Page 6 of Bookstore Bliss

“I may have a date with Seth,” I cut to the chase, my mouth full of cookie.

“No way,” Bethany gasps. “You haven’t even been here a week. Do you think that it’s a good idea?” She takes a cookie too.

“That’s the thing, I’m not sure if it’s actually a date or just catching up.” I fill her in on the other day, Riley inviting me todinner, and Seth’s wording for having me join them. “What do you think?”

“I think it could go either way. But the real question,” she narrows her eyes, “do you want it to be a date?”

The more time I spend in the bookstore surrounded my memories of my grandmother the more I want to leave the first chance I can and retreat to California. But when Seth crosses my mind, and with that kiss he’s been on my mind even more, I’m tempted to linger here. To see how this plays out.

“There’s a lot of history between us.” I mutter. Bethany shakes her head, her vibrant red curls bouncing with her movements.

“Not what I asked. You know he’s divorced and has Riley. There’s more to it than just a fun night out.”

“Speaking of which, do you know why he’s divorced?” I sip my coffee and try to be nonchalant.

“I suppose it’s common knowledge for everyone in town. Basically, they got married because Jacquiline was pregnant. I don’t think they loved each other and decided they were better as friends. You should ask him for further details.” I nod.

Can Seth be over his first marriage? Do I want to date someone with a kid?

I have too much on my mind.

“Okay, enough about me, tell me about you and Violet. Fill me in on everything Kastle Harbor.”

Bethany and I sit and talk for almost an hour. At the end I’m given a box of cookies and an invite to wine night next week when all the girls meet up. She promises to drop off a few dress options for me since we have similar busty but on the shorter side of frames.

Back at the store I plop onto the couch upstairs. I think about all the possible outcomes of dinner with Seth. What it all boilsdown to is that he has a kid and I’m leaving soon. Should I even bother with trying to invade their little family space?

If our relationship gets deeper than surface level, like a one-night stand or two, I’m not sure I can bear the outcome of things not working out in the end.

Maybe we’re better as friends. And our kiss will just be a fond memory I take with me back to the West Coast. Besides, maybe people only get one chance. We had our shot way back when and I threw it away.

Seth

I find myself at a loss for words when I pick Kristen up from the bookstore. The Waterfront Bistro is probably the nicest place to eat in Kastle Harbor, but I wasn’t expecting her to be dressed to the nines. Her usual casual, flowy outfits have been replaced by a form fitting, shiny, emerald dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. When she turns to lock the store, I notice the dress is backless, showing off her sun kissed tan. I want to run my fingers across her skin.

Or my lips.

I can’t help but grin as she reaches out to grab my arm. She holds me tight and for a moment I never want her to let go. Her sneakers are swapped for platforms, giving her a few extra inches to close the height gap between us.

“Not used to heels?” I chuckle as I open the car door.

“Shut it, Seth Lawson.” She playfully punches my arm.

We drive the short distance to the bistro chatting about our weeks. I explain that I’m a principle and keep the same hours as the school. It’s nice because I work while Riley’s in school so there’s no need for a babysitter. We park and head into therestaurant. I had reserved a table by the windows so we’d have an ocean view.

It may be a tad too romantic for a dinner between friends.

We head to our table, order some cocktails, and continue to chat about our jobs. It’s as if we never stopped talking over the years. I feel mesmerized watching her as she speaks about her life in California. A part of me feels like I should be angry with how happy she is, but the other part of me is full of joy to just be here together.

I’ve only seen her once or twice over the years, but our conversation flows easily from one topic to another. Soon we’re eating our main course and reminiscing about high school days. It’s been a week since Kristen entered my life again.

When will she leave again?

The little voice in my head can’t stop questioning her moves. Is this all just a friendly catch up before she abandons Kastle Harbor forever? But what about that kiss? It couldn’t have meant nothing. She returned it with such a fervor. It meant something to her.

I narrow my eyes at her, as she stares out the window, watching the ocean waves. I feel my jaw unclench. Kristen is stunning, amidst the ocean backdrop. Her halo-like hair highlighting her eyes. The shiny fabric of her dress is bunched up from her twisting to the side, her cleavage on display.

The waitress comes back with the dessert menu. Kristen looks it over with squinted eyes.

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