Page 22 of Friends Don't Kiss

“You coming?” Willow says, taking me out of my contemplation as she holds the bright yellow front door open for me, the sweet and rich aroma of coffee calling to me.

Easy Monday is large, which allows for it to be way more than just a coffee shop. With its deep, comfy couches, it’s a place to stay a while and admire the art from local creators—paintings and some sculptures.

But my favorite thing about Easy’s is all the kissing books Millie has there. I’m talking rows and rows on wobbly bookshelves, and when the bookshelves overflow, stacks of romance novels spill onto the floor in haphazard towers. You can take a book or two home, as long as you bring it back.

“Kiara? Kiara?”

I focus my eyes to where the sweet voice is coming from. Millie is smiling at me, holding a paper cup. Somehow we made it to the front of the line and I’m supposed to place my order. “How can I make your day awesome, sweetheart?” she asks me. I frown at her. Shenevercalls me sweetheart. I must really look like shit.

While my muddy brain tries to come up with an answer, she suggests a Mystified Mocha.

“Yeah. That sounds right,” I answer.

She turns around to do whatever she needs to do that makes her coffee machine hiss like the sirens from hell. If that doesn’t bring the migraine back, I should be good for today. I flinch, waiting for the banging inside my head to resume.

It doesn’t.

“Heard you had quite an adventure yesterday?” Millie says over her shoulder.

I narrow my eyes on her. What is she talking about? Colton’s tongue sliding inside my mouth in the most delicious way is the only adventure my overloaded memory can produce right now. There’s no way in hell Millie already heard about that, is there?

She turns, grabs some stuff on the counter, pours it in my coffee, all the while glancing at me with a smile. “The egg bombing?” she says to jolt my memory to where her mind is.

The what now?

“It was all over Echoes last night,” she explains, referring to Emerald Creek’s social media platform.

Egg bombing?Is that what we’re calling it?

I suppose the “egg bombing” is a worthy concern, and it belongs alongside information about potholes that appeared overnight, Daisy the cow seen wandering again in the vicinity of Ms. Angela’s flower baskets, and Chris running a special on his croissants. Who am I to say it isn’t? I’m the only witness. And I did have a what-the-fuck reaction when I saw it happen.

“Yeah, it was… pretty shocking to see, if you ask me.” I grab my coffee and hand her my rumpled bills.

“On the house today,” she singsongs. “On account of being the only witness of thecrime,” she adds with dramatic effect. “Figured you’d need some comfort.”

“Hey, thanks.” I’m not going to say no to free coffee, especially one that’s more of a mystical experience than a hot drink to wake me up. I drop a dollar bill in her tip jar and follow Willow like a zombie, then plop on the couch nearest a stack of books. I start sifting through the pile for something I haven’t read already.

His Willing Captive.Read that one.

Stay With Me.That one too.

A Very Handsome Neighbor.That one was gooood.

His Secret Virgin.Oooh, haven’t read this one. I settle next to Willow on the couch we favor, kick my snow boots off, and tuck my feet under my butt. Then I take a long sip of coffee and start reading.

Before too long, Grace, Colton’s sister, comes and sits next to me. “Hey,” she says with a smile.

I look up from my book. “Hey.”

She nudges closer to me. “So back to Colton and your little… deception.”

I feel Willow perk up. “M-hm?” I say.

“Funny story. Dad is disappointed it isn’t true and Mom agrees with him, which is rare enough. Seems like there’s a Team Kiara within the Harper household.” With a chuckle she adds, “I swear I tried to tell them you want nothing to do with their son, but you know how they are.”

“Team Kiarasuggests there’s another team,” Willow interjects.

Grace blushes slightly. “Well, Valerie’s back in town.”

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