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February snaps her head so fast I wouldn’t be surprised if she got whiplash. It takes me a little longer to pull my gaze from her, but I do, lifting my eyes to Bren.
“Harrison, I’m sorry, but we had to pick February. Her seahorse was just too unique and adorable.”
“Yes,” February shouts, pumping her fist in the air.
I grin because she might feel like she won, but I’m not a loser here. I get to make dinner at my place for this gorgeous woman that I can’t get out of my mind.
She turns to me, smiling widely as she packs up her things to leave. “I like filet mignon with roasted potatoes and glazed baby carrots.”
I laugh as she walks out with a bit of a pep in her step. I keep my eyes on her ass until the door closes behind her.
This is the best loss I’ve ever experienced.
Chapter 9
February
Itake the long way to get to my shop. Sure, I should just rush here and face the damage head on, but I’m still a little high from my win.
I feel lighter as I step along the sidewalk of Main Street.
“Hello, February,” Mrs. Tisdale says, and I smile.
“Hi. Love the new dress,” I say, commenting on the long pink dress she’s wearing.
“Valentine’s day is coming, and I just had to dress the part.” She raises a brow. “Have anyone special this year, darling?” She steps closer, raising her hand to her lip like she’s about to tell me a secret. “Heard you’ve been spending time with Harrison Riggs over at Mug Life. He’s a nice fellow.”
I try to hide my grin. “He’s helping me with my shop.” She doesn’t need to know the specifics.
She places her hand on my arm. “So sad what happened to his father. And to think he lost his mother so long ago. He’s all alone in this world now.”
My heart clenches in my chest. I can’t imagine what he’s going through.
After saying goodbye, I walk away, her words floating in circles around my mind. I can’t imagine being all alone in this world. I’ve got a huge family, and I wrap my arms around my midsection, missing them. I pull out my phone and bring up January’s contact.
“Hey, sis,” she says when my Facetime connects.
“Hey.”
“What’s wrong?” She can always tell with just one look that something isn’t quite right.
I go into detail about the shop and everything going on with it. “I don’t know when I’ll be able to reopen,” I finish the story.
“Damn, Feb. I’m so sorry.” She smiles. “Maybe Mom and Dad can come down to help?”
I sigh. “Thanks. I’ve got the workers. It’s just wondering if insurance will cover it all. I don’t know.”
“I get it. I wish I could be there for you.” January’s voice is laced with concern, and I know if she could, she’d drop everything and fly into town.
“No, you all have your big game launch. Don’t worry about me.” January’s boyfriend and boss, Nicholas Luge, is one of thebiggest game developers in the industry, and they’re launching a new video game this week. I know things are crazy busy for the two of them.
“I am worried about you…” She pauses, and I can tell there’s something else.
“What?” I ask her.
She sucks in a deep breath. “I didn’t want to have to be the one to tell you this, but I saw on social media that Drake and Stella had their baby.”
A pit forms in my stomach. “Well, we knew this day would come.” I feel like I might vomit.
