Page 140

Trish grinned. “Cool. I’ll just be sure to also mention how flustered you got the second I brought him up.”

I pointed at her. “Don’t you dare.”

“You love me.”

I huffed, taking a long sip of coffee. “Yeah, I do.”

Trish just smirked, entirely too smug.

I rolled my eyes, deciding to let her have her fun. For now. But deep down, I knew this conversation wasn’t over—especially since the rest of Wippowa had started talking. I know how fast rumors fly in this town.

Trish’s grin only widened as she leaned in closer, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “I’m just saying, Rose,” she teased, “the way you were blushing when I mentioned Wells, I’d say you’re not fooling anyone.”

I narrowed my eyes at her, resisting the urge to throw a balled-up napkin at her face. “I’m not blushing.”

“Oh, you absolutely are,” she shot back, eyes sparkling with mischief. “And it’s adorable. Don’t worry, I’ll keep your little secret safe…for now.”

I groaned and dropped my head into my hands, trying to hide the fact that my face was, indeed, on fire. “I knew we shouldn’t have gone out last night.”

Trish chuckled, her voice softening just a bit. “For what it’s worth, I’ve known Wells since we were kids. I’ve seen how he acts around you at the markets, and let me tell you, he’s never looked at anyone the way he looks at you.”

Her words hung in the air for a moment, and I could feel my heart rate pick up. I opened my mouth to say something but before I could, the bell above the door chimed.

Trish stood up straight, slipping into her barista persona like a switch had been flipped. She shot me one last look as she made her way to the counter, still grinning like a cat who’d just eaten the canary. “But hey, if you change your mind about Wells, I’ll be your biggest fan.”

I watched her walk away, shaking my head, both amused and anxious. Wippowa had officially gone full small-town gossip mill, and here I was, right in the middle of it.

As Trish started taking orders, I could already feel the weight of the town’s collective eyes on me. Every passing customer felt like they were waiting for the next chapter of this unfolding drama. And, knowing me, I’d end up giving them exactly what they wanted.

I took another sip of my coffee, the bitter taste grounding me as I tried to ignore the fluttering in my stomach. drained the last of my coffee and gave Trish a quick wave.

“See you soon,” I called, hoping my voice sounded casual.

She gave me a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling with too much curiosity. “Take care, Rose. And remember, I’m rooting for you.”

I stepped out of the Coastal Cup, the late morning sun shining down and making everything feel a little too alive.

As I walked back to Blythe and Charlie’s house, I couldn’t help but replay everything that had happened last night. It wasn’t just the drunken chaos—it was Wells. The way he’d been there, looking after me without hesitation, pulling me into his warmth like it was the most natural thing in the world. I hadn’t imagined that, right?

I shook my head, trying to shake off the warmth in my chest, the heat still lingering from his touch.

By the time I got back to the house, the nerves in my stomach had settled enough to at least appear somewhat composed. Blythe was sitting in the living room, scrolling through her phone. Her head snapped up when she saw me enter.

“Hey, look who’s back.” She tossed her phone aside and stood up. “How was coffee?”

“Good. Trish was… Trish.” I gave her a small smile as I walked further inside. “I should’ve known she’d be all over it.”

Blythe arched an eyebrow. “All over what?”

I let out a sigh, sitting on the couch. I glanced around the corner to be sure Wells wasn’t in earshot. “All over me and Wells. The whole town’s got a front-row seat to whatever mess I’ve gotten myself into.”

Her grin was teasing but warm. “Ah, small-town life. Can’t hide from it. You’ll get used to it.”

I buried my face in my hands. “I hope not.”

She laughed, sitting down next to me. “So, what now?”

“What now?” I repeated, glancing at her with a rueful smile. “I guess I’m going to try to pretend like I didn’t just get caught in a giant rumor mill.”