Page 28 of The Thought of You

“He’s cute, and he’s obviously smitten,” she whispers.

Even if she talked at a normal volume, I doubt anyone, including Bond, could hear her over the pounding of thick raindrops against the windows of the cafeteria. It sounds like the crackling static of the backup radio stashed in my storm preparation kit at home.

“Is this like that summer before eighth grade when you insisted Spencer Smith had a crush on me?” I ask.

“He did,” she draws out. “Why else did he bring you a pumpkin streusel muffin to the park every single morning?”

“Because he always bought too many,” I answer, repeating what he’d told me back then.

Maren tilts her head. “Then why did I never get one?”

“You’re ridiculous. Why are we even talking about that?”

“You brought it up, and I go where the leader leads.” She traps me under her unwavering stare.

I glance over my shoulder, as Bond has now moved out of the line to chat with Owen and the mystery woman. She seems to captivate Bond’s complete focus. What’s so special about her?

“You should see if Bond wants to get coffee tomorrow. I know a great little place.” Maren snorts, clearly referring to her coffee truck. “And if you’re extra nice, the owner might even toss in her new iced pumpkin cookies—on the house.”

My mouth instantly salivates at the mention of new baked goods from her skillful hands, and it’s not just because I’m starving, either. The woman is a mad scientist with a whisk and a bag of flour.

“I will be by your truck right after school on Monday for said cookies, but I’ll be coming alone.”

“Bond will be back in Atlanta by Monday.”

“Exactly. He lives three hours away. I don’t have time to date people who live here, let alone guys that far.”

“I’m not suggesting you marry him, Addie.”

“Then what’s the point? How can I date someone if I know from the start that it won’t lead anywhere?” I catch Mary’s eyes from in front of us and realize I’ve raised my voice above a hushed whisper.

I’m outing myself, and I should really nip this in the bud before word travels around town that I’m marrying Bond Nicholas. Knowing the insane rumor mill around here, they’d probably drum up some tale about how our whirlwind romance led us to elope in some faraway land like Switzerland.

The people of Sapphire Creek can really get out of hand with spinning wild stories—bless their hearts—but there’s nothing to know about my love life other than it’s nonexistent. This is a purposeful construct on my part as of a couple years ago, when I decided I’m better off single.

If I were to get back out there, though, I’d be lucky to find someone like Bond. He’s smart and has an important job. Plus, he’s not bad to look at.

I imagine he’d accept me as I am too.

A crack of thunder practically rattles the building, and Birdie nearly leaps from my hold. As I tuck her back into my chest, careful to ride the line between comforting and crushing her, my gaze catches on Sable’s on the other end of the table, where she waves me over.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell Maren.

“What about food?” she asks as she grabs a bowl from the stacks.

“I’ll get some in a bit,” I say over my shoulder, already maneuvering through the throngs of people toward one of my bosses. On the way, a strong whiff of the chili spices assaults my senses and hurls a wave of boos across my empty stomach.

When I reach Sable, I find DeDe with her too.

“Addie, I’m sure you’re tired of holding Birdie, and DeDe has offered to go ahead and take the poor thing home for the weekend.” Sable nods.

“I don’t mind helping,” I quickly say, expelling any doubt of my servitude, then nobly add, “But I think she could use a break. She had quite the scare.” I coo as I give our not-so-brave little mascot one final scratch on her head before I slide her into DeDe’s waiting arms.

“She could use a rest by the warm fireplace.” DeDe makes kissing noises toward her furry companion.

“Couldn’t we all,” I joke, and it earns me a laugh from Sable.

Is it pathetic to practically gloat right out of my body from my well-received joke? Maybe for anyone else, but I refuse to be ashamed over it, not when fostering goodwill with the higherups can only lead to bigger and better things for me.

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