Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 190(@200wpm)___ 152(@250wpm)___ 127(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 190(@200wpm)___ 152(@250wpm)___ 127(@300wpm)
Fawna and Lindy Lockhart step closer to Harrison and hug him, both of them trying their best to smother him with their big fake boobs.
I can’t turn away.
“Earth to Feb. What do you want to drink?” Lennon asks, and I spin around to focus all of my attention on the bartender now leaning over the bar so he can get our order.
“Titos and soda, sorry.”
The bartender pushes off the bar and proceeds to make our drinks.
“He’s quite good-looking, huh?”
I notice my eyes have already sought Harrison out again as we lean against the bar, waiting for our drinks. “Who?” I pretend I wasn’t just staring at the one man I shouldn't even be thinking about.
“Harrison. Paxton is hot too, but in an older brother sort of way.”
“Is he the guy who owns Atta Boy Brewery?”
Lennon nods. “Yep.”
“I think I’ve met him a few times.” However, I can’t stop staring at Harrison. What is wrong with me? Are my eyes broken?
“Let’s go say hi.” Lennon drags me closer to the group of people.
I walk over like an inmate walking down death row. After the incident in the shop, I bolted. I didn’t know what to say to Harrison about why I was behind his counter trying to take his order. I mean, what excuse could possibly warrant that type of behavior?
“Harrison, I haven’t seen you in a long time,” Lennon hugs Harrison, and I smile at Paxton.
“Ah, February. How are you? Heard you were working over at Mug Life the other day,” Paxton says over the music, and I literally want to die right now.
My cheeks burn with embarrassment. “I can explain.”
Now all eyes are on me, including Harrison’s. The Lockhart sisters are even quiet as everyone waits for me to fill them in.
I take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. “I ran into Drake and Stella,” I say, and I can see the look of pity on everyone’s faces.
Paxton looks appalled and places a hand on my shoulder. “Say no more. We’ve all been there.”
“What did Drake say when you saw him?” Lennon asks, stepping closer to me.
I glance at my shoes before returning my attention to my best friend. “He didn’t have to say anything. Stella’s pregnant.”
Lennon nods, wrapping an arm around me. “I know. I’m so sorry.”
I will not get emotional. “I moved to this little town for him.”
“I’m sorry,” Harrison cuts in. “But who are Drake and Stella? And why does that matter?”
“You can say her Drake is your Hilary,” Paxton says. “But so much worse.”
Harrison’s eyes land on me and an emotion crosses his features I can’t quite make out. Is it understanding? Who is Hilary? And why do I already hate her? “I’m sorry,” he says, reaching out his hand for me to shake. “I guess this is long overdue. I’m Harrison, and it’s nice to meet you.”
I smile back, feeling vulnerable about admitting my weakness about seeing my ex in his shop. “Nice to meet you.”
We stand for what feels like hours, lost in each other’s eyes, but then I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn around to see Petra Daniels, an advice columnist for the Magnolia Gazette.
“I’m glad I found you both here.” Her eyes fix on both of us and her fiery red hair is done up in a tight bun. “I’m thinking of doing something fun…” She doesn’t finish her sentence and I think she’s talking about doing a shot, or dancing on the bar when she continues, “As you know, February is latte month.” She smiles. “So, I wanted to see who has the best latte in Magnolia Point. Sort of like a competition.”
My eyes grow wide and I glance over at Harrison. He’s all smiles at the mention of a competition and I narrow my eyes at him.
“Doesn’t that sound fun?” Petra asks. “Each shop comes up with their own flavored latte, and the winner gets a whole spread in the Magnolia Gazette, and a mention on all our socials.”
“I already know who I’m voting for,” Paxton says.
“No, vote for my girl Feb,” Lennon sings out.
Could a competition help drive business to my shop? If I won, could that help bring in sales? To be featured in the Magnolia Gazette would be huge. I know tourists love to read the paper to look for local happenings around our small town. Being in there could help bring me to the next level.
And any shout out on social media is always a plus.
“Friendly competition, I hope,” Harrison says, but I’m already plotting out all the ways I can wipe the floor with this man.
“Sure. Yes, of course,” Petra says back. She continues going over the details as she smiles at Harrison and a pang of jealousy rushes through me. I’m sure it’s just because I don’t want Petra being biased when she judges the competition.