Page 12 of Hate It with You

Leo’s words filter through my mind again as I pick out the perfect outfit for seeing Beth today, meticulously putting the clothing together for my most flattering look.

You can be yourself.

I shake his words from my mind with a chuckle. Being myself hasn't worked out for me in the past, and I don’t plan to drop my mask anytime soon.

5

ALEX

The sky has taken on an orange-and-purple hue as the sun sets behind the buildings. My eyes are stuck on the large sign hanging above Beth’s bookstore. “Rosethorne Books.” Just like her last name, Rose.

Of course she never told me her last name. The only reason I know is because of the lease agreement.

I take a deep breath as I stand in the parking lot, the events of tonight looming over me. It’s been four months since she was given the keys, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting this moment from the day I heard her move in. I’ve run through every possible scenario in my head, and I still don’t feel prepared to see her.

Looking onward into the bookstore windows, I can see that it’s already booming with people. As if the full parking lot wasn’t enough evidence that her opening day has been a success. Theo’s blue Mustang sits parked right in front of the bookstore entrance. I’m sure he and Sienna arrived early to support Beth.

I would’ve shown up sooner, though I have a feeling Beth wouldn’t be as excited to see me as she was to see them.

Twirling the bouquet of pink-and-white lilies I hold in my hand, I watch as people peruse the bookshelves. The faded green exterior of the center building perfectly frames the warm interior design choices Beth has made. The walnut bookshelves and carefully placed lamps paint the bookstore in a comforting warm glow.

A trio of women stands at the counter, blocking whoever is behind it. It isn’t until they say their goodbyes and head out the front door that I’m able to catch a glimpse of her.

Beth stands behind the counter, wavy hair pulled half back, a few shorter pieces falling to frame her face. Dressed in jeans and a casual book-themed shirt, she looks as though she’s made to be here. Her glow overshadows that of the sunset as she beams her wide smile at customers as they pass by.

She’s breathtaking.

I’m allowing myself a few moments to watch her, appreciating her beauty as she excitedly interacts with customers, when a man about as tall as me approaches her behind the counter. He whispers something in her ear, and it isn’t until she lightly touches his arm that my feet take their first step toward the front door.

I’m not sure if it’s the same guy who called me, but I don’t care. I’d like to find out who this asshole is.

Once I’m at the door, I’m sure to hold it open, allowing a young couple to exit through the door before I make my entrance. As the door closes behind me, the bells hanging off the handle chime and my eyes are pulled in the direction of the front counter.

Beth and I lock eyes immediately. I’m sure to keep eye contact as I watch her expression twist in all directions, her emotions running rampant on her face. Her eyes expand wide before her nose scrunches and her eyes narrow in on me as her lips form a straight line.

She definitely wasn’t expecting me.

I’m not surprised by her reaction until I smirk at her. A darkness takes over her expression, a white fire lighting in her blue eyes, similar to the one I saw when we first met. When her lips part, I know she feels every current of electricity flowing through us that I do.

“You actually showed up.” Theo’s familiar voice grabs my attention from my left. Before I have a chance to move on my own, he yanks me into a corner of the bookstore just to the side of the front door.

“Does she know yet?” he asks me, in a hushed tone.

“No, but I’m telling her today.” I shrug my shoulder, as though my plan isn’t as big of a hindrance on her opening day as it really is.

“Today?” Theo’s eyes widen when he asks me the question.

“Yes, today. Don’t worry, I’ll wait until it dies down some, but I had no choice. I guess she needs a few things fixed around here.”

“You need a few things fixed around here,” Theo says, motioning to the top of my head. I swat his hand away.

“You’re in on this as much as I am. You could’ve tried harder to tell her,” I say.

“Yeah, and you could’ve actually fucking told her,” he whispers loudly. Theo looks like he’s about to say something else when Sienna approaches us.

“What are you two talking about? Looks intense,” she says, eyeing us both before interlocking her arm into Theo’s.

“Nothing,” we both say in unison.