Page 22 of Not Just Gal Pals

“No, you’re right, I wouldn’t. You’ve got me addicted to your double shot lattes, and I’m now a loyal customer, no matter how annoying you are.” I grinned at her. “Speaking of…”

“One double shot latte coming right up.”

I took a seat near the window and pulled out my laptop to start work. But first, I took my phone from my pocket to look at the photos Jenny sent me from yesterday. For the twelfth time, I zoomed in on Jenny’s face poking out from the horse’s body, a lock of her wavy blond hair tumbling out of the hole and down the horse’s chest. Her cheeks and the tip of her nose were pink, perhaps from the cold or the cider, and she was beaming. I zoomed in closer, the heat in my chest expanding as I remembered how she’d tenderly tugged the beanie onto my head, so close I could feel the warmth of her breath on my face. I’d had to fight the urge to put my hands around her waist and draw her to me. From the moment we’d sat down for donuts, apple fritters, and cider, yesterday afternoon had taken on a magical quality, and I hadn’t wanted it to end.

There was a thud as George placed a double shot latte and her delicious lemon-blueberry cake in front of me, and then took a seat opposite me, a mug of coffee in her hand.

“Thought I might join you for a few minutes since it’s not busy at the moment, if that’s okay?”

“Of course. So, how’s business, anyway?”

The chain coffee shop, Dippin’ Donuts, had opened in Sapphire Springs a few months ago. George had been very concerned it might affect Novel Gossip’s bottom line. From what I could tell, it hadn’t impacted the café at all, but she still got very riled up every time I mentioned the “D” word. I’d made a concerted effort to buy coffee from her every day to support her, which was no hardship on my part, given how good her barista skills were. I took a long sip of my latte and relaxed.

“It’s fine. I’ve noticed a slight drop off in coffee and pastry orders, but it’s not significant. I’m still planning to diversify the business—hold some paint-and-sip nights here, maybe do a few author events, that type of thing—to keep things fresh. I’d love Novel Gossip to become a real community hub, a place that brings people together,” George said earnestly.

I put down my mug and smiled at her. “That sounds great. Although, I think you’re underestimating just how much you’ve already achieved. You’ve got the book club and game nights. And just look around today.” I gestured at the other customers, busy catching up with friends or sitting alone, reading books or typing on their laptops. “Before Novel Gossip opened up, we’d have to drive over to the tea rooms for decent coffee. Having a place we can meet for good food and coffee on Main Street has made a huge difference. And Dippin’ Donuts definitely can’t match your atmosphere, or food or coffee, for that matter.”

George let out a pleased huff. “Well, that’s good to hear.” She took a sip of her coffee. “So, how did it go with the twins yesterday?”

I’d brought the twins in to meet George a few months ago. Despite them almost knocking over her book displays multiple times and dropping a milkshake on the floor, she’d been very taken with them.

“Well, it was...it was interesting. I had some unexpected help in return for my photography skills.” George raised her eyebrows, bemused. I filled her in on yesterday’s events.

When I’d finished, George clapped her hands and did a fake swoon. “What a delightful fall date! Hayrides, corn mazes, hot cider, and donuts. It all sounds so romantic.”

“Did you just listen to anything I said? Small children singing about poop, getting lost in corn mazes, and generally running wild. It was anything but romantic.”

“Well, I heard it on good authority from Amanda that Jenny is single.” George grinned, and my heart jumped. I’d wondered what Jenny’s relationship status was, but I hadn’t wanted to ask Amanda, in case it invited uncomfortable questions.

“Uh-huh. And I don’t see how that’s relevant. As you know, I am very happily single and intend to stay that way.”

George frowned. “Look, Blake. Since there’ve never been any eligible women in town, I haven’t bothered saying this before, but swearing off relationships forever just because of what happened with Grace seems a little drastic. I know it was awful, but it was over three years ago now—”

My chest tightened at Grace’s name. “And it still hurts.” My words came out shorter and snappier than I intended.

Despite it being over three years since Grace, I wasn’t over it. I was over Grace, that was for sure, but I hadn’t recovered from the absolute devastation I’d experienced after it all happened. The depression. The loss of appetite and weight. The obsessive thoughts. All my hopes and dreams destroyed. It was the worst period of my life, and I never wanted to go back there again. The break-ups with Anna and Hanh had been bad enough, but with Grace it had been a whole different level of pain.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought her up,” George said, grimacing.

My face softened. George was just trying to look out for me.

“Look, I like being single. My life is full. Besides, Jenny is only here for a couple of months, so she’s not an option anyway.”

I stirred my coffee, watching the miniature whirlpool my spoon created. I firmly believed that not everyone needed a partner and that society put far too much emphasis on marriage and long-term relationships. But if I was being honest with myself, I wasn’t sure I was one of those people. I had a history of serious long-term relationships for a reason. While my cat Fred was great, I missed the companionship a partner offered. And seeing Jenny again had reminded me of some other things I’d missed as well, desires I hadn’t experienced for a long time. One of the many reasons I’d moved back to Sapphire Springs was the absolute lack of dating options. If there wasn’t anyone to date, then there was no risk of getting my heart broken. But now Jenny was back, reminding me what I was missing out on.

My phone pinged, and I looked down immediately, in case it was Dad telling me a patient had unexpectedly turned up. Jenny’s name popped up, and my heart skipped a beat.

It’s totally fine if you’re not, but I was wondering if you’d be free to meet me tonight at the barn and help make the wedding favor bags?

I was torn. Hanging out with Jenny had significantly more appeal than spending another night working late on the couch with Fred. But at the same time, was it a good idea, given my feelings for her? Maybe not, but the anticipation vibrating through my body at the thought of seeing her was too strong to ignore.

OK.

I watched the three dots blinking on my phone.

Awesome, I can lick you up at 7?

I chuckled. The three dots reappeared.