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“I should be back before then. If not, she’ll be good by herself. Won’t you, Pepperoni?”
“Bark.”
I stand up. “Okay. We’re going to head home. I have to do laundry and mow the yard. All these afternoon rain showers are making the grass grow twice as fast as normal. I love Florida, but I’d be okay with just a few days without rain. I’m constantly mowing on my days off.”
“You should get a guy. I’ve got a guy. I can’t remember the last time I mowed my yard.” She’s smiling because I’m her guy. I mow her yard on the days I’m not mowing mine.
“Funny. You got funnies.”
Laughing, “You two go. Get. I’ve got things to do, too.” She shoos us to the front door.
“Love you, Mom.” I call over my shoulder as both Pepper and I climb into my truck.
“Love you two, too.” I hear her call after us.
“Bark.”
CHAPTER 9
KATE
I all but jumped out of Hudson’s moving truck when he drove us back to my house after breakfast. Sitting there in silence on the way home, I realized I had just spent the night with a complete stranger.
Is it possible he’s a serial killer?
Yes.
Is it possible he is the nicest guy in the world?
Yes, but in my experience, it is highly unlikely.
The serial killer thing is more likely.
Apparently, in my inebriated state, the phrase ‘Stranger Danger’ meant nothing to me. Good to know.
I’m never drinking again.
Once I’m safely back in my house, I throw up everything I just ate and probably everything I’ve eaten in the last two weeks.
I clean up myself by taking another shower and throw on my pajamas. Today is all about not moving off the couch and streaming House Hunters International. It’s the only way I will ever be able to visit these places around the world.
Grabbing my phone, I call Grace. I do not know what happened to her last night. I’m a terrible friend.
“Hello?” a voice on the other line grumbles out.
“Hey. How are you feeling?”
“Like shit. I’m dressed and on my way.” Grace says. “Be there in ten.”
“Okay.”
Grace hangs up, and I call the shop. “Bean and Bagel. This is Chloe. How can I help you?” Chloe answers the phone.
“Hey. It’s me. How is everything?” I ask, so grateful to have Chloe in my life. She’s perky, always happy, and just a joy to be around. My customers love her, and she seems to love her job. Thank god. Good help is impossible to find sometimes, and I got lucky with her.
“Hi there. How was Hooplas last night? Everything here is great. Josh came by and helped me open the store and will be back later to help me close up.”
I ignore her question about Hooplas. “Tell Josh I said thanks. You need to marry that man, Chloe.”
