I leave the phone to charge while I pay my fine online and work out the details to pick up the car. Xander’s message pops up on my computer screen, “One o’clock at the diner today—don’t forget about the meeting!”
There’s no time to linger in the shower. I rush through my routine and throw on a pair of frayed, embroidered jeans with an oversize sweater. I’m going to have to rush if I want to make it to the diner in time for the meeting.
“It’s just for a few hours, Cookie. You’ll be fine. I’ll be back soon, I promise.” I hate leaving her home alone. As a special treat, I smear some peanut butter around inside her favorite rubber chewie. That should keep her busy for a while.
On my way out the door, I remember to text Xander to let him know Emily will be joining us.
You’ll love her, Xan, trust me.
BTW, Angie can’t make it today,Xander texts back.One of her dogs ate something weird, but we can fill her in later.
See you at one!I text back from my cab.
Two hours later, I’m circling the block in the unicorn. I feel legit with my shiny, new registration tags freshly applied to my plates. But adulting is expensive, and that feeling is fleeting. It’s another eight hundred dollars that I don’t have to spare. I’m just digging myself deeper and deeper into this hole.
There’s no avoiding it. I’m going to have to set up a meeting with the bank next week. I’m worried they’ll call in the entire loan if they find out about the rent hike. And if I have to put the house on the market? Then I’ll have to tell Xander. He’ll never forgive me for losing the house.
There’s no parking in front of the diner, so I turn around the corner to the back lot and hustle. I’m already ten minutes late. That’s going to earn me a lecture from my punctual little brother.
Emily’s already texted that she is there. Hopefully, she’s proving to be a distraction.
When I finally arrive, I spy Emily and Xander, settled in a large, semicircular booth in the corner. Kenna’s seated with them, wearing her work apron. Emily and Xander are passing a phone back and forth. She’s laughing so hard that she has to put the phone down and wipe her eyes.
Xander is probably showing her one of his pet transformations. Maybe Mr. Miyagi?
Accepting her help was a good idea, I think.
“Oh good, you’re here! Emily just arrived too.” Kenna sees me and waves, then slides out of the booth. She is walking toward me with a paper to-go cup with a lid. I take it and inhale deeply, feeling the last foggy bits of my headache retreat. Oh, sweet caffeine redemption.
“It’s the egg coffee again, isn’t it?” I say, sipping. “It’s good. So good.”
The last time Kenna made me this coffee, it was because of Hudson Holm. But is that the coffee’s fault?
“You have no idea how much I needed this.” I purr.
“You okay, G? You seem a little tired.” Xander looks me over.
“I didn’t sleep great last night.” I wave away his concern. “Nothing that a little bit of Kenna’s coffee can’t fix right up. I see you’ve both met Emily?”
“Kenna and I have met previously.” Emily smiles at Kenna and holds up her drink.
“London Fog with orange blossom honey.” Kenna shrugs. “Obviously.”
“It’s like she sees inside your soul, isn’t it?” Xander raises a brow at Emily, who shrugs and nods back in agreement.
“And this one?” Emily points at Xander. “How is it fair that there’s so much talent in one family?”
Xander acts nonchalant, but I can tell he is flattered.
There’s a loud crash over by the coffee bar, and Kenna rubbernecks to see what the commotion is. She gestures to a confused-looking girl working the espresso maker. “I’ll be right back … just going to troubleshoot over there.”
Xander turns back to me. “So, G. Why didn’t you just tell me that Emily was part of theLit Lovers’crew?”
“It was supposed to be a surprise. I was hoping to be here for your inevitable fangirling. Sorry, Emily.”
Kenna comes back to the table with a towering plate of French fries and pulls five place settings from the pocket of her apron. “I got these for the table. I took my break early so I can join the meeting.”
“Hey, I think you’ve grabbed one place setting too many,” I point out.
