Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 136421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 682(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 682(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
“Biscuits and gravy with a side of crispy bacon,” I present, setting a plate in front of her at the table along with her sugary coffee. Today, she looks like she’s ready to kick someone’s ass.
“Thank you,” she says. “You made a true Southern breakfast. I’m proud of you.”
“I watched a YouTube video,” I admit with a shrug. “That’s homemade milk gravy, not any of that packaged stuff.”
A small smile plays on her lips. “Color me impressed.”
While we dig in, I try to keep the conversation moving, but I can tell she’s not in the mood for small talk.
“When I get back, want me to stay home with you today?” I ask.
“No, it’s okay. You should go in to work. I have errands to run anyway. I gotta meet with my insurance agent, and then I was gonna call the detective to see if I’m allowed to go to the shop yet. I want to see the damage and write down what I need to do to clean it up. That’ll probably take me all day, and I don’t want you to cancel with your clients again over my problems.”
“You’re more important than them, baby.”
“I know. I’d just feel guilty if you did.”
Not wanting to push her, I nod. “Well, if you change your mind, just call me, okay? I’ll cancel anything if you need me. Period.”
She smiles. “Thank you. I appreciate that. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’d probably be going more crazy than I already am.”
I reach my hand across the table, and when she grabs it, I bring her knuckles to my lips. “I’ll always be here for you.”
Her phone buzzes with a call, and I continue eating as she chats. Once she hangs up, she sets her cell down. “Cathy. My insurance lady. She wants to meet me to take pictures around eight thirty.”
“Gives you some more time to finish your coffee.”
“Mmm. You made it perfect, too.”
Everleigh finishes eating, then takes Sassy outside as I rinse the dishes. When she returns, she wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes. “I’m sorry if I’m not my usual happy self.”
I turn around so I can see her beautiful face. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to pretend that everything is okay around me. I know it’s not.”
“Thanks,” she tells me, and I press my lips to hers.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I know it’s a lot to deal with right now, but they say the comeback is always stronger than the setback.”
“Good because I don’t think I can deal with any more bullshit right now,” she groans. “My life has had enough excitement in the past six months to last me a lifetime. But there’s been some good that’s happened too. Mainly meeting you.”
“Glad I could be your sunshine on a cloudy day.”
She smirks. “Me too.”
“Want me to drop you off on my way out?” I offer since the shop isn’t that far from the agency. I know they’ll probably walk over there once the paperwork is done.
“Sure, I’ll finish getting ready.”
I fill my to-go mug full of coffee as I wait, and ten minutes later, we head out.
“Hope you have a good day, baby. Text or call if you need me. I’ll be back in a couple of hours,” I tell her when I drop her off. “Love you.”
She leans in for a quick kiss. “Love you too.”
Krystal will pay for playing this dirty little game, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she’s caught. Everleigh doesn't deserve any of this, and it destroys me that she’s being targeted, but nothing will stop me from proving Krystal’s responsible.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
EVERLEIGH
Since my shop was purposely set on fire a week ago, my life has been a clusterfuck. It took days before I was able to go inside and see the damage with my own eyes. All the video recordings from the company were sent to the police even though it doesn’t show who broke in. I’ve watched the footage several times, hoping that I’d see or catch something or someone, but whoever it is stayed in the shadows.
Once all the evidence has been collected for the investigation, I’m finally allowed to enter the building. I salvage everything I can before the renovation company arrives to clean up the rest. While I’d been inside a few times, I couldn’t stay for long periods because it was too upsetting.
I’ve asked my employees to come in today so we can go through some more things together. It’s their first time back since I closed. Before they arrive, I pick up donuts and a gallon box of to-go coffee. I put on my respirator mask before going inside, then open the front doors. They arrive right on time.
“Hey, boss,” Lexie says with Heidi and Dana next to her, and I say hello to everyone.