Page 54 of Let Me Love You

Mrs. Milte’s eyes widen. “Really? We have the same anniversary. Frank and I have our 50th party this Saturday. Will you be able to make it?”

“I’m not sure.” I turn to Victor. “Which day are we leaving?”

“Probably Saturday, if that works for you.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” Mrs. Milte says.

I open my mouth to politely turn her down, but Victor squeezes my hand, stopping me, and says, “We can extend our stay so we can celebrate with you.”

Mrs. Milte’s eyes shine. “Our dear Serenity never got to go to any social functions because she was always working. So, I’m glad you can make it.”

I hesitate, unsure how to proceed. “I’d love to attend.” Becky’s harsh words pop into my mind. “Are you sure it’s okay for us to come when Becky and others seem … uncomfortable by our relationship?”

I’m not sure if it’s my imagination or not, but when I spoke Becky’s name, the chatter around us stopped.

Mrs. Milte waves a hand. “Of course. I had a talk with Becky. She has no right to refuse our customers. But her heartbreak is still fresh, so please excuse her.” She motions around us, and anyone who was staring is now looking away. “Everyone can tell that you two are a love match, while Victor and Harmony were just for a silly television show.”

The people at the front of the line move to the side, and it’s Mrs. Milte’s turn to order.

She finishes paying and turns back to us, gripping her cane—a new accessory from the last time I saw her. “I can’t wait to tell Frank you’re coming. He’ll be tickled pink. I’ll hobble out of your way now.”

“You don’t look a day over forty,” Victor says, obviously lying through his teeth, but somehow, his words sound sincere.

She wobbles over to a nearby table and sits down. “Oh, dear, you’ve made my whole week.”

I step up to the counter and order our drinks. I already know how Victor likes his coffee—black—which I’ll never understand. An entire jar of sugar on top of the creamer is needed for my coffee.

I pull out my card to pay, and Harmony says, “I’m not charging you.”

I nod in Elias’s direction as he makes a coffee. “I think the owner would have something to say about that.”

Victor steps forward. “Let your sister do something nice for you.” Something flashes across his face that looks a little like longing. And it clicks. He doesn’t have this with his sister, and I can’t be the one to shatter this moment. So when he drops fifty dollars into the tip jar, I say nothing.

“A tip wasn’t necessary. You two frustrate me so much,” Harmony’s voice pulls me back to her. She grins. “But I’ll let it pass since I love you both.”

The space inside the cafe suddenly seems a lot smaller than it is with everyone’s eyes on us. I’m not sure if they stopped watching us from before, but if they did, they’re definitely giving us their attention again. They’re probably memorizing our every word so they can spread it around town. I chew on my bottom lip. That’s what I wanted, though, right?

We turn to move out of the way so the next customer can order. Summer charges through the cafe like a bull and starts climbing a stool at a high-top table by the window. I slide onto the one next to her, and she bounces up and down like she’s waiting for her next sugar rush.

My phone vibrates but only a single buzz. It has to be Lana since the other two people who bother me through texting are currently in the room with me. I pull out my phone.

Harmony, Lana, Abigail, and Serenity are added to the group message.

My finger hovers over the “leave group” button but a message comes through.

Lana

You better not leave the chat, Serenity.

I sigh. I can feel Victor’s heavy gaze on me, but he doesn’t say anything. He always talks so much that his silence is a little unnerving. I bite my lower lip, meeting his eyes. His gaze drops to my mouth. But then the moment is broken when Harmony calls out my name, and he stands to go get the drinks.

Why am I in a group chat when you know I hate to text?

Abigail

Wait, am I a real adult now that I’m in a group chat with the cool, older girls?

I’m leaving now.