“Drea… hi.” I couldn’t think, couldn’t move. She was the last person I expected to see today, and yet I couldn’t stop my stomach from doing an impromptu breakdance as she looked me up and down.
“Blair… What a nice surprise.” Her tone didn’t sound like it was nice at all.
I cleared my throat, trying to gain back control. “What are you doing here?” I winced at the stupidity of my question. She sure as hell wasn’t riding an elephant.
“On a public sidewalk? I’m walking to lunch… I didn’t know you had a dog.” She squatted down and petted Milo, who jumped in her lap and started licking her face. It was adorable, but I was nervous she was going to yell at him for ruining her extremely short brown shorts or something. I mean seriously, did this woman not own pants? Her legs were miles long and so soft looking. Jesus!
“Hello, aren’t you a cutie?” She looked at Milo as she continued to rub his belly. I wanted to kick myself for the tenderness I felt in my chest as she continued to sweet talk him. At least I had confirmation she could be sweet to someone.
“I don’t. He’s a shelter dog. I volunteer at Furever Homes and was just taking Milo back after our walk to the park. He got off his leash. I’m sorry about that.” I reached for Milo and put his leash back on, making sure it was secure.
“You volunteer?” she asked, something unexpected in the way she was looking at me. Did she think I thought myself too good to volunteer?
I hadn’t talked to her or seen her since our meeting with Cara, but that comment in her office still left me confused.
In the years I’d worked with Drea, she had never once said anything remotely nice to me. I never understood her animosity towards me, but since the feelings were mirrored on my side, I didn’t care enough to ask.
I shrugged. “Since I was twenty. I try to volunteer once a month if I can.”
She nodded in response. “Well, I better go. See you Thursday, I guess.” She gave a faint wave and took off.
“That was Drea, Milo. Yeah, I know she’s pretty on the eyes, buddy. You don’t have to worry about her, though. I’m sure you’ll never see her again.” I shook off that encounter and took Milo back to the shelter.
Chapter Twelve
Drea
“Hey, Cara. I was just about to call you. Are you guys on your way?”
I had just arrived at the bookstore, and I pulled my phone out to get an ETA from Cara. Not that I wanted them to get there any sooner than necessary. I was eagerly waiting for this weekend to be over with.
I was leaving Kaia in charge while I was away. She had looked after the store for a day here and there, but never two days in a row, and I never went out of town. I was a little nervous, but I knew I could trust Kaia. She would call me if the slightest thing was out of place.
Besides that, I had access to the cameras on my phone. I had recently upgraded my camera system thanks to Fallon and Mackenzie’s… anti-literary activities in my backroom.
After a brief moment of silence, hesitation surrounded Cara’s voice. “Actually, that’s what I was calling for. So, Blair is on her way, but something came up and I am not able to make it.”
Please tell me this was a prank call. There was no way she was suggesting that Blair and I go to this festival… alone. “I’m sorry, what now?”
“Drea, don’t start with your dramatics, please. I’m sorry, but it’ll be fine. The reservation is under Blair’s name, and everything is already taken care of. I’ll call to check in as soon as I can, hopefully once you’re already settled in.”
“I’m not being dramatic. I think I’m reacting exactly how I should be, Cara. You cannot be serious. You can’t leave me alone with her for two days. This better be an emergency!” Cara was usually very hands on when it came to work, so I hoped nothing was seriously wrong.
“You’ll be fine, but I gotta go. Have fun and please don’t kill each other! I love you both.” She hung up before I could get another word out.
Blair was walking up as I got off the phone with Cara. “Cara isn’t going to make it; something came up. She said everything is under your name at the hotel, though, so we shouldn’t have any issues,” I said dully.
“Of course.” She sighed.
“What does that mean? She doesn’t usually bail on work things last minute unless she doesn’t have a choice.” I scowled.
“No, I know. I just meant… nevermind.” She shook her head.
I wanted to press, but I knew it would just cause a fight. Besides, we had the whole weekend for that. Why rush things?
“Well, it's about an hour away. Do you have everything you need?” I asked, noticing her one suitcase and purse.
I knew it was just a two-day trip, but I had expected her to pack for the equivalent of a two-month trip.
