“Sure.” I looked around the little store. I could absolutely see myself spending time here this summer. The bell over the door rang out while the gossiping ladies called out goodbyes to Ivy and she to them.
I glanced around at the shelves again and smiled. I wondered if I’d end up spending more money than I made. Spying the young adult section, I had an idea. “Want me to write up some recommendations? I always have a list on my whiteboard in my classroom for the kids to know what books are hot or highly recommended. I could easily do that here.”
Ivy started bouncing with Addie in her arms, which made the little girl laugh. “Ilovethat idea! I have a template for shelf talkers on my computer. You’re welcome to write your recommendations and print them off, sticking them by certain books. And you absolutely should put your name on the recommendation so the kids who come in will know it is from you. This is fabulous!”
Addie squirmed a bit, and Ivy quickly let her down. She immediately headed around the corner toward the rear of the shop.
Ivy watched her go, then looked back at me. “There’s a room in the back that I have set up for book clubs. It also has some bean bags where she loves to sit. That being said, you’re a huge help. She loves to sleep and have lazy starts to her day.”
“Forgive me if this is too personal, but is her dad around? Can’t he help?”
Ivy shook her head, but didn’t lose her light. “Nothing is too personal. I’m an open book. And no, he’s not in the picture much. It’s just been Addie and me for the most part since she was born.” She looked over her shoulder at where Addie had disappeared. Then glanced at and took in my face. “No, no. No pity, Maggie. That’s the way I wanted it. Addie was the product of a happy relationship, but it wasn’t a serious one. Her dad knows about her, but that wasn’t his plan for his life. While I’d love it if he wanted to see her more often, that’s not where he’s at right now. Addie has never known any different, so she’s pretty well adjusted for a four-year-old.”
She glanced at my belly, then back up. “So, did you want to share about your partner in this new adventure? Or are you doing a solo gig too?”
I shrugged, glancing around the shop and confirming that we were truly alone. “Well, it’s not exactly secret, but it’s also not public knowledge.”
A serious look overcame Ivy as she quickly crossed her heart. “I am a vault.”
I laughed out loud. “Okay, vault. Emma’s brother, Cole Sullivan, is the father.”
Ivy’s eyes widened. “Well, holy shit, that’s fun. I’m assuming he’s aware? What was his reaction? Are you two a thing? Emma was holding out!”
I considered how to shorthand the entire history of my crush on Sully, the one crazy night, and our new normal. “Yes, he’s aware. And no, we’re not a thing beyond childhood friends.”
Narrowing her eyes, Ivy seemed to consider my reaction before proceeding. “And is that what you want?”
I could feel heat flood up my body, which mean that my neck and face were going to be flushed. What I wanted was not what could be, but just thinking of what I wanted made tingles race up and down my body and my heart rate increase. Damn that man. He could even get to me in my thoughts. Insanity.
“What I want is truly irrelevant. I don’t plan on staying here for good, and Sully does. So we’re working on a strong foundation of friendship to raise this baby.” Good, I told myself. I actually sounded like I meant it. “I’m even staying at his place this summer since I had already sublet mine so I could travel.”
Ivy considered me carefully before throwing her head back with a riot of laughter.
“What?” I asked.
Wiping tears from her eyes, she met my questioning gaze. “Soooo you are living asjust friendswith this man who, by the way, I’ve seen…” She waggled her eyebrows. “And just reading between the lines here, you’re pretty sweet on him. Am I warm?”
I nodded reluctantly, but my flush probably gave me away anyway. She set her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at me. “But you think you’ll be strong enough to be around that gorgeous man day in and day outandresist any horizontal action?”
Rolling my eyes, I muttered, “Is that all?”
Ivy leaned in and hugged me before letting go to continue dispensing her wisdom. “I’m just so glad you’ll be working here.”
Skeptically, I asked, “You are?”
“Hell yes! Now I get a front-row seat to this real-life love story. Woo-hoo!” She raised her arms above her head and spun around laughing.
I shook my head, debating trying to explain how wrong she was, but decided it wasn’t worth it. Instead I laughed and watched her continue to spin and reflected how grateful I was to have found a new friend, even if she was a bit nuts. Getting a part-time job in the process was just gravy on top.
14
Unwelcome Dinner Guests
Sully
As I entered the kitchen that night I was nervous with anticipation. Maggie had texted that afternoon asking if I was working the late shift or if Jake could cover. She had news she wanted to share. I immediately replied, asking if everything was okay with the baby. She’d promised that all was well but wouldn’t give anything else away. My mind had been on overdrive for the past five hours. Did she want to find her own place? Had she decided to hit the road after all this summer? I coached myself to be supportive no matter what.
Before heading off to find where Maggie was in the house, I was stopped short. The kitchen smelled amazing. Moving over to the oven, I opened it to see rows of meatballs baking, a golden-brown color on each. My mouth immediately watered. “Maggie!” I shouted. “Are these meatballs done?”
