Page 32 of If You Like It, I Love It

So much for this perfect day. I hate knowing I’m going to have to be the bearer of bad news, but dammit, I gave her measurements for a reason.

My spatial reasoning instincts have deceived me. This island is exactly the maximum dimensions I told her would fit—not a quarter inch to spare. I don’t know how she managed to find something that maximized the parameters to a fucking T, but she did. I retract the tape measure and clip it to my belt.

“Okay, let’s load it up.”

It’s heavy, solid wood. Built to last. She has good taste—in everything except wallpaper.

15

Joni

I swoon at the scent of warm cinnamon and maple syrup as soon as I walk into Trudy’s Diner. It’s a French toast oasis this morning. I’m meeting Glynnis and Sabrina here instead of at Grin’s because the AC is out at the pub, and Mav apparently has the temperament of a honey badger because he can’t get a repair company out as fast as he’d like.

Frankly, I can’t fault him. I can live without a lot of things, but air-conditioning is not one of them.

Merilee swoops in to pour me a cup of coffee the moment my ass hits the chair. She doesn’t bother with menus for the three of us. We know it by heart.

“How’s your favorite musician?” I ask. It’s a little bit of a teasing inquiry, but also a bit of encouragement. She and Derringer Wells have been orbiting each other for months—many, many months.

I know they’ve gone out quite a few times by this point, but his tour schedule is hectic right now. My biggest concern is that she doesn’t realize how smitten he is. I’m afraid she sees his skyrocketing music career and doesn’t see a place for herself in that life, but I’ve been a fly on the wall when he’s talked to Mav and Rhett about her more than once. He will do whatever it takes to make a place for her.

“He’s good. Worn out from the tour, but it’s almost over.”

Glynnis sets her phone down and tunes in to the conversation. “You should fly out to be with him for the last leg of the tour.”

Merilee looks like she’s just been told to crash his wedding—as if he’d consider anyone other than her for a minute. I understand wanting to protect your heart, but Derringer is sincere. He has a bad-boy reputation, but it’s all based on a past version of him, a much younger, much dumber version. He’s come a long way.

I’m not usually one to play matchmaker or meddle in other people’s love lives, but it’s Glynnis’s absolute favorite pastime. I may have instigated this conversation solely to pique her interest. Mission accomplished.

It doesn’t hurt that it takes the focus off me and Enzo.

We all order the French toast. Merilee is obviously relieved to escape us to turn in our order, putting me in the hot seat. Sabrina and Glynnis waste no time shifting their focus.

“Okay,” Sabrina begins. “We need an update.”

“My island is done and waiting in my garage next to the table for the breakfast nook. Appliances will arrive Friday, and the new permit has finally been issued. I know remodels can be a game of hurry up and wait, but suddenly, it’s all coming together. Enzo says they’ll get started on construction next week.” I sip my coffee.

They exchange a glance that I’m sure carries more than I can translate, but I can decipher enough to know they aren’t going to let me get away with not talking about Enzo.

“Congratulations.” Sabrina lifts her coffee cup. “That’s all great. Now give us the information we want.”

“Everything else is fine.” They both glare at me. I lower my voice because this isn’t a bar; it’s a family diner. “I’ve ridden it, okay? In fact, there isn’t much we haven’t done at this point.”

They clink their coffee cups together and grin like they just pulled off a bank heist.

“Are you having fun?” Glynnis asks.

I don’t have to think about my answer for a second. “So much fun.”

They squeal their approval, and I revel in the reaction. I know they’re going to pry a little more before we’re done with breakfast, probably ask questions that are way too presumptive in my opinion, but it feels good to share my happiness.

I haven’t lost sight of the fact that this is a temporary thing, but I’m thoroughly enjoying my fling with a younger man.

16

Joni

Dr. Abernathy pulls me aside between appointments to ask about Oliver. He knows about the recent changes in his demeanor.