AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Dakota looks at me. “Come on, Sarah.”
After the job offer is made official and sealed with a handshake, I go to leave when Dakota speaks.
“Coffee?”
I want to say no, but it also really wasn’t a question. “Sure.”
Dakota sets about attempting to get the Italian espresso maker to work.
I roll my eyes and give her a gentle shove out of the way.
“I had it.”
“Uh huh.” I smile. “You’re basically Wonder Woman and you’re my boss, but we’re best friends and I know your weaknesses.”
“Does that make you Lex Luthor?”
“He was Superman’s nemesis. Stick to drip or the basic pod machine, I’ll do this.”
I make the coffees and hand one to her, and we go out onto the front porch, where the day is fair and bright and maybe the perfect temperature people dream of. Probably around seventy.
Staring at the view, I wait for whatever she wants to say. Dakota takes her own time. She can be a spitfire, but she’s also the most down-to-earth person I know.
Pity the man she’s in love with is close friends with Leland.
And I groan inwardly.
Leland. That’s who she wants to talk about. I know it. It’s heavy in the air, stinging with its waiting.
“Jonah’s going to be a good fit,” she says, leaning against the railing.
I nod. “Cute too.”
Her eyes narrow.
“I’m kidding. I don’t shit where I eat. C’mon.”
But her eyes remain narrowed. “I know. I’m just trying to figure out what’s up with you and Leland.”
“Why, what did he say?”
“Nothing. He came about that fucking Alpine Energy. Wanted to see the letter I got.”
“Oh.”
“So . . . nothing you want to say? Did he do something?”
“No.” Which is the problem. “I’m. . . I’m not a fan. I don’t like his type.”
“And what’s that?”
“A player.” My back stiffens, and I pack the shame of my youth down tight. Back then, we didn’t know each other well, but she’d been good to me and still is. The truth is I love being here, and I don’t want her in the middle of my beef with the guy.
“Sarah, I know you haven’t dated in a while, but—”
“I’m not starting with him.” I interrupt. “Now, I have to get that paperwork finished and then get onto the next thing on my to-do list.”
She sighs. It’s the sound of a woman who’s not giving up, just letting me go for now. “Okay.”
