Page 22 of Forbidden Hearts
“You know, can’t complain, other than about freaking Cooperton. He is so rude and pushy.” Both Brynn and I tilt our heads to see Memphis sitting there, hat down low so you can’t see his eyes as he leans back. “He hates the food, hates me, and hates the town, but he still comes in every day.”
I shake my head. “He’s always been that way.”
He’s the town mystery. Rolled into Sugarloaf years ago, bought Ellie’s old farm, doesn’t talk to anyone, and is perpetually grumpy. I, for one, like him. He’s a man of few words, and in this world, that’s rare.
“He just needs a hug or maybe a kitten,” Brynn says.
“I dare you to hug him.” Magnolia gestures her arm that way.
“Tomorrow.”
We all chuckle, and Magnolia lifts her book. “All right. What can I get you?”
Brynn places a very large to-go order, and we catch up about the goings on in Sugarloaf. She is single, which I’m surprised by because she’s smart, funny, and incredibly pretty. She has strawberry blonde hair and the most stunning green eyes that guys gush over. On top of that, she’s just . . . nice.
“So, no dating?”
She shrugs. “I think you understand this better than most, but it’s hard to date in this town. Put aside the fact that I am a Whitlock, my brother is a cop, my other brother is a maniac, and Grady has access to missiles, the guys here either started dating their wives when we were eleven or moved away to greener pastures.”
Ain’t that the truth? “The intimidation thing I totally get.”
“It’s so damn annoying!” Brynn complains. “I did meet a guy a few months ago, and it was going well until he met Rowan. Then, suddenly, he wasn’t interested anymore.”
“Then that guy wasn’t worth your time!”
Brynn sighs. “I guess so, but the casualties of dating have left me battered.”
Don’t I know it. “Believe me, I feel you. My father ruined my prom, I ended up going alone after he threatened one of the boys who were going to ask. Jim spread the word that no one should ask the chief’s daughter, or they might get shot.”
She laughs softly. “So frustrating. But I’ve talked a lot about me, what’s new with you? Did you finish this semester early?”
Always about school. I should’ve just stayed in Iowa until the semester was over. It would’ve led to fewer questions.
“No, I was able to come back early.”
“Oh, well, that’s good. Did you decide what school you’re transferring to?”
“Not yet. I am applying to a few schools, but it kind of comes down to money.”
Brynn smiles. “I know that feeling. I’m going to school at night and working full time, but Syd is great and allows me time off for classes or anything education related.”
“What are you going for?”
“Philosophy.”
That word makes my chest ache. Immediately, I feel the anxiety start to build as I think about that class. Abouthimand his lies and the way I ate them up like Skittles, desperate for the next sugar high.
Brynlee snaps her fingers in my face. “Hello? You okay in there?”
I clear my throat and nod. “Yes, sorry. I just . . . spaced out. I woke up ridiculously early, and I guess it’s catching up with me.”
“I get it. I stay up studying and then fall asleep with my face in the book.”
“I know that all too well.” Magnolia brings a bag and places it on the table, and Brynn stands. “I should get these fries to Asher before they’re cold.”
I grin. “So, you’re buttering him up?”
“Absolutely.”
