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Pulling off my eye mask—darn the streetlights right outside my window—I stretch everything that can be stretched. After my fingers, toes and spine have reached optimal alignment, I throw the covers off and jump out of bed. Grabbing my phone, I trot downstairs to put on a pot of coffee. While I wait for it to brew, I check my messages. The only one is from Missy.
Bestie: Brunch is just you and me this morning. Jamie woke Sammy up every three hours during the night to make sure she was doing okay with her concussion. The two of them are exhausted and are going to stay home. See you at noon!
Having spent my last two nights at the country club, you’d think I’d be sick to death of it. But luckily, we’ll be eating in thePremier Club dining room, instead of the ballroom or Conference Room A, and I’d walk over hot coals for their cinnamon roll pancakes.
I take a mug of coffee back upstairs where I hurry to get dressed—wool pants and a fuzzy, red cowl-neck sweater. Instead of bothering with a full face of makeup, I simply swipe on some lipstick before running a brush through my hair. Then I head back downstairs, grab my parka, and I’m on my way.
We got more snow last night, so even though I’m super excited to spend some time with my friend, I drive slowly. Missy and I don’t see each other very often now that Jamie is in the picture. And as much as I like him, I miss my girl time. It used to be Missy and me against the world, but now it’s just me and that makes me sad.
While I try to be upbeat and happy around her, the truth is, the green-eyed monster has taken over and it’s not very pretty.
After pulling into the parking lot, I snag a recently vacated spot near the front. Then I practically sprint through the snow to get inside. A waft of cinnamon hits me as soon as I walk through the front door, and I have to work hard to suppress the drool that starts to pool in my mouth.Classy, I know.
Missy is standing in the corridor outside the dining room, and she jumps up when she sees me. “Good morning!”
I wrap my arms around her and hug her tightly. “It’s technically afternoon.” I release her while adding, “I’ve missed you!”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
I step back until I’m at arm’s length. “Liar. You love spending time with Jamie.” As an afterthought, I force myself to say, “And I’m happy for you.”
She leads the way into the dining room. “I do love my life, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss our time together.”
The hostess smiles when she sees us. “Just the two of you today?” She’s used to seeing our party of four.
Missy nods. “Just us.”
We’re seated at the same table that Tim and I sat at twice. Atthis point, I’m thinking they should just engrave a plaque and make it my personal spot. Speak of the devil, as soon as we sit down, I make eye contact with Tim. He and Chip are sitting a few tables away. I mumble to Missy, “Incoming. You’re about to meet Chip.”
Missy practically gives herself whiplash spinning around to catch a glimpse of my nemesis. She spots Tim and waves but doesn’t have time to comment on Chip before they’re upon us.
“Good morning, ladies,” Tim says while tipping his head in a conciliatory manner. Call me old-fashioned, but I find good manners to be darn sexy.
“Tim,” Missy says enthusiastically while standing up to give him a hug. Then she turns to Chip. “And you must be Chip Baker.”
Chip smiles easily. “I am.”
“I’m Melissa Corner. I’m Paige’s best friend.”
His smile fades ever so slightly. “Ah, so I’m guessing you’ve heard about me.”
Missy appears to be torn between the easy path—saying she doesn’t know who Chip is, and the truth—I’ve told her he’s an evil toad bent on world destruction. She finally settles on, “You look a lot like our old piano teacher.”
“So I’ve heard.” Then he teases, “He must have beat you guys with ping pong paddles when you played the wrong note.”
Missy and I both scowl. “He used to slam his hands down on the keys and make us start over,” I volunteer. “Even though we knew it was coming, it was always startling.”
Tim changes the subject. “Do you mind if we join you?”
I want to say no but Missy beams at him. “Please do.”
Once they’re settled, the waitress comes over and takes Missy’s and my order. Then she looks at Tim. “Did you want to order anything else?”
“Just a cup of coffee.” Chip gets the same.
“So …” Missy rubs her hands together. “Tell me aboutMidwestern Matchmaker.”
“It’s interesting,” Tim answers. “Not at all what I thought it would be like.” Before she can ask why that is, he volunteers, “It’s hard to act natural while cameras are watching everything that you do.”
