Page 100 of Falling for Mr. October

“A love triangle?” Christopher murmurs, pulling a little notebook and pen out of his pocket.

“There’s no love triangle,” Bianca says hotly. “Please don’t say that. I broke up with Rhett, and he’s still a little salty about it. But we’ve worked things out. It’s all settled to everyone’s satisfaction.”

She shoots a look at me, silently reminding me that we can’t go scorched earth with Mr. Mayor, however much we would both obviously enjoy it.

I lift my free hand, palm facing outward. “I’m a peaceful man.”

Christopher smiles at us. “Thank you for talking with me. I’d love to meet your grandmothers.”

We lead him over to the Evergreens & Apples table.

When we introduce Christopher to the nonnas and explain who he is, Nonna Francesca says, “And do you plan to publish a photo of my grandson without his shirt on?”

I smile at Christopher and pat him on the back. “Have fun, man. We’ll see you later, hopefully.”

“I have a few more questions I’d like to ask,” he says, looking a little panicked at the thought of being left alone with my nonna.

Understandable, but unless he asks her about apple fights or dry sandwiches, there’s every chance she’ll be calling him a “good boy” and offering him food within a few minutes.

“Later,” I agree with a nod.

Glancing at my nonna, I say, “Please be nice to Christopher, and tell him what he wants to know. He’s interested in learning more about Evergreens & Apples.”

I’m not sure how true that is, but that’s the story I’d like him to tell. That’s what will help the Murphys the most.

I wrap my arm around Bianca. “Let’s go see Emily.”

Her expression is unreadable as she nods, but I notice the way she leans against my side as we turn and walk away.

We reach Emily’s table. She’s wearing a “Smut Slut” hat too, which barely contains her dark red hair, and I dip the brim of my hat at her. She grins and tip the brim of her cap back at me.

“It’s like you two are in a secret club, and you’ve denied me membership,” Bianca says, bemused.

“I’d be honored to buy you a ‘Smut Slut’ hat, Bianca,” I say. “You only needed to ask. Emily, your best hat.”

Emily laughs and picks up the hat sitting at the top of the display. “I’d be delighted.”

“No way, I’m not going to wear that.” Bianca waves her hands in protest.

“Your whole life will be transformed.” I reach for the hat. “Trust me. The night I put this on, everything changed. I’m convinced these caps have magical powers.”

It’s no exaggeration. I put on this hat for the first time the night I kissed Bianca.

“Crap,” Emily says, grinning. “I should have been recording you for a promotional video.”

I shove my free hand into my pocket for my wallet.

Emily shakes her head. “Nope, it’s on the house. I’ve already sold two dozen of these today. I’m this close to convincing Mr. Campbell we should rebrand as a romance bookstore.”

She’s holding her thumb and forefinger less than a half inch apart, and Bianca reaches out and spreads her arms so one is above her head, the other below her waist. “More like this.”

“But it’s still progress,” Emily says, laughing.

“Put on your hat, Bianca.” I hand it to her, and she accepts the unwanted gift with an amused eye roll that feeds my spirit. “I want to be a couple who matches.”

“Only because it’s sunny,” she consents, unfastening her bun so she can put it on. Once she’s got the hat on her head, she finishes by letting her inky hair spill out through the opening in the back. I’d like to run my fingers over her ponytail, and since we’re supposed to be a loved-up couple, I do.

“Please take a photo of us in our matching hats, Emily,” I say. “I’m begging you. I’ll cherish it forever.”