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“Can we get our drinks first?” I ask her, needing copious amounts of liquor to handle a run-in with the infamous Harrison Riggs.
We head toward the bar, and I peek over my shoulder once more to steal a glance at Harrison. He’s staring at me, and the way he looks at me so intently, like he’s studying my every move, makes chills skate over my skin. He finally turns away when someone he’s with grabs his attention.
My god. It appears the whole town is gathered around him. Like groupies flocking to a metal band that’s just finished their set. I roll my eyes. I see a few groupies now, headed his way.
Fawna and Lindy Lockhart step closer to Harrison and hug him, both of them trying their best to smother him with their big fake boobs.
I can’t turn away.
“Earth to Feb. What do you want to drink?” Lennon asks, and I spin around to focus all of my attention on the bartender now leaning over the bar so he can get our order.
“Titos and soda, sorry.”
The bartender pushes off the bar and proceeds to make our drinks.
“He’s quite good-looking, huh?”
I notice my eyes have already sought Harrison out again as we lean against the bar, waiting for our drinks. “Who?” I pretend I wasn’t just staring at the one man I shouldn't even be thinking about.
“Harrison. Paxton is hot too, but in an older brother sort of way.”
“Is he the guy who owns Atta Boy Brewery?”
Lennon nods. “Yep.”
“I think I’ve met him a few times.” However, I can’t stop staring at Harrison. What is wrong with me? Are my eyes broken?
“Let’s go say hi.” Lennon drags me closer to the group of people.
I walk over like an inmate walking down death row. After the incident in the shop, I bolted. I didn’t know what to say to Harrison about why I was behind his counter trying to take his order. I mean, what excuse could possibly warrant that type of behavior?
“Harrison, I haven’t seen you in a long time,” Lennon hugs Harrison, and I smile at Paxton.
“Ah, February. How are you? Heard you were working over at Mug Life the other day,” Paxton says over the music, and I literally want to die right now.
My cheeks burn with embarrassment. “I can explain.”
Now all eyes are on me, including Harrison’s. The Lockhart sisters are even quiet as everyone waits for me to fill them in.
I take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. “I ran into Drake and Stella,” I say, and I can see the look of pity on everyone’s faces.
Paxton looks appalled and places a hand on my shoulder. “Say no more. We’ve all been there.”
“What did Drake say when you saw him?” Lennon asks, stepping closer to me.
I glance at my shoes before returning my attention to my best friend. “He didn’t have to say anything. Stella’s pregnant.”
Lennon nods, wrapping an arm around me. “I know. I’m so sorry.”
I will not get emotional. “I moved to this little townfor him.”
“I’m sorry,” Harrison cuts in. “But who are Drake and Stella? And why does that matter?”
“You can sayherDrake isyourHilary,” Paxton says. “But so much worse.”
Harrison’s eyes land on me and an emotion crosses his features I can’t quite make out. Is it understanding? Who is Hilary? And why do I already hate her? “I’m sorry,” he says, reaching out his hand for me to shake. “I guess this is long overdue. I’m Harrison, and it’s nice to meet you.”
I smile back, feeling vulnerable about admitting my weakness about seeing my ex in his shop. “Nice to meet you.”
