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Everything is falling into place. Now, if I can get Robbie to fall in love with me, everything will be perfect.
ROBBIE
Carly stood me up. I held out hope until nearly nine p.m. that she would show up. Ten minutes late is one thing. Hell, I can even excuse a half hour. But two hours?
“She stood you up?” Wade asks.
“I knew I shouldn’t have told you.”
“Everyone makes mistakes,” he jokes.
“You guys need anything else?” Phoebe asks, taking our empty glasses.
“That girl I was with last night, do you know her?”
“Um…yeah, that’s Carly Allen. She just bought the old hotel. Supposed to re-open it soon as Harbor Haus. It needs some work, though.”
“Allen? Any relation to Candy Allen?” Wade asks, arching an eyebrow at me.
“That’s her sister.”
To say my heart sinks would be an understatement. Candy doesn’t have the best reputation in Coree Harbor and we have history. I never would’ve guessed they were sisters. Didn’t even know Candy had a sister.
“She’s nothing like her,” I defend, despite telling myself I need to stay away from her. It’s going to get complicated, that’s for sure. My life will be easier if I don’t speak to her again.
But that’s not what I want. Not even close.
“Carly seems to have her head on straight from what I can tell. Can’t say the same about Candy, unfortunately,” Phoebe agrees.
“Thanks, Phoebe,” I say, tossing my money onto the table.
“Where the hell are you going?” Wade asks, and I grin. “Don’t do it, Robbie. You’re going to regret it.”
No, I’m going to regret it if I don’t.
CARLY
Ibox up some more items to donate to our local thrift store, keeping a few things Odette mentioned we could use as nostalgic decor. Taping the top closed, I pick up the box, ready to load it into the back of my SUV.
“I guess you weren’t in the mood for wings tonight.”
The voice startles me so much I drop the box…right onto my damn foot.
“Shit!” I yell.
“Jesus, are you okay? I didn’t mean to scare you. Fuck, I’m sorry,” Robbie apologizes, lifting me into his arms. He carries me over to the sofa and gently sits me down.
I look over at him and he stares back, concern etched on his handsome face. I’m unable to hold back the laughter that bubbles to the surface. He laughs too, then leans in, his mouth only inches away from mine. My laughter dies off, and before he can kiss me, I stand up, showing him I’m perfectly fine.
“I actually would’ve loved wings tonight. Time got away from me.”
That’s not true. I checked the time often enough to know exactly when I should’ve left but I can’t make this easy for him. He needs to chase me. Want me more than anyone he’s ever wanted. Only, he’ll never catch me.
“Good thing I brought a backup plan.” He walks over to the front counter. I hadn’t noticed he brought a bag and a six-pack of beer.
“How resourceful,” I comment, grabbing a couple stools for us. “If not wings then what?”
“Pie from Mary’s Cafe.”
