Page 24 of Secret Love

Just then I hear laughter and I turn to see a stunning woman with long dark hair and a gorgeous man next to her. They're laughing at something their little boy has said. I overhear the women sitting at the table behind me gasp.

“Oh my God, he has the best laugh. I can't believe Weston Shaw actually comes here.”

I turn and look at the three women. They’re staring at the couple I couldn’t tear my eyes from, completely starstruck.

“I told you,” the woman in the middle says. “That's why we’re here. You didn’t believe me, but I heard theyallcome here. Well, our favorites anyway. Henley, Rhodes, Bowie…PENN. Oh my God, can you imagine seeing Penn and Henley in real life?”

Of course, my ears perk up when I hear Henley’s name. That’s not a common name around here, right? It’s gotta be my Henley. I mean, the one I’ve met. He’s obviously not mine.

“I’m more of a Bowie and Rhodes’ girl myself, but damn, they’re all hot,” the third woman says.

“Weston and Henley all the way,” the first woman says. “You know what? All of them. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to choose.”

They all laugh. What are they talking about?

When I turn back to Clara, I must look confused because she laughs.

“Are you a Mustangs fan too?” she asks.

“Mustangs?”

Her eyes widen. “Colorado’s football team? Winners of the past three Super Bowls?”

“Oh,football…” I laugh awkwardly. “I could only imagine wild horses galloping by.” I shake my head likesilly me.

“Thatistheir logo,” she says, still laughing.

I crinkle my nose. “I’m afraid I’m not up on the sports. I usually have my nose in a book or I’m outside…with my nose in a book.” I wave my hand and laugh with her this time. I lean in. “So, is that guy over there on the team or something?” I whisper.

“He’s the quarterback,” she whispers back.

My mouth falls into an O.

Wait. Does that mean Henley is?—

Earl chooses that moment to make his presence known. His head pops out of my sweatshirt and Clara yelps. I rush to apologize for bringing a pet inside without asking permission but she’s gushing about how adorable he is.

“I wasn’t planning to do anything but walk…but the donuts.” I point to the sign, still feeling bad. “Hopefully no one is allergic.”

“True,” Clara says, looking around. She winks at me. “I think we’re okay.”

“Thank you. In that case, I’ll take that unicorn donut right there. I can’t resist. I got a job today. Actually two jobs this week! Feels like I should celebrate.”

“Congratulations. That’s amazing! Where are you working?”

“Wiggles & Whimsy and Silver Hills Middle School.”

Her eyes widen. “That’s wonderful! That means you’re a Silver Hills resident, not just passing through. Welcome to our town. I hope you’ll love it here.”

I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so wide. “Thank you, Clara. I think Ialreadylove it here.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt. Can I sneak past you for some napkins?”

I turn and the pretty woman who was with the quarterback is smiling at me.

“Oh, sure.” I take a step back and she grabs a handful of napkins.

“Sadie, you should meet our new resident,” Clara says. She holds out her hand and pauses. “Well, I don’t even know your name yet...” She laughs.

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