“Even if you can’t help finding mischief wherever you go,” my dad adds helpfully.
Last night, Charlie said I couldn’t help being a scene-stealer.
Then he pulled me close, rubbed my back, and made me feel safe.
Even though I don’t care about being safe, I can’t deny the heavy weight of his palm was nice.
No. Don’t think about him. It’s over.
From this second on, he’s Ryder’s boss and my coworker.
Hailey glances at the clock hanging in the eating area. “I need to get a few things out of my head.”
“How long do you need?” I ask.
“At least thirty.”
I turn to my mom. “I’ll help clean up. When Hailey’s done, we can curl up on the couch and watch a Hallmark movie.”
Her expression brightens. “I’ll make lemon drops.”
Crying crisis averted, I stand from the table, grabbing my plate. “We’ll have cocktails and watch the workaholic heroine who inherited her grandma’s inn fight with the disgruntled handsome handyman until she learns the true meaning of life and love.”
“It’s a date.” Happy again, my mom rises from her seat.
See? This is all I need.
Watching a hero who comes through with the people I love, instead of obsessing about the sheriff.
Who can’t even be bothered to text me!
Charlie
* * *
It’s lunchtime on Thursday at Earl’s Diner, the mecca of Revival dining. The waitress, Mabel, an institution in her own right, raises the pot in her hand. “Afternoon, Sheriff. Coffee?”
I throw my keys on the table and slide in across from Mitch. “I’ll take an iced tea. Thanks, Mable.”
“Sure thing.” She walks away, leaving me alone with my best friend.
Since Mitch is working from home today, he took it upon himself to show up at my office and refuse to leave until I went to lunch with him.
So I’m not surprised when, as soon as we’re alone, he puts the menu aside. “Today’s move-in day, right?”
“Yep.” I keep my eyes trained on the menu like I’m memorizing a masterpiece instead of an oversized laminated card with pictures on it.
“You’ve avoided me, so I assume you didn’t talk to Ryder.”
No, I have not talked to Ryder.
I have, however, fucked his sister again. “No, I didn’t.”
“Why not?”
“She asked me not to.”
“And you agreed?”