Page 76

We started this whole thing to avoid this kind of publicity, and it was blowing up in our faces.When I parked at Rowan's, I pulled out my phone and texted him.

Hattie: We need to talk.That reporter talked to my mom.She told her about our relationship.

I hoped that Rowan would see the message before he saw the reporter or the story hit social media.When Rowan was busy, he didn't bother looking at his text messages.

I rushed inside and got dressed.I wore a sweater dress with tights and wedge boots, wanting to look nice and be comfortable.I blew out my hair so that it was shiny.

I always felt taller in heels and the green color of my dress made my eyes stand out.My phone buzzed, and I grabbed it, hoping it was Rowan.

Jovie: I'm here.

I let out a breath.

Hattie: Be right there.

I carried my things downstairs.I was going to leave them by the front door, but I should probably put them in the truck, just in case it was awkward to come back after I talked to Rowan.It would be easier to have a clean break.To go back to my apartment tonight.

I walked the worn path to the brewery, finding Jovie waiting in her car.When she saw me, she got out."Hey.You haven't seen Malcolm, have you?"

"No."But then again, I was worried about other things."That reporter from the Illuminary showed up after you left."

Her eyebrows rose."Jane?What did she want?"

I lowered my voice."She went to my mom's house and talked to her."

Her forehead wrinkled."Why would she talk to your mom?"

I looked around to see if anyone was near us, and then I said, "I'm assuming it was to verify if our engagement story was real."

"Your mom doesn't know anything, does she?"

"I told her the truth the last time I was at her house.She was doing better, but I didn't want her to get her hopes up about Rowan and me."

"Ugh."

"She told Jane that it was fake the entire time.Now she thinks she has a story."

"Well, I guess she does.What are you going to do?"

I sighed."Talk to Rowan.Warn him, I guess.Hope it doesn't ruin the opening."

"Let's go find him then," Jovie said, hooking her arm through mine.

This was supposed to be Rowan's big day, but I ruined everything with my big mouth.

23

Rowan

Tonight was the night I was going to tell Hattie how I felt about her.The red heart charm was in a small box in my pocket, and I was considering how I could get her alone.

The brewery was filling with people, and I was greeting everyone as they came inside.

The door opened, and Hattie and Jovie walked in.

I took a step toward them when Boone stopped me."You have to see this."

"What is it?"I asked, annoyed that he'd interrupted me.