi will let me work at the library while I study. She’s planning to retire in five years. If I finish my degree, I’ll be able to take over from her as head librarian.”
While the girls chatted excitedly about the job, I noticed Grayson was frowning at his phone and leaned in. “Everything okay?”
“Not sure. I have to call my parents.”
Hearing from them was never a good sign. I wondered if they knew he was here with me. “Now?”
“I’m sorry. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
He stood up and kissed my head, then disappeared outside.
I cast a nervous glance at the entrance, tuning out the conversation. When he didn’t return after ten minutes, I pushed my chair back and followed him outside.
He was still on the phone, pacing the sidewalk. His jerky movements and clenched jaw made me hesitate.
Should I leave him alone?
