Page 85 of The P*ssy Next Door
I wasn’t so sure about that.
Xan gave me the bro-code chin jerk of approval. “What your jackass boyfriend here figured out, about how you’re the joy in the world? I knew that. I’ve seen you be that our whole lives. And anyone who can’t understand that, doesn’t deserve you. So stay. Nobody says you have to even talk to Mom again if you don't want to. I'll run interference for you. It’s my turn.”
Willa pressed her lips together, but they were trembling. “It is your turn. For like the next twenty years.”
Wait. Did that mean...?
Willa looked up at me and the tears she'd been blinking back pooled on the edges of her lashes. But they weren't sad tears. “No expectations. Just exploring something new together,” shesaid softly, a slow smile spreading across her face.
I grabbed her up in my arms and spun her around. “Hell yeah, baby. We'd better up the minutes on our international calling plan. Because I am so looking forward to phone sex with you.”
FOREVER MY HOME
WILLA
The bell above the door to Cool Beans chimed, but this time, it was because I stepped into the familiar warmth of the coffee shop that was no longer my responsibility. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffees and teas and the soft murmur of conversation enveloped me like a comforting hug. It was strange to think that just a few short months ago, I'd been a mess trying to run this place, and now it was thriving.
I'd done that, and it was something to be proud of.
I watched Liam move behind the counter with the ease of a happy man, and I felt a mixture of nostalgia and excitement. He caught my eye and waved me over, a broad grin on his face.
“Willa, my favorite customer, come, sit. I want to hear all about your plans for this new adventure with Kelsey freaking Best. How is this even real life? We're friends with the biggest pop star in the world. I know her dog.”
I slid onto a stool, returning his smile. “I know right? I'm meeting Penelope here to get the list of venues they've already booked so I can plan out the first leg of the scouting trip.”
Liam's eyes softened, and he reached across the counter to squeeze my hand. “I'm so proud of you, Willa. You've always had such an adventurous spirit, and it's wonderful to see you finding a path that's right for you.”
I felt a lump form in my throat, touched by his unwavering support. “I sincerely wouldn't even have this opportunity, or, I mean, really this whole new life if it hadn't been for you and George. I'm so grateful you're in my life, and if I haven't told you enough, I love you two so much.”
He patted my cheek and swallowed a few times. “You were always a little bit mine and George's, since the day you were born. We love you right back, kiddo.”
A few blinks to suck those tears back up into my eyeballs, and I was ready to go again. “Okay, enough mushy gushy. I had an idea for the coffee shop that I was working on before you got back. Do you want to hear it?”
His eyebrows raised, curiosity piqued. “Oh? Do tell.”
I leaned forward, excitement bubbling up inside me. “What if we converted the shop into a full-time cat café? We've already got a good partner with the cat shelter, and we're the busiest when we host adoption events. But what if it was more? We could really create a cozy space for people to interact with the cats.”
Liam's face lit up, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Willa, that's a fantastic idea. I love it. George and I tried to do some brainstorming on our cruise to make the shop more unique, and honestly, more profitable. This is perfect. We already have your themed drinks and pastries. Maybe we can add some cat-themed merchandise too.”
We spent the next hour huddled together, scribbling notes and sketching out ideas. It was like old times, the two of us lost in our creative flow, bouncing ideas off each other. I'd missed this, missed the way it was so easy to be myself with the Guncles. I only got this at home.
This was my home, and the universe had provided a way for me to actually be comfortable here. I owed some deposits into the karma bank for sure.
While we chatted about the conversion plans, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from Trixie. I answered, putting her on speaker so Liam could hear.
“Willa, I'm so excited,” Trixie gushed, her enthusiasm for everything was palpable even through the phone. “I'm starting a body-positive romance novel book club as part of the Take Up Space network. And I'm hoping, hoping, hoping, you'll host it with me.”
I did love a good book club. The spicy romance group had only met twice so far, but the third meeting might prove to be the biggest one yet. I was doing my best to make sure my new travel schedule would allow time for my second greatest love, romance novels.
“I'm always down for anything books. But what's the Take Up Space network?”
“What? You mean Marie Manniway hasn't already recruited you? Score one point for me. It's a group of plus-size movers and shakers in all sorts of industries who support each other and do outreach programs to help women from all walks of life embrace and love who they are, no matter their size, shape, or what the scale says.”
I felt my jaw drop, stunned and honored by the offer. Liam's eyes widened, and he gave me a thumbs up, mouthing “do it” emphatically.
“Trixie, that's incredible. I would be thrilled to help you host an event like that. Thank you so much for thinking of me.”
We chatted for a few more minutes, ironing out the details. As I hung up, I couldn't stop grinning. It seemed like every aspect of my life was falling into place, each piece of the puzzle finding its perfect fit.