“Yeah.” I look down and flick through the pages.
“But apart from that, they’re so good.” She swoons slightly and I wish Athena was here with me now so she could see how much people enjoy her stories.
“Make sure you ask her about signing at your shop tomorrow when you see her.”
“Yeah, I will. Do you think she’ll do it?”
“Yeah,” I say, but the truth is, I have no clue. I would try and persuade her to, though.
“Thanks, Royce.” Her hand rests on the top of my arm.
“No problem, I’ll post a little something on my socials too saying that she may or may not be here… see if we can get some more readers in here.” I smile.
“Thank you,” she whispers. “Do you want a bag for your books?”
“Please.”
She takes them from me and steps back behind the desk. Grabbing a tote, I watch as she lays it flat on the counter. She wraps each book delicately, then slides them into the bag. My brows furrow when I read it.
I like my coffee icy and my books spicy.
“Really?” I scrunch my nose as I place it over my shoulder and sigh.
“Advertising.” She winks and I flip her off.
“How much do I owe you?” I ask, reaching for my wallet.
“Not a chance,” she scoffs and I roll my eyes.
“Tell me, Rue.”
“Nope, they’re on me.”
“Rue,” I say again, my tone sharp.
“You’ve done so much for me, plus, you’re going to gettheOpal Bloom into my shop, so please, take them as a gift.”
I sigh, slipping the wallet away. “Thank you,” I mutter, making her think that I am giving in. Little does she know I’ll ping her money over later.
Walking out the shop, I head towards the small coffee shop a few yards down. Ordering myself a flat white, much to Dane’s disapproval, I look for the fanciest coffee that I can get Athena.
“Can you make me something sweet, extravagant, with thousands of calories?” I ask and the young guy laughs. I really did need to brush up on my French.
“Sure can.”
“Appreciate it, man,” I say as I tap my phone against the reader. “Oh, do you know anywhere I can grab a snow globe?”
“A snow globe?” He looks at me a little confused.
“Er, one sec.” I slide my phone out and search it, turning the screen and showing him.
“Ah, oui,” he says, then continues to tell me where I may find one.
Once I have the coffees and pastries, I make a mental note to pop out later if I can find a snow globe. I have bought her one at each stop, and I don’t plan on making this trip any different.
Walking into the suite,I see her sitting on the sofa, cross legged on a video call. Her eyes light up, that gorgeous smile and those fucking dimples. I hold my hand up and walk quietly towards her, placing her iced coffee down and her golden ambers widen with delight.
I duck out, kicking my shoes off and lying on the bed. Inhaling, her scent engulfs me. Everything smells of her. Sliding my phone out my front pocket of my wide jeans, I text Nora asking for Rue’s bank details.
