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We spoke about Christmas shopping a bit longer, and then about everything under the sun. It was so easy talking to him.
“Where do you want me to drop you off? Home?” he asked when we entered the city.
“No. My grandmother texted me that she’s at The Happy Place.”
“Then I’ll take you there.”
The city was surprisingly empty, but then again, it wasn’t even lunchtime. I was disappointed that the storm had interfered with our plans. It meant I hadn’t seen the last of Malcolm.
When we arrived in front of The Happy Place, I moved to take my half-full cup of coffee from the cupholder and nearly knocked it over. I was jittery again.
He squeezed my hand. “You're still nervous.”
“I am.”
“I thought we cleared the air about what happened in the room.”
I widened my eyes playfully. "I wasn't even thinking about that, but now I am. Thanks for reminding me."
He chuckled. "My bad. So what is it?"
“I'd hoped to put the charity events behind me this weekend, but Monika said she’ll make new plans because of the weather today. Now I’ll have to figure something out.”
We both got out of the car. He took my bag out of the trunk, frowning.
"What do you want to figure out?" he asked.
“What to say when people ask why you're not there.”
“I will be there, Reese.”
“Oh.” My body started buzzing. “Are you sure? I mean, that's more than you signed up for.”
“No, I signed up for being your fake date for the duration of the event.”
“Are you sure? They'll probably suggest a few days for the next event, but I’m sure not everyone will be able to make it. It won’t be suspicious if we say you already have plans on all those days.”
“Reese! I don't want you alone anywhere near that moron.”
My insides warmed up at that. His voice dripped authority and maybe even a hint of protectiveness. “I don't know what to say.”
“You don't have to say anything. We'll be in touch. And judging by how this weekend went, the next event will be explosive.”
I didn't know what that meant, but I instinctively knew he was right.
Chapter Ten
Reese
I rolled my suitcase in front of The Happy Place. I’d expected to see Gran at the counter, but Kimberly was here too. There were a few patrons inside, browsing books.
I loved the bookstore. I'd spent hours upon hours here as a kid, when my aunt and uncle had too much going on at the house. That happened often, considering they had six boys. Kimberly and I would come here after school. My grandmother set up a corner for us where we did our homework. If she wasn't here, one of the employees took care of us. I grew up surrounded by the smell of books and, in winter, the cozy fire.
“What are you doing here?” I asked Kimberly.
“Gran said you were stopping by. I thought that was interesting. You usually come to The Happy Place when you need extra love.”
I bit back a laugh. That was 100 percent true. I was surprised my cousins didn't "accidentally" show up too.
