AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My phone dings.
I grab it from the towel on the floor, and it’s a text from a number I don’t know. “Hey, this is Lily, the chef from the clambake. I got your number from Beau. Thought we could get some coffee, say, around noon?”
Oh my god, yes. That’s what I need. A nice, neutral time with a fun girl who could be a friend. We set up the coffee date, and I get out to begin the hair drying process. Once I’m dry, it’s time for me to dress and leave, so I race out the door as soon as I’m ready.
When I pull up to the café she directed me to, the place makes me smile. It’s called Bean-Go, and while I don’t go in for pun names, this one works because the whole place is adorable. A bell on the doorframe rings as I open the door.
Potted plants dot every surface. There are thrift store couches and old bookshelves that could use a coat of paint. I assume patrons donated the books—there’s a sign that reads, “Take one, leave one,” over the bookshelves. To the left is a tiny three seat bar and to the right are some couches and Lily.
We order our espresso drinks and sit on a far couch with them so we can people watch. Lily says, “I was hoping you’d be up for plans on short notice. Thanks. I needed to get out of the house.”
“You and Cormac live together, right?”
She nods. “He’s at work all day, the kids are in school, and I am bored. Still waiting on some swatches for my restaurant, so I have nothing but time on my hands, and I am going a little nuts.”
“Well, I am happy to entertain you.”
She laughs. “Thanks. How are things going?”
Do not tell her about hooking up with Beau. It was a mistake, and no one needs to know. I smile, so she can’t guess what’s actually on my mind. “Good, thanks. I am curious about the MacMillan family, and since none of them are around, what can you tell me?”
“Oh, a lot,” she says with a laugh. “Let’s see, uh, Cormac is the oldest. And the dreamiest.”
I giggle. “He is a catch. You did good.”
“Yeah.” Her eyes go to a happy place for a brief second before she comes back down to Earth. “He has two kids, Franny and Aiden. Then there are Beau, Beckett, and Maya. I have yet to meet her. Oh, and Everett, but no one ever talks about him.”
“Any idea why?”
She shakes her head. “Any mention of Everett shuts everyone up quick. It’s weird. Most of the time, the MacMillans are open books. I haven’t met their cousins, but outside of Everett, everyone is tight knit.”
Must be nice. “And what about you?”
“Just my parents and me. Tiny family. You?”
“I’m on my own.”
She nods without prying, and I appreciate that. “What’s it like to work with Beau? He’s always so intense.”
I laugh. “Um, yes. He is.”
“Giving you trouble?”
“He can try. But he’ll fail.”
She grins. “I knew I’d like you.”
“Same here. So you and Cormac…you said it’s just been a few months, but you’re already living with him. I don’t mean to sound judgmental, but where I’m from, that’s fast.”
“It is, definitely. But when you know, you know.”
Which is how I know things with Beau need to cool off. There is no chance things should keep going the way they did yesterday. “I’ve heard that. Mostly from people in happy relationships.”
“What can I say? He makes me smile. All the time. We’ve had some ups and downs, but Cormac is my person.” She says it with such confidence that I am both jealous and nauseous.
“That’s awesome, Lily. I’m happy for you.” It’s odd. The café, though adorable, is quiet. We’re the only people inside, and there are just a few outside. It’s nice though. Makes it feel like we’re sitting in someone’s living room instead of a café.
“What about you, Elsie? Anyone special in your life?”
