Frank breaks through the tree line, his sights finding Gertie immediately.
You can almost feel it, the tether that pulls them together, like their love is a visible, tangible thing.
“Good chatting with you, dear. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if I can land myself a hot date for tonight.” She chuckles, pats my arm once more and shuffles down the steps toward her husband, who stands waiting for her, arms out ready to sweep her away.
Gertie’s words linger with me.
“Hey girlie, you ready?” Viv strides up, ready to tackle the shops in town for souvenirs to bring home to family.
“Yup. We need to stop by Fran’s too. I told her I’d drop off my book.”
“Did you see they had croissants this morning?” Viv asks, nudging my arm. “Who am I kidding? You probably sniffed them out the moment they came out of the oven.”
“I did,andthey’re from Bean & Brew.”
“No way, really? Let me grab one for the walk then.”
“I think Luke ordered them because he knew I liked them.” I share with Viv the conversation Luke and I had, the things he said, and how Chloe stormed in fast and out furious.
Viv’s mouth drops, hands crossing her heart. “Glad to hear he didn’t fool us both into thinking he is a decent guy.”
“I know,” I mumble.
“Too bad we’re leaving. That man is a keeper.”
Forty-Seven
I FEEL SO OBJECTIFIED
Liv
“I’m so glad you’re here andsofluffing sad you’re leaving tomorrow!” Rachel throws her arms around Viv and me.
I laugh at her substitute for a swear word. I’ve come to learn this week that Rachel never says anything vulgar or offensive.
We’re still going to be friends, right? Like you’ll still keep in touch?”
“You obviously don’t know Viv very well yet if you’re asking that,” I joke, returning her hug.
“Facts. Once we exchange numbers, you’re a friend for life. So, get used to hearing random life updates from us, and I would expect nothing less in return.” Viv moves in and hugs Rachel next.
“Where’s Jim?” My head swivels around.
“Jim is working a double. He told me to tell you guys it was nice to meet you.”
Josh and Luke come strolling in shortly after, and we find a spot to sit. My eyes snag on Luke, wearing a familiar black Henley with the double-H logo that I now recognize as the Huffman House logo. My stomach somersaults thinking back to the firsttime I ever saw him, sitting in the back of the coffee shop like he owned the world.
How I wondered about him then.
And how I know him now—more intimately than I ever imagined.
I slide off the high-top chair to greet them, stepping into strong arms that pull me into a body that’s become familiar. I’d stay here in his arms all night if I could.
“Hey, you.” Luke’s voice rumbles, vibrating against my chest as he looks down at me with an adorable smirk showing off the crooked tooth I love.
Like.
The crooked tooth Ilike.
