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It’s difficult to justify the reservations I’ve had when he’s been so good to me. I appreciate his ability to show he cares through actions and expects nothing in return.
When I finally got around to opening my fridge this weekend, I found a stack of precooked meals with a yellow sticky on the top container.
Morning, sunshine,
I hope you’re feeling better. These are for you.
P.S. They take less time to heat up than a corn dog.
-Dylan
I reluctantly tried the vegetable lasagna, and he wasn’t exaggerating; it was delicious. But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to give up my precious frozen corn dogs quite yet.
Yesterday, I spent time locked in my studio, finishing another painting. My art exhibition is coming up soon, and I’m determined to prove to Gavin and myself that despite my poor procrastination habits and short attention span, I can finish this collection on time, even if it seems impossible.
“Look who finally showed up,” Quinn says, giving me a teasing smirk as I approach our table.
“I’m only five minutes late,” I say, leaning across the table to hug her.
“You look gorgeous. I’m obsessed with that jumper.” She gestures to my outfit.
After being cooped up inside the last couple of days, I was excited to wear something other than yoga pants or sleep shorts. My corduroy jumper was a recent find at the local thrift store, and I paired it with a peach long-sleeve shirt and navy-blue tights.
“You look darling,” Andi chimes in.
“Hey, stranger.” I slide into her side of the booth and give her a hug. “Long time no see.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she acknowledges. “I’ve already gotten an earful from this one.” She motions to Quinn. “Work has been busier than usual, and Charlie has a never-ending list of extracurriculars, so it’s impossible to keep up.”
Andi is a partner at the law firm in town and a badass aunt. When her sister passed away four years ago, she traded in her corporate job in New York City for family law in Aspen Grove to raise her nephew and hispet chickens. We became fast friends when Quinn introduced us. I’m a big fan of her willingness to speak her mind and her no-nonsense attitude.
“The important thing is we’re all here now, which means Marlow can give us the scoop.” Quinn fixes her focus on me.
“I can’t do anything until I’ve had my coffee,” I complain.
I’ve been to coffee shops all over the world and Brew Haven is one of my favorites. I may or may not be addicted, but I make no apologies.
“Here you go.” Quinn beams, sliding a cup toward me. “It’s a cappuccino with three pumps of coconut creamer, just the way you like it. I also ordered you avocado toast with eggs and a side of bacon, which will be out shortly.”
“Bless you,” I say, lifting the warm cup and savoring my first sip.
“Don’t be fooled,” Andi warns me. “It wasn’t for your benefit. She figured that buying you brunch would butter you up, and cut down on the time she’d have to wait before she could interrogate you.”
I take another sip of my coffee, waiting for Quinn’s patience to wear out. It doesn’t take long.
“For heaven’s sake, Marlow, don’t leave us hanging.” She’s practically on the edge of her seat. “While I was at the airport last night, Martha called me from the shop. She said there’s a rumor going around that Dylan Stafford spent the day at your house on Friday. Is that true?”
I roll my eyes. “What is it with the people in this town? Don’t they have anything better to do than gossip?”
“Not when the Stafford family is involved,” Andi interjects. “Even I know that.”
“Enough chitchat,” Quinn says, leaning forward. “Tell us what happened.”
Before I can say anything, Kelsey, one of the baristas, brings over our food, eliciting a glare from Quinn.
“Here you are, ladies.” I practically salivate when she places my plate in front of me.
“Thanks, Kelsey. This looks amazing.”
