AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No!” I blurt out. “That’s how rumors get started!” I look around the room, repeating myself to make sure everyone hears my answer. Though it might still spread around, it’s a rumor I wouldn’t mind. Archer would make a great dad, and if I’d like to eventually have kids with someone, it’d no doubt be him.
The subject is changed, and Archer leans in and whispers in my ear, “You’re blushing.”
I grin and lick my lips. “And it’s all because of you.”
Monday morning comes quickly, and I couldn’t be happier to be at work. Sure, sometimes it’s so busy I don’t have time to think, but I love it. If I’ve learned anything while being on bedrest, it’s how much I enjoy my job. Not being at the boutique was pure torture.
After I open the shop, customers flood in as usual. A few more months are left until summer arrives, but it’s already starting to get hotter outside. Right now, the store is still covered in pastel-colored clothes, but in a few weeks, it will be full of colorful neons.
Before lunch, we get a quick break, and it gives me a chance to chat with Dana. It’s been a while since just the two of us have worked together.
We start folding a pile of crumpled shirts, and I take the opportunity to ask questions. “How have you been lately?”
“I’ve been doing great. Reading a lot. Hanging out with my new roommate.”
“Oh, you found someone to finally move in?”
She smiles, but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes. “Yeah, it was by luck, honestly.”
“I bet you’re relieved. I know you’ve been looking for someone for a few months.”
“I was. She was in the area looking for a place to stay and ran into me. Sometimes, it’s like the universe puts people in your life for a reason, ya know?”
I nod, then walk over to a rack and re-clip some pants that were hanging haphazardly. Though we’re chatting, there’s a weird vibe in the room that I can’t seem to place. It’s been like this ever since the night of Archer’s party at the bar, but it could also be my anxiety.
Since the accident, I’ve been suspicious of everything and everyone.
Granted, I shouldn’t have embarrassed her the way I did. Between the alcohol and my jealousy, I should apologize, but it happened so long ago that I wonder if it’s worth it. So I awkwardly keep it inside and try to keep the conversation going.
Checking the time, I realize it’s almost eleven. “You can head out for lunch if you’d like. I’m meeting Gemma and Katie in an hour.”
She gives me a nod. “Sounds good. I won’t be long.”
Dana walks to the back, and I hear her punch buttons on the microwave.
While I have some alone time, I pull out my phone and text Archer.
Everleigh: Miss you! Love you.
A minute passes, and my phone buzzes.
Archer: Miss and love you more.
Everleigh: Loved you first.
Archer: Bullshit.
I chuckle and finish cleaning the store before the midday crowd arrives. After I’ve resituated the front displays, a few people walk in.
“Everleigh,” Mrs. Letto says. “Do you have any of those leggings with the pockets? My granddaughter was telling me about them.”
I grin. “Yep, right over here.”
She runs her hand across the material. “Oh wow. These feel like a baby’s bottom. Super soft.”
“You’ll never wanna take them off,” I express. She goes through the rack and chooses one of each color. When Dana returns from her break, I check the time and realize I need to get going so I’m not late. I ring up those who are ready, then grab my purse.
“If you need any help, please text me,” I tell Dana, and she gives me a small wave.
