Page 16 of The Fiance Dilemma

“Of course,” I gritted between a toothy smile. Both things were supposed to be complimentary with an actual order. But I’d give him anything to stop talking. “Here,” I added, grabbing two brownies from the display and placing them in front of the men. “These are on the house too. And they’re warm, so I wouldn’t waste any time if I were you. I’ll be right over with the puppuccino and the glass of water.”

I turned, looking for the plain yogurt I got solely for the puppuccinos. Once located, I grabbed a container of pumpkin puree. Despite how warm it’s been, it was fall, after all. Pumpkin season was in full swing, and that meant pumpkin beverages. Pups included. I returned to my spot at the front, eyes cast down as I balanced everything in my arms. “All right, so—”

A new face had joined the group.

“Bobbi,”I said, hearing the sheer exhaustion in my voice now too. “Hi. You’re here. Great. Welcome to Josie’s Joint.”

“Don’t sound so excited,” she deadpanned. “Why is this so busy? Oh wait, don’t answer that. There’s no Starbucks around.”

I suppressed an eye roll and smiled. “So you’ve said. And isn’t that wonderful? Local businesses have the space to thrive.”

“I didn’t think you were listening all that closely last night,” she answered, looking around with a strange grimace. “And thrive away for all I care, but do it beside a place where I can order from my phone. This is my only vice, Josephine. This and late-night shopping. If you tell me there’s no one-day-delivery either, I might have a tiny stroke.” She paused. “You guys get one-day-delivery here, right?”

Gabriel snorted.

I opted not to answer.

Otto frowned at our newcomer. “You were there too. Last night. In the ruckus.”

The two men seemed to perk up. But I’d had enough questions. I’d had enough everything. So I clapped my hands, grabbing everyone’s attention.

“Otto? Here’s your water, and a puppuccino for Coco.” I placed the two cups in front of him. “And Gabriel? Let’s catch up later, yeah? Give Isaac and little Juni a hug. Now, bye. Auf Wiedersehen. Sayonara. Adiós. Toodles. Have a good day, and remember to bring your JJ loyalty cards next time, yes?”

I watched the two men—and dog—shuffle away, even if reluctantly, with a tight smile, before returning my attention to the PR strategist.

“Okay, Small-Town Heiress,” Bobbi said in a seemingly impressed tone. “You have a backbone. Good.”

Small-Town Heiress.That was what the podcast had called me.

“What can I get you, Bobbi?”A flight back to Miami?I thought. A shovel so you can help me dig the hole I want to disappear into right now?

Her bright red lips pursed in thought, giving me enough time to ponder while acknowledging her attire. That beautiful coat from last night was long gone, and she wore something that looked a lot like a corset over a black flimsy blouse, paired with leather leggings. She looked stunning. And terrifying. She cleared her throat. “Venti iced white chocolate mocha, no whip, sweet cream foam, extra caramel drizzle.”

“I…” Wasn’t an establishment prepared to serve that kind of drink. I smiled. “Coming right up.”

“Good news. Finally,” she said, throwing her hands up dramatically. I returned to my station and got to work on… my Sharkie, I’d decided to call it. “So how’s Blondie?” Bobbi asked. “Good night’s rest?”

“Matthew’s okay,” I muttered. “And he slept well. Like the dead, in fact.”

“I think I prefer Blondie,” Bobbi replied. My shoulders stiffened. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch, I have nothing against him. I just can’t take blonds seriously. I know I’m one before you point that out. But that’s different. I’m a woman, and I’m me. I take myself—and women—very seriously.” She braced her hands on the counter, right at the spot where Coco’s butt had been. I felt the tiniest smirk appear on my face. “We should move quickly with the wedding planning.”

Whatever smugness I’d been feeling disappeared.

Bobbi continued, “Did you have a look online? Listen to the podcast perhaps? You don’t need to answer, I know you did by the way you’re scrunching your face. Not so flattering, huh?”

I occupied myself with my convoluted Sharkie, trying to figure out a way to emulate the stuff I didn’t have. “I’m not scrunching my face.”

“You are,” Bobbi pressed in a casual tone. “Naturally so. Having your dirty laundry and reputation aired like that would do that to you. I’m shocked you’re here at all. I thought I’d have to pick up the pieces and put them together so we could talk. This stuff would break anyone. Maybe even me.”

Dirty laundry. Reputation.

I swallowed. Hard. “I’m not breaking. That’s just gossip.”

“Is it gossip when they’re speaking facts?” Bobbi answered. I felt myself go cold. In an instant. “Good thing you have a way to prove them wrong. You’ve found love. Again. And I hear everyone in town just found out about your happy news. Color me surprised.” She waited, and I was sure the pause was very intentional. “Hey. I’m not here to pass judgment. I would be reticent to share that, too. If I’d been engaged half a dozen times.”

My cheeks heated. “It was only four.”

“Five,” she corrected before tutting. “Poor Blondie. You’re leaving him out this early in the game?”

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