Page 28 of Wilde Ride

“I didn’t think Caroline wanted to live in River Falls.”

He gave her a soft smile. “We’re getting divorced.”

“Oh,” Moreen said. “Gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you got my family’s card and flowers.”

With a nod, he stated, “We did. It meant a lot to us, thank you.”

When her eyes snapped back to me, I said, “My mother talked Levi into volunteering during the camps, talking to the kids about his job being a vet and taking care of animals.”

“Did she? Wow, well, the kids will love that. I usually help Emeline out during the summer camps, but I’m going to be manning the shop here while Lilibeth also volunteers with classes for the kids.”

“When were you going to tell me about the job change?” I asked.

She laughed. “Lilibeth hired me just a few days ago. I planned on telling you when we had our weekly lunch.”

I knew Moreen had been terribly unhappy working for her mother, so I was glad to see she was able to find something else.

Moreen turned her attention back to Levi. “Let me offer you a tour.”

He grinned. “Thanks.”

Before she started the tour, she glanced at me and winked. I pushed her lightly and whispered, “Just go, will you!”

Moreen knew how I felt about Levi. How my heart was shattered when he told me he was marrying Caroline and having a baby with her. I assumed it was a simple crush, and not seeing him in so long had gotten me over said crush. Or at least, I thought it had. Seeing Levi again, it was clear those feelings were still there. And if anyone could see that without me saying a single word, it was my best friend.

“So, most of the storefront is the retail side of the business. We have a small section here for kids. The clothing is all made by someone right here in River Falls Valley. Lilibeth tries to obtain as many locally sourced goods as possible. You’ll see Alice in Wonderland items sprinkled throughout the store, which gives the place that whimsical feel.”

Levi reached down and picked up a teabag that had Alice in Wonderland on it. He turned it over in his hand, then set it back down before moving on. There were teapots, books, home good items, and more in the space. The store had a little bit of everything for everyone.

“Here are the candles that Lilibeth makes herself. She also has a room upstairs that you can rent out, and where you can make candles.”

“It smells so good in here,” I said as I picked up a candle for a whiff. “I can’t wait for the kids to get to do this.”

Levi smiled. “I think they’ll have fun with it.”

“Back here is the perfumery, where you can make your own fragrances.”

Levi looked through the glass windows that separated the space, and said, “It’s themed like a speakeasy.”

Moreen laughed. “You’re right, it is. I’d let you go in, but as you can see, Lilibeth is with someone right now. You two should sign up for this.”

I turned my head so quickly to glare at my best friend that I almost got dizzy.

“It might be nice to see what it would be like for the kids, don’t you think, Em?” Levi asked.

Moreen’s mouth twitched before I turned to look at Levi. “Um, it would be, but I’m sure Lilibeth is booked solid.”

“Actually, if you’re both free on Friday, I can get you in around five.”

I was positive I was shooting daggers at Moreen, who simply stood there with an innocent smile on her face.

Levi pulled out his phone. “I’ll have to see if my mother can watch Rhett, but I’m down for a private lesson. Em?”

Trying not to freak out at the idea of spending even more time with Levi, and attempting to hide my feelings, I swallowed and replied, “Sure, that sounds like fun.”

Moreen clapped. “Let me go write it down now. Feel free to head upstairs and check out the space up there.”

Levi motioned for me to go first. As I climbed the steps, I plotted ways to get Moreen back for this. She was going to pay, that was certain.