Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“Yep. I have a few boxes in my trunk.” She dangled the keys between us, and like a dutiful daughter, I took them and retrieved the boxes. “Everyone donated a few things, and most of it is perfect for Thanksgiving.”
That was a relief. For a few years before Mom remarried, when my dad left us without a look back, holidays were tight. Without this place, we would’ve had sad holidays with bologna sandwiches and boxed mashed potatoes.
“Here, let me help.” Jane Moon showed up out of nowhere to take one of the boxes from me. “You’re doing this on your own?”
I nodded. “The other volunteer didn’t show, and Edith brought more food. What are you doing here?” Jane was yet another do-gooder in town, but she wasn’t on the schedule today.
“Oh, I figured I’d come to see if you needed a hand.” Her tone was a little too breezy, and that put me on edge.
“I won’t turn down the help,” I laughed. “If I see another can of cranberry sauce or turkey in a can, I might scream.” I didn’t mind helping. It was fulfilling to pass on the good fortune this place gave me when I was a young, needy kid, but turkey in a can was and always would be wrong.
Jane set her box down with a grunt and turned a smile my way. “So,” she began, stretching the word into four syllables, “rumor has it that you had coffee with a rich bachelor.”
I looked up and found both women staring at me with interested expressions. Too interested, I realized, and that’s when I knew I’d been duped. They weren’t here for volunteer duty. They were here for gossip. “Rumor? What a boring thing to gossip about.”
Edith groaned and rolled her eyes. “Not the coffee and pastries, but the handsome bachelor,” she said, each word slow as if I were an idiot.
“Rich bachelor,” Jane added with a grin. “Two things a hot single woman like you might find interesting.”
I sighed heavily, knowing I wasn’t getting out of this conversation unless I faked a heart attack or a brain injury. “His name is Brock, and he’s a friend of Lee’s. I met him at the fountain, and he seems like a nice man.”
“The fountain?” Edith latched onto that detail. “Were you wishing for true love?”
“No. Nope. Absolutely not. I’m done with love.” It was more accurate to say that love was done with me. My last relationship was a lesson I refused to repeat.
Edith and Jane shared a look and then turned to me. “Tell me more about this Brock. Is he handsome?”
I nodded. “Incredibly good-looking,” I said and gave a description that didn’t give away my attraction. “He was well-dressed and a gentleman.” And that was all I was prepared to say about Brock.
Jane sighed and put a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t let your ex get you down, Sela. He never deserved you. He was too slick and only saw you as a pretty thing on his arm. You’re more than that.”
“Thank you, Jane.” I wasn’t sure I believed those words, but I was glad someone thought so. The truth was, Adam had a good job with plenty of room to grow, which was why he needed to leave Holiday Grove. He’d gotten a job offer and left me behind, even though he’d say I refused to go with him. But how could I pick up my whole life and move for a man I dated for seven months? I couldn’t. “I think maybe I’m just better off alone.”
“Nonsense,” Edith shouted. “God wouldn’t have made you such a knockout if He didn’t want you to find all the love you deserve in this world.”
“Maybe that’s the problem,” I grumbled. “Men like Adam just want a decorative ornament, not a real person with wants and needs, hopes, and dreams.” Maybe I was only good for being someone’s ornament, which was depressing but a thought I tucked away to explore later when I was alone.
“The right man will see all that you are,” Edith promised. “Now get on out of here and enjoy being young before your shift starts. I hear Antonio has another signature drink tonight, and I can’t wait to see him make it. I mean, I can’t wait to taste it,” she corrected with a coquettish giggle.
“You’re bad,” I teased lightheartedly.
“No point in living to this age if you’re not gonna enjoy it, honey.”
“I can’t wait,” I said, and I really meant it. I was tired of always doubting myself, always wanting to be something else. Something more. “Anyway, I think I’ll take you up on that offer and head home.” There was just enough time for a quick nap before I got ready for my shift.
I absolutely did not dream about Brock during my short nap. I did not imagine the way his full lips would taste if I let him kiss me or, better yet, if I initiated a kiss with him. I did not think about running my hands over his shoulders and down his back to what I imagined was a firm ass, perfect for grabbing as he thrust into me.