Page 59 of Forever Love-Reimagined

Haley and I set out to Tea-Riffic. When we arrived, a lady was helping a customer, so we waited in line. When it was our turn, Haley jumped right in.

“Excuse me. This might sound weird, but do you have something with the name ‘Leia’ on it?” As if this was her game to play, she beamed at the worker and batted her eyelashes.

The woman behind the counter brightened and smiled broadly as she pulled out the envelope and handed it to Haley. I yanked it out of her hand so quickly that the lady frowned and gave me a disapproving look.

“I’m actually Leia. Thank you for your help.” Not that I needed to explain myself to a total stranger.

I tugged Haley out of the shop to read my next clue. We stopped on the sidewalk, away from everyone, and I pulled out the note:

RIGHT AFTER I TRIED TO KISS OFF YOUR FACE

WE WENT TO TALK AT THIS PLACEE

“I remember that. She went all-in on you.” Haley chuckled, and I allowed myself to get lost in that moment for a second.

“Yes. How on earth could I forget that kiss? And after we’d gone to Double Shift.” As we walk-jogged to the bar, I had to admit, I was getting excited. What was Blake up to? I was dying to find out.

Before we entered, I grabbed Haley. “May I do the talking?”

“Sure thing, boss. I can’t help that I’m eager!” She shrieked.

“I know, hon. But I’d kinda like to take the lead on this, if you don’t mind.”

“You got it! I’m your trusty sidekick.”

I approached Iris, the barkeep, who waved an envelope in her hand. Oh, the joys of being a regular.

“Leia, it’s been a while. I’m guessing you aren’t here for a drink?” She smirked at me, then eyed Haley before handing me the letter.

“Not today, I’m afraid. But I’ll be back—soon. You can count on it.”

“You better. Things haven’t been the same without you and Shannon around.” She turned her appraising gaze toward Haley. “You should come, too. I’m pretty sure we haven’t met.”

“Oh, I don’t normally come here. I’m helping Leia out,” Haley responded, but not in her normal bubbly self. She seemed more reserved—maybe uncomfortable since it was a queer bar.

I wasn’t sure why, but I didn’t have time to dissect it right now.

“Well, you guys are always welcome,” Iris said to both of us but kept her focus directly on Haley.

I eyed them both, then grabbed the envelope. “Thanks, Iris. We’ll come back soon. The whole gang.”

I then removed the next clue:

WHERE WE GO FOR BREAKFAST, AND IT DOESN’T SUCK

GET YOUR LAST RHYME FROM THAT FOOD TRUCK.

This was an easy one. “Anytime we get together in the mornings, we always hit Rolling Guacamole.”

Haley appeared to want to say something but shook her head and walked on. I, for one, was happy. I wasn’t in the headspace for a deep conversation.

As we continued walking, Haley finally broke the silence. “Do you have any clue why she’d do something so romantic for you?”

Was she being romantic or just cute?

I shrugged. “I thought this was something fun. But you think it means something more?”

“Boss, please. You can’t be that daft when it comes to grand gestures. She’s making a statement. And whatever it is, I bet the ending is big.”

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