Page 89 of Guarded Deputy
“I’m sure there is. It’ll be exciting.” Gary’s eyes sparkle.
How’s Jessica?“ I ask about his daughter. She’s in college, so I haven’t seen her in a while.
“She’s great. She’ll be starting nursing school in the summer.” Gary serves himself some orange juice and takes a seat.
“Awesome.”
I look at my mom and her face is lit up. I’m glad she found someone like Gary to give her a second chance at love after my dad passed away.
“I’m going to go.” I stand.
“You don’t have to.” My mom’s brow furrows.
“I know, but I’m going to run some errands and try to meet up with Dani and Avery. Thanks for breakfast.” I stand and kiss my mom’s cheek and then hug Gary.
I leave their house and open my group chat to ask my friends if they’re free to have some coffee after I run some errands. I could use girl time, and between our demanding jobs and getting to know Nate, we haven’t seen each other much.
Once I finish buying some things for a science experiment, I walk to Bay Brew to meet Dani and Avery. I’m looking at my phone, reading a text message from Nate and smiling. Every time he writes saying he’s thinking of me, I can’t help the wide grin that spreads on my face.
“Looks like someone is in love.”
I startle, looking up from my phone and sigh when I see Dani. She chuckles, and I shove her before pocketing my phone in my jeans.
“You’re a jerk.”
“You had this googly in love look in your eyes. Were you talking to Mr. Hot Deputy?”
“Yeah, I got a message from him.” I bite my lip and continue toward the coffee shop with her.
“What’s going on with the hottie?” She hooks her arm in mine as we walk. “Everyone in town is talking about seeing you two together.”
“Ugh.” I toss my head back. “We were on a date and I got stung by a jellyfish so he took me to the doctor. Of course, he carried me in so I wouldn’t be in more pain.”
“You got stung? Are you okay?” She grabs my arm, almost ripping it off to check me for any marks.
“Hey! Uh, what is Dani doing?” Avery catches up with us on the way to the coffee shop, looking at Dani as if she’s crazy.
“She’s looking for my jellyfish sting,” I explain.
“What?” Avery screeches.
“I’m fine.” I wave my hands at both of them to calm them down.
“She was on a date with Nate when it happened,” Dani tells Avery conspiratorially.
“Oh, is that why you were at the doctor?” Avery eyes me.
“Small town rumors are the worst.” I toss my head back. “Yes, that’s exactly why I was there. The sting was on my leg and I’m okay now.” I open the door to Bay Brew and shake my head.
“Good, good.” Dani nods, looking at me with curiosity. “So he took care of you.” A devious smile lifts her lips, and her eyes cut to Avery.
“Yup.” I bite down my smile.
“Look at her face.” Avery elbows Dani. “And this was the woman who told me a few months ago she was done with dating.”
“She’s swooning,” Dani says.
“He’s great.” I sigh, proving them right.