Page 28 of Sweet Like Whiskey

“Really?” Virginia says, spinning and stomping down the porch steps. “This is the first time I’ve seen you since you arrived, and that’s what you have to say to me?”

“Ginnie—”

“Nuh-uh, Ashley fucking Alcott. You damn well know Saturdays are my longest shift of the week. Plus, I woke up late and had to scramble to get your sorry ass, so I haven’t even had my coffee yet. I am not in themood.”

By the time I catch up to Virginia, she’s standing in front of her car, hands on her hips and a frown marring her face. It’s cute,but I don’t dare say so. I pull my friend into a hug, ignoring her responding squawk.

“I love you so very much,” I tell her seriously. “You are gorgeous and smart, and I adore you from the top of your head to the bottoms of your feet. And the fact that I’m close enough to do this?” I squeeze her a little harder for emphasis. “Makes me ridiculously happy. I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“Goddamn it, Ash,” she mutters, hugging me back. “I’m glad you’re here, too.”

“I know,” I say gently. “So where can we go in Darling that has coffee? My treat for behaving like an ass.”

“The bakery,” she says with a huff, stepping back. She gives me a shove before rounding her car, not quite ready to let me off the hook. I head for the passenger seat with a chuckle.

Darling’s bakery is right in the center of town, not that far from The Barrel. Its awning is pink, and the smells of chocolate and bitter coffee hit me the moment we walk through the door. I’m impressed by my friend. She waits until we’re seated, a latte in front of her and a croissant in front of me, before she pounces.

“Spill.”

My lips quirk. “Ginnie… I’m pretty sure I’m in love.”

Virginia lowers her sunglasses slowly, pulling them off her face and revealing skeptical hazel eyes. “Ash, I know you tend to move fast, but it’s been four damn days. I think you’re confusing good dick with actual emotion.”

I huff a laugh, slapping my friend’s shoulder. “I meant thetown. Or the job. Take your pick. Not…that.”

“So you haven’t…”

“No, I haven’t,” I say.

She hums and sips her drink. “Is it because of Nick? Has he called?”

It doesn’t escape my notice that she called my exNick, when she knows he hates it. Virginia is nothing if not loyal…and a little vindictive.

“He called once,” I admit. “I didn’t answer. And don’t give me that look—he’s not so bad.”

“He wasn’t good for you,” she counters.

“I’m not denying that. But he’s not a bad guy, Ginnie. Just…”

“Anal-retentive. Stuck up. Lacking a funny bone,” she lists, ticking the points off on her fingers. I have no doubt she could keep going if she wanted. “I never understood what you saw in him, Ash.”

I fiddle with the flaky edge of my croissant before shrugging. “He was really supportive with, you know…”

Her face softens, and she curses quietly. “I know, and I’m sorry. I forget sometimes how bad it was.”

Nicholas was one of my physical therapists. I’d been seeing him on a professional level for three months when he asked me out. I switched therapists after that, but Nick… At the time, I appreciated how much he looked after me. Now, having hindsight and the experience of years with the man, I can admit to myself I think he saw me as broken. As someone he could fix and take care of. He liked that more than he ever loved me.

“It’s beside the point,” I say, waving a hand. “We’re done. It’s in the past. Moving on.”

“Good,” she says. “So when are you gonna move on to Jackson Darling?”

I groan, even as a smile pulls at my lips. “I regret telling you about him.”

She makes apshtsound. “Please. Like you’d be able to keep your feelings a secret from me. You’re an open book, baby boy.”

I can’t refute that.

“He’s my boss. It’s a bad idea,” I say, even though I don’t believe it. Despite me working for Jackson’s family, I’m notthe least bit concerned about the dynamic between us causing issues. He’s not even the one who hired me. Marigold is.

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