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“Yeah. Something like that.”
“I love you, Amanda.”
“I love you too.” There was a slight pause. “Should I assume you’re busy at Christmas?”
“I hadn’t even thought about it yet.”
It was less than three weeks away – it should’ve been more on my mind than it was, but with Carter, the house viewings, and reading the details on the leasing of the building next to Stanley’s place, there was just so much to think about.
“Tell you what, to make this easy, let’s do a Boxing Day get-together. Rather than fight the crowds for deals on things I probably don’t need, why don’t Silas and I drive there, and we’ll have lunch. I’ll meet your guy, you meet mine.”
“Sounds like the perfect plan.”
“Or maybe I should show up earlier than that. I’m really borderline concerned.”
“I’m fine. Better than fine. You’ll see.”
Now to make it a self-fulling prophecy.
Chapter Seventeen
At my motel on the fateful Wednesday evening, Carter lowered himself into Casper and we started heading toward his sister’s. Frantically, he patted his pockets. “Oh, beans. I forgot something at the Coffee Loft. It’s on my desk. Do you mind?”
I took the next turn back toward the coffee shop, where I found a vacant spot nearer to his place.
“Can you give me a couple minutes? I’ll be right back.”
“Sure thing.”
“Thanks.” He placed a quick kiss upon my cheek before exiting the car.
“Wait, I’ll come with you.”
Hand in hand we walked down the street and I paused at the base of the stairs, my gaze focused on a couple heading in our direction.
“Everything okay?” Carter asked as he tugged my hand.
“Amanda?” I called out, releasing my grip and running to meet my best friend with a giant hug. “What are you doing here?”
She shrugged. “I couldn’t wait until Boxing Day. I wanted to surprise you.”
“I’m so surprised. So pleasantly surprised.” My gaze meandered over to the gentleman beside her. “You must be Silas?”
The tall blond, who was totally not Amanda’s typical type, extended his hand. “Cara, an absolute pleasure to meet you in person. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Oh gosh. All good I hope.” I raised a curious eyebrow at my friend.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “Don’t worry, she’s never mentioned your quarter-life crisis.”
“Thanks a lot.” I playfully smacked Amanda as I laughed, stepping back into the hard wall of my boyfriend. “I’m so sorry. Carter, this is—”
“Amanda and Silas.”
Amanda beamed. “You’re the coffee guy. Cara’s first love. It’s an absolute pleasure.”
I should’ve been embarrassed, but it wasn’t happening. Instead, pressing into Carter a little more, I asked, “Why didn’t you call me and tell me you were coming?”
“Part of the surprise. I went to the motel room but there was no answer. Searching out, I found that flower shop, but the old man there said you were finished for the day and suggested I try the Coffee Loft. So here I am. I took a small tour of this town and I’m impressed. I can certainly see the appeal.”
