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Chapter Thirty-Six
“My, my. You’re glowing, Girl,” Grace said as I made my way into the café where we were meeting for coffee.
“Thank you for all the help the other night,” I said. “I appreciate it. How was Tino’s today?” I asked, hoping to skirt past the topic at hand.
“No. No way. If you think we’re talking about Tino after everything going on with you, you’re crazy. Now, I already ordered coffee, your favorite. Sit down and get to the good stuff.”
“Like?” I asked, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Like, everything. Have you kissed? Confessed your love? Have you stolen his heart so much that he’s leaving the music industry? I need details.”
I sighed. There was no use denying any of it.
“We kissed. And he told me he loves me,” I admitted, to which Grace squealed. “Actually, he told me he loves me, and then we kissed. Which should feel out of order but didn’t,” I added, still mulling over how different things were with Leo than anyone from my past.
“This is just a real-life romance playing out! I’m obsessed. That’s amazing. You deserve it,” she said.
“Thank you.” I folded the edge of the paper placemat on the table, still feeling incredulous that this was now my life.
“What’s going to happen then? Are you moving with him? Going on tour?” The waitress brought over our coffees, and we thanked her.
“I don’t really know what will happen next. We haven’t figured that much out.” I exhaled, my bangs blowing up as I cradled my coffee cup. The warmth of it seeped through my skin.
“Hey, it’s all right. There’s still a lot of summer left,” Grace reassured. “And look how strong your connection already is.”
“Yes, and it’s still a couple weeks until I’m off these stupid crutches,” I said, groaning. “How’s the new girl doing?” I still refused to address her by name.
Grace rolled her eyes. “Tino’s favorite. Which is fine by me, I suppose. But I miss you. What’s your plan? Career wise, I mean?”
I smiled again. “Actually, it’s kind of crazy. But I’m opening a new coffee shop here. Tillie’s Seaside Brews. I’m working on the plans now. I’ve been going to these business meetings and everything.”
“Girl, you’ve just got it all together! I’m thrilled. This Leo is good for you, you know? You came back to Ocean City all sad and broken. I’ve never seen you so vibrant. You two are beyond good together.”
“Well, I don’t know about that. After all, he almost got caught the other night. And this whole scandal in the tabloids is affecting him, for sure. How long until someone catches onto where he is? Or how long until he has to go back and deal with this whole scandal that’s spinning out? And then what?” It was a very real fear. I turned the coffee cup in my hands.
Grace sighed. “Well, I know it’s complicated and you have to be careful. But I, for one, am glad Brad got to see your new man. It was worth the whole reporter situation just for that. I hope he feels like an idiot for letting you go. And the tabloids will blow over. Does anyone even read those things anymore?”
I hoped Grace was right. I hoped somehow, as Dorothy assured me when she told me about how she met Harry, things would just work out. Still, in the back of my mind, a voice was whispering that things rarely just worked out.
We talked then for a little bit, catching up on Grace’s latest novel, college, and her parents. She showed me a few photos from her dating app, and we agreed to stay in touch.
