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CHAPTER 1
LAURA
The town is busy, busier than normal, and I’m currently pushing my way through an ocean of bodies in The Brew House. The aroma of coffee and warm pastries hits me, and I take a deep breath to savor the moment. I much prefer places like this to bars and clubs. There’s a coziness here that speaks to my soul.
I’ve never been into late nights out, resulting in drunken stupors. I prefer warm, cozy evenings in front of a movie with a warm cookie and a mug of coffee by my side. My friends say I’m boring. They are probably right.
It was the same at school. I was the geek. The student most likely to succeed, or the one expected to wind up married at twenty-one, living a suburban life. Both suit me just fine because I like everything orderly and its place, the way life is supposed to be.
“Laura, over here.”
Gemma waves at me from across the crowded coffee shop. She is tucked in a booth near the back, one of only a few who are shielded from view, and I head over with a broad smile on my face because I have news.
“Where’s Brittany?” I say, glancing around as if she will materialize out of thin air from Potter’s invisibility cloak.
“She messaged to say she’s on her way. Late as usual.”
Gemma rolls her eyes and points to the latte she has already purchased on my behalf.
“It should still be hot enough. It’s crazy in here today, so I thought I’d get the orders in advance.”
“Good thinking.” I settle in the booth and stretch out my feet, loving how warm and cozy it is in the cool January air. It’s a new year that brings hope and new beginnings and I am a walking advertisement for that.
“Sorry guys, the subway was a bitch today.”
“When isn’t it?” Gemma shakes her head as Brittany slides in beside her, seizing the double shot cappuccino that she appears addicted to.
“Thanks honey, I’ll ping you the money.”
“No need, you can get the next ones.”
They gaze at me expectantly as I shift on my seat and Brittany grins.
“Okay, Laura, what’s the big news? Please say you’ve got yourself a man at last, but not Oscar Callahan. That dude is bad news.”
I hate that my heart leaps at the mention of the guy my heart can’t un-attach itself from. My high school crush who decided to give me a chance one night at a frat party. I was in love, he was in lust, and it didn’t end well for me.
“It’s not him.” I shake my head, hating the pity on their faces.
“No, it’s way more exciting than that.”
“You got laid at last,” Gemma says hopefully, and this time I roll my eyes.
“I wish you would get over this obsession with my sex life. I’m happy being single and preparing for my future as a cat lady.”
“Then tell us already, because I’m bursting over here.”
Brittany leans forward, her eyes alight with interest.
I take a deep breath and say with pride. “I’ve got a job.”
They stare at me in amazement.
“A job?” Gemma sounds slightly disappointed about that.
“Is that it? A freaking job. I’ve got two, and it’s hardly breaking news.”
“Yes, but it’s not just a job, it’sthejob.”
