Page 3 of Forever Yours
Devlin’s stomach turned as she thought again about seeing Gabe tonight. “Yeah, we all need to party a little.” She swallowed down a wave of nausea.Get it together, Watkins!
Annabelle narrowed her eyes and peered at Devlin. “You seem to be turning an odd shade of green. Are you sure you want to go?” she asked.
Devlin felt a hint of contrition about how she’d informed Annabelle and Prudence about Gabe.Iamglad they know. The rest of it, though? At the time it had seemed like such a teensy tiny white lie. She preferred to call it a non-truth, the word lie seemed so…dramatic. The smallest of non-truths, really. She’d told Prudence and Annabelle, at an extra boozy ladies’ night, the story about her and Gabe. The part about Boston was truthful. At one point, however, she’d told the girls that she and Gabe had met in Amber Falls after her move, had talked over what happened in Boston and decided to move past it. In truth, this had never happened. Shehadseen him, but he had no clue she was there.I’ll deal with this later.
Devlin nodded and turned away, pretending to wipe down a spot on the counter. She wouldn’t be able to ghost them tonight, but she was sure she’d find a way to disappear whenever Gabe came around. “I’m a grown woman and we have a deal.” She sighed then set down the rag and looked at her friend. “Sorry, AB. I’m just distracted. The night will be perfect.”
Annabelle reached out and squeezed Devlin’s hand. “I know it will. So, dinner at the bar is still a go? We don’t have to get there until late, I’m sure I’ll be working, and I want you to get a nap in.”
“Tell you what, when I drop off coffee after I close, let’s see where you are in your day, and we can plan more then.”
“I like it. Whatever happens, we can be back here as soon as we’ve decided the rest of New Year’s Day is better spent sleeping.”
“You have no idea how excited I am to sleep past five a.m.” Devlin took a long drink from her own coffee.
“I don’t like to get up that early, but I know what you mean about sleeping in.”
“Hey, what do you think the over-under is on Prudence and Greyson making it to the bar tonight?”
Annabelle pondered the question for a moment. “Well, they’re in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, and they already ditched out on our Boxing Day get together, so I expect them to be all over each other as long as they can and not show up to the bar until, say, eleven fifty-three p.m.”
“That’s specific, even for you.”
“I’m hoping they show up, but we’ll be okay if they don’t. New love is a crazy drug.”
Devlin cast her eyes toward the counter, trying not to feel the slightest hint of envy for the couple.I am human after all.
“Hey, I’m sorry,” Annabelle said. “I was so serious when I said we don’t need to go.”
“I’m going to be damned if I let someone, a man no less, ruin a sensible plan. Besides, both you and Prudence know my history with Gabe, so I have nothing to hide from you.” She crossed her fingers behind her back.
“I was hoping you’d say that, but if you change your mind, I’ll do whatever you want.” Annabelle took a sip and leaned her back on the counter, pointing to the opposite wall. “You know, I just read the art gallery between you and Finnegan’s is going up for sale soon. The story is going to be in the next edition of The Bee.”
Devlin ignored the flush that crept over her at the mention of Finnegan’s, the new information ricocheting around in her head. At that moment, she had a clear vision of expanding her shop into the soon-to-be-vacant space. She’d been in the gallery only once—it had been cluttered with art, the owner getting ready for a new exhibit. The space was small for a downtown location but perfect for her plans, and she wouldn’t have to move her shop. She rested her elbows on the counter and stared at the separating wall.
“Woah, earth to Dev.” Annabelle waved her hand in front of Devlin’s vacant eyes. “You’re cleared for re-entry, Captain.”
Devlin blinked, confused, then broke out into a large grin. “I’m gonna buy the place!”
“What?”
“I haven’t said anything to you and Pru yet,” Devlin confessed, “but I’ve been working on a plan to expand Books and Beansand I haven’t found any place that fits what I wanted as well as this location.”
“That’s great news.”
“I’d love to expand my book and merchandise area. I’ve researched market trends, and the college students are more apt to buy extra things when they’re already there and it’s convenient for them.”
“How convenient,” agreed Annabelle.
“This opportunity is perfect.”
“I’ll see what other info I can get when I’m at work and I’ll shoot it off to you.” Annabelle finished her coffee and looked at her now empty cup, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
“You don’t know how much I’ll appreciate that. How about a refill for the road, friend?”
“You read my mind. Can I get two shots of espresso in that house blend, please?”
“Are you sure about that?”