“He’s lived here four months, but yes, I’m dating Levi.”
She gives me a curious look. “Is it safe to assume the rumors about him aren’t true?”
I lean against the counter and rest my forearms on the black slab of marble. “Which rumors would those be?”
“Folks say he’s rude and to steer clear of him.”
“Levi is an introvert and the kindest person I know,” I defend my man. Frowning, I ask, “Are those rumors still making the rounds?”
Mrs. Dixon nods. “You know how it is. It will take months before the gossip mill finds something new to talk about.”
“True,” I sigh.
She places the steaming cup down in front of me. “It’s on the house, dear. I hope you won’t be a stranger and I’ll get to see more of your pretty face.”
“Thank you.” I pick up the cup and take a sip. “Mmmh. I’ll definitely pop in soon again.” Walking to the door, I give her a smile. “Have a good day, Mrs. Dixon.”
“You too, dear.”
Walking up the street, I enjoy my beverage until Mom’s old store comes into view. I notice it’s now a gadget repair shop, and there’s a stabbing sensation in my heart.
When I peek through the window, I’m sad to see everything has changed.
I quickly walk away, and as I near the corner, I hear Waverly shout, “Kelcie!” My head snaps in her direction, and I watch as she crosses the road. “When I saw you walking by the diner, I thought there’s no way you wouldn’t pop in to say hello.”
I give her a sheepish look. “I’m sorry.” I gesture at the repair store. “I got rattled by that.”
“Ugh. It’s such an eyesore. Come sit with me for a little bit.” I hold up my cup, and she rolls her eyes. “I’m the owner, silly. I don’t care what you’re drinking in the diner as long as I get to spend a few minutes with you.”
“Okay,” I agree. We wait for a car to drive past before walking across the road.
Stepping inside the diner, I relish the warm air and take a seat on one of the stools by the counter.
“If it isn’t my favorite neighbor I hardly get to see anymore,” Jill says as she comes up behind me.
I glance over my shoulder and smile. “Oh, hey.”
She sits down beside me, a mischievous expression on her face. “Soooo, how are things with you and Levi?”
Waverly’s eyebrows fly up. “Are we talking about Mr. Hottie that lives next door to you?”
Jill winks at Waverly. “That’s the one. I’ve noticed Kelcie is at his place every night.” My neighbor looks at me again. “Girl, for someone who’s seldom seen out and about, you sure are the talk of town.”
“Is it true you finally told Colby to hit the road?” Waverly asks.
My cheeks flush from all the attention, and I grumble, “Hush. Both of you.”
“No, no, no. You don’t get to live this exciting life and not share the juicy details with us,” Jill says.
I drink the rest of my latte, making them suffer, then I grin. “Yes, I made it clear to Colby that I will never date him. After he left, his mother came over to tell me what an awful person I am for breaking his heart. She even slapped me.”
My friends gasp, then Waverly mutters, “That’s it. Next time she comes in, I’m spitting on her food.”
Laughter tumbles past my lips. “Oh God. Please don’t do that on my account.”
“Okay, enough about the dipshit and his family. I want to know about you and Levi. What goes on in that house all night long?” Jill asks, wagging her eyebrows suggestively.
Just thinking about Levi, my smile widens.
