Page 22 of Cinnamon Roll Set Up

“I couldn’t say no to that.”

She smiles sweetly, fully understanding why. “And you never know. You might get picked by someone special in that corn maze.”

I make a vague sound. I have zero expectations of finding my love match in a cornfield.

“She also told me about your nomination. Are you enjoying your moment in the sun?”

“I’d hardly call it that.” Other than an uptick in conversations with my agent, it hasn’t affected me in a tangible way yet. “I’m pleased, though.”

I’m happy about the nomination. I just don’t want to get my hopes up.

“Where are your books, anyway?” She cranes her neck to look around the shop, even though she knows exactly where mybooks are. Right where they belong, in the science fiction category. “They should be on a special display.”

“Georgia says the same thing.”

“As usual, Georgia’s right. You need a big banner overhead that readsLocal Author.”

Georgia already ordered one. It’s in the back room, rolled up next to our coffee supply. She put it out once, with a whole display of just my books, but the showiness of it sat so wrong in my gut, I’d had to stuff it all away.

“Better yet, let’s get you a pin that saysAsk me about my book.” She steps behind the counter until we’re practically toe to toe. Stretching, she runs her fingers through my messy hair. “You’re overdue for a trim. You know I’ll always make space for you in my chair.”

“It hasn’t been on my mind lately.”

“My ladies all miss you over there.”

I just bet. Every time I visit Cece’s salon, Hair and Now, I’m shocked at how bold the older ladies in Magnolia Ridge can be. They’re not quiet in their open admiration of men, whether locals or celebrities, and they don’t get shy just because I’m around to listen in. Their commentary is incredibly…vivid.

“I’ll set something up before the awards ceremony.”

“Mm hmm.” She sighs. “It’s unfair for you to have such thick, gorgeous hair when I would commit so many crimes for locks like this. Genes are a fickle thing.”

I don’t think genes have much to do with Cece’s current hair, but I would never say such a thing. She’s too skilled with scissors for me to risk it.

Behind her, Georgia sweeps into the bookstore. She wears a bright yellow sweater with geometric stripes in brown and red, looking the very definition of fall cozy. Her wavy blond hair hangs loose over her shoulders, and she pushes the tangles awayfrom her face. When she sees me, her smile lights up, hitting me in the chest like a thunderbolt.

She’s sunshine and adrenaline and a warm hug on your worst day. She’s a star chart mapping my way home. She’s?—

Aunt Cece makes a tiny sound of satisfaction, watching me too closely.

If the ladies at Hair and Now are bad gossips, my mom and her sister are their queens.

I wipe the dopey expression off my face and greet Georgia like a normal person. A normal, non-desperately in love person. Or as close as I can manage.

Honestly, it’s not that close.

“Good morning.” Georgia’s cheeriness is a long-awaited sunbeam peeking through the clouds. “How are you, Cece?”

“If I had a tail, it’d be wagging.” She rounds the counter, moving closer to Georgia. “I was just telling Miles we should make him a pin so everyone will know he’s a famous author.”

I shake my head at that. My books might be doing moderately well, but I’m notfamous.

“I was thinking about making him wear a shirt with his face and book cover on it.” Georgia’s grin is a solar flare. “And he’d have to walk all through town, talking to everyone he meets.”

I do my best to scowl at her. I’m not sure I’m physically capable. “Why not make me wear a crown, too?”

Her eyes practically throw sparks. “I know where to order all three.”

Aunt Cece’s laughter rings out. “You’re in good hands with her, Miles. Come visit me sometime.”

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