Page 5 of Crazy Imperfect Hearts

Ava and I thread our elbows and start the walk home. Both of us live in the apartments over our shops on McQuaid Circle. Maddie used to live above her flower shop, which is just a few doors down from mine, until she and Tag got together. Now she rents it out.

When we round the corner, I see a man carrying a gift bag. I stop walking. “Shoot. I forgot my gifts. I have to go back.” I give Ava a squeeze. “See you tomorrow?”

“You know it.” She kisses my cheek. “Happy birthday, Regan. I just know this year is going to be your best yet.”

“From your lips to God’s ears.”

We share a laugh and then I trot off back to Donovan’s.

Entering through the patio gate, I find my bag right where I left it. There are a lot of benefits to living in such a small town. Like being a single woman walking alone at night without having to look over my shoulder. And being able to leave valuables at a restaurant without anyone stealing them.

Don’t get me wrong. There are drawbacks, too. Especially when it comes to men. Everyone knows everyone. Most of usgrew up together. Like Ava and Trevor, and Nikki and Jaxon, many married their high school sweethearts. And there is often a shortage of good men, especially if you’re a certain age.

I shake away the thought, refusing to let my age become a determining factor in how I choose to live my life. I’m happy with the life I’ve chosen. Running my shop. Being with good friends. And I have all the company I need with Joey. That furball is better than any man. He never talks back, always likes to cuddle, and thinks I walk on water.

Besides, men are not all they’re cracked up to be. That was proven to me long ago. My friends have gotten lucky with their partners. I’m beginning to think I’m just not cut out for a long-term relationship.

“Fuck!” I hear as I collect the gift bag.

When I turn, I see Lucas yelling at the television hanging under the awning. It’s another news report about his ex’s engagement. In a large picture, displayed on what must be a seventy-five-inch screen, Lissa is looking dreamily at Senator McNally’s son.

Oh, boy.

I try to exit unnoticed—because I’m not sure what I’d say to him if he saw me standing here—when a loud crash startles me.

I spin around. Shattered pieces of the television are scattered on the patio.

My jaw hangs loose as I stare at Lucas. “Did you just throw your glass at the TV?”

Cooper Calloway comes running out from inside and shakes his head. He’s pissed. “Time for you to go, cousin.”

Lucas looks up at what remains of the TV and scrubs a hand across his jaw. “Shit, Coop. I’m sorry. I’ll pay for the damage.”

“I know you will. Still, it’s time for you to go home. Sleep it off.” Lucas pulls a set of keys out of his pocket. Cooper takes them, shaking his head again. “And I know you weren’tabout to drive, you fucking idiot.” He looks behind him into the restaurant. “I’d take you, but I still have customers.”

Cooper looks over at me. He’s not going to ask, but I can tell he wants to.

Why didn’t I run out of here when I had the chance?

“Fine.” I step forward. “I’ll make sure he gets home.” I hold my hand out for the keys, and Cooper drops them onto my palm.

“Thanks, Regan.”

I nod. “Come on, big guy,” I say to Lucas. “Let’s go.”

“Where we goin’?” he slurs.

“I’m taking you home.”

He raises a brow.

I guffaw. “Yeah, you wish.” My turn to shake my head. “I’m driving you home and then I’m driving myself home. I’ll return your car tomorrow.”

We approach his car. His sleek, expensive, custom-painted car. Sometimes I forget just how rich the Montana family is since they really don’t act it.

When I hold up the key fob to unlock his Jag, Lucas swipes the keys and stuffs them into his pocket. “I don’t wanna go home. Les go get a drink.”

I stick out my hand, palm up. “Give me the keys.”

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