Page 86

One of them stares at me a moment longer than is comfortable before her friend swats her on the knee, and she averts her gaze. The other two smile, and then they put their heads together. I don’t mind people recognizing me. Not usually, but today, in Beth’s shop, it’s another reminder that my fame is like a wall between us. One she’s sitting on top of. I’m on one side, trying to coax her to see things from my perspective—to prove to her that I want her in this life . . . with me. But she could easily shake her head and drop back over to the far side, disappearing from view.

I close my eyes to shut out the vision. The thought of Beth disappearing makes my hands feel clammy.

Ivy is standing behind the counter, and smiles as I approach.

“Welcome back to Dash Away Books, Gabe. How was your trip? We missed you the second day of the market.”

“Good. It was good, but it’s good to be back.”

“Good.” Ivy grins, winking at me. She’s the best. Her cheerful disposition immediately puts me in a better mood.

She drops her gaze to the second cup of coffee I’m holding. “So what brings you by today?”

“I—”

I’m cut off by the jingling of the bells over the entrance. Ivy steps up onto her tiptoes and glances beyond me. Her brows furrow, but she’s quick to correct her expression into a customer service–appropriate smile.

“Incoming,” she mutters under her breath.

I turn around to see Calvin Kell striding toward us, and my spine stiffens.

“Hey, man.” He thumps me on the shoulder as he sidles up next to me, and some of my coffee sloshes through the opening and onto my wrist.

“Look at us.” Cal beams, unfazed, as I reach forward and slurp up the spill. “A couple of prodigal sons come home, huh? Hey, Ivy. How goes it?”

“Just fine, Calvin. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Ivy smiles sweetly at him, but if I’m not mistaken, there’s something like dislike beneath her gaze.

“Popping in to see my girl.” Calvin pats the pockets of his black peacoat, which hangs open over his sport jacket and slacks. “I texted her this morning, and she didn't respond. I was downtown, so I thought I’d surprise her.”

He winks at Ivy and the hair on my neck bristles. His girl? First of all, Beth isn’t his girl just yet. Second of all, I hate the thought of him being the one to surprise her. I want those things for myself.

I pull in a deep breath, trying to tamp down my emotions. It’s not my place to get my feathers ruffled about Calvin. If he’s who Beth wants, then I need to accept that and be happy for her. She told me she was going to see him like she’d promised. She gave me a heads-up.

“Beth’s sick,” Ivy says without pretense. “She’s been down for the count since yesterday night. I think the Christmas Market pushed her over the edge of exhaustion. She’s been running herself into the ground getting everything done for the holidays as it was. Being on her feet and going nonstop did her in.”

“Is she alright?” I ask at the same time as Calvin makes a disgusted-looking face and says, “Is she contagious?”

I swivel my head and gape at him, and Ivy narrows her gaze.

Calvin walks back his comment with the ease of someone who knows how to talk his way into and out of situations.

“I mean, I just hope she’s better in time for our date on Thursday. I’d hate to have to cancel. I’ve got so much going on the next couple of weeks.” He shrugs. “I can’t afford to get sick myself. I’m sure you get that, right, man?”

I stare at him, unsure how to respond.

Ivy smiles tightly. “I can let Beth know you stopped by when I hear from her. I’ll be sure to tell her you don’t want to see her if she’s still under the weather.”

Her last line is spoken with barely concealed disdain, but Calvin doesn’t notice.

“That’d be great. Thanks, Ives. You’re the best.” He points finger guns at her and makes a clicking sound with his tongue. “I’d better be off. Places to go, people to see.”

He slaps me on the back again, and this time gingerbread latte sloshes out of the to-go cup and onto my shirt, but Calvin either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care. He spins around and saunters toward the exit.

“Don’t let the door hit you on your way out,” Ivy says under her breath.

I cut her with a look, arching a brow in question.

“What? I can’t stand him.”