Page 50 of The Breakup Broker

"No, you don't." Ivy pushed another latte toward me. "Now, besides the clearly epic sex, what else happened?"

I traced the rim of my cup, remembering. "He was ... different. More open. He told me about fighting his father at the board meeting and about trying to protect River Bend. About wanting to make things right."

"That sounds promising," Maddy said.

"And terrifying." I slumped back. "What if I trust him again and it all falls apart? What if?—"

"What if you spend the rest of your life wondering what might have been?" Ivy cut in.

"Look, we were there five years ago. We watched you piece yourself back together. But Sav, maybe it's time to stop running the breakup business and let yourself believe in happy endings again."

"Says the professional bridesmaid," I muttered.

"Exactly! I see true love every day. And the way Henry always looked at you? That was the real deal."

"Plus," Maddy added, "even though I'm not fully in Camp Henry yet, I’ve gotta admit ... when it was good, it sounded really good." She shrugged. "And good isn't easy to come by."

"Good isn't enough," I said, though my voice wavered. "Not after everything that happened."

"Sure," Ivy agreed. "But maybe good could be the start of something better—if you're not too stubborn to give it a chance."

I thought about how he'd held me last night like I was something precious he'd found again. "Maybe."

"Only one way to find out," Maddysing-songed.

"By not running away before he wakes up?" I sighed.

"Exactly!"

I glanced at my phone. "I should probably head back."

"To face the music?" Ivy grinned.

"To face my mother, who saw his car outside all night."

They winced in sympathy.

"Could be worse," Maddy offered. "Remember when my mom caught me and Jake Morrison making out in the wine cellar?"

"Wasn't that how you learned Gloria keeps a Super Soaker behind the bar?" Ivy asked.

"Why do you think I'm still single? Trauma like that leaves scars."

Laughing, I stood to leave. "Thanks, guys—for everything."

"That's what we're here for." Ivy hugged me tight. "Now go get your man."

"And maybe grab a romance novel on your way up," Maddy called after me. "For inspiration!"

The bell chimed behind me as I stepped into the morning sunshine. River Bend was energetic, the streets humming with the usual morning crowd. I squared my shoulders and returned to the bookstore, doing my best to ignore the glint of amusement in Mrs. Patterson's eyes as I passed.

Mom was helping a customer when I slipped in, but she still caught my eye with a look that said we'll talk later. I grabbed a romance novel from the new releases display—something about a second chance with a billionaire because apparently the universe has a sense of humor—and headed upstairs.

My apartment was quiet when I opened the door. Tooquiet. My heart sank as I realized Henry must have left. But there, on the kitchen counter, was a note.

I had to run to a meeting, but last night was perfect. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? I promise to earn back all the trust you're willing to give me.

Henry

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