Page 38 of The Ruse of Romancing
“Well, doesn’t matter,” I said, thinking I might need to write a sticky note to Mason to clarify the situation, “I know what Mason looks like, and I definitely didn’t see him yesterday. No, my guy’s name is Allen and he’s,” I bit my lip not sure how exactly to describe Allen, “he’s kind of amazing.”
“Allen? Not on my list of sexy men’s names, but definitely better than Gary, my ex’s name. That really should have been the first sign.” She gave a small sigh, before reaching across the table to pat my hand. “But we’re not talking about me and past mistakes. Tell me about Allen! What does he look like? What did you two do after the beach? You have to remember I’m an oldlady whose son has the social skills of a tomato. I need to get my romantic excitement somewhere!”
I wasn’t exactly sure what a tomato’s social skills looked like, but I wasn’t going to ask. I’d met Spencer and could acknowledge he wasn’t the smoothest individual, and he did tend to turn red when speaking. Though he’d been nice and would likely make some woman a very loyal, kind partner someday.
“Have you tried reading? I’ve heard it’s full of romantic excitement, especially if you pick the right book.” I shot back, straight faced. “There’s this one called something about pomegranates and curses that I’ve heard is really good.”
“Ha ha. Nice try! Now give me all of the details before I cut off your coffee and pastry supply.”
“Okay, no need to be hasty,” I said with a laugh, trying to decide where to begin. As I summarized my day, Joane leaned an elbow on the table, her chin in her hand, a slightly dreamy look on her face.
“That right there is better than what you find in romance books because it’s real.” She gave a big, satisfied smile before glancing at the clock on the wall and pushing to her feet. “Guess it’s time to get back to work.”
She took two steps before turning back.
“What did you say your man’s name was again? If he’s from the area, chances are good I know him.”
“He’s not local. He’s just visiting his grandparents. His name is Allen, Allen Bradley.”
“Allen Bradley,” Joane said, mulling over the name before shaking her head. “Can’t say that I’ve met him. You’ll have to bring him to the bakery so I can vet him for you.”
It was only much later, after I’d taken a break from writing to visit the restroom that Joane’s words registered. The first time we met, Allen had mentioned loving the bakery and visitingit multiple times. With Joane being as friendly as she was, it surprised me she didn’t know him.
Pushing away the thought, I finished washing my hands and headed back to my table to keep working. I was reading too much into it. Joane couldn’t possibly remember everyone who walked through the bakery doors, even if they visited regularly during the summers.
But maybe I’d take her up on her offer of vetting Allen. It never hurt to get a second opinion from an unbiased party, though I was pretty sure Joane would like Allen just as much as I did.
Chapter 21
Mason
Icouldn’tstopmyselffrom whistling as I parked my car and headed to the bakery. I’d spent the morning getting Dani’s internet fixed and squeezing in a home workout. After all the progress I’d made with Dani yesterday, I was in a great mood. I was biding my time before I texted her, not wanting to come across as too eager, but also wanting to let her know I’d had a wonderful time the day before. That’s what friends did, right? Though a part of me felt like we’d skipped right past the friend stage into some undefined territory I wasn’t quite sure how to navigate.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had so much fun exploring local haunts.
It had probably been with Rebecca.
I pushed the thought away. I didn’t think about Rebecca. She was a mistake from my first summer in Oregon, nothing more. I’d learned my lesson and moved on. She had no place ruining my perfect day.
Deciding I needed coffee and one of Joane’s sandwiches, I headed to the bakery. Just as I was about to open the door, a familiar figure caught my eye, and I froze. Dani sat in one corner of the restaurant, typing away furiously on a laptop. I stopped to appreciate her expression of complete focus, her eyebrows pinched together slightly and her lips moving as if she was mouthing the words to herself as she wrote.
Shaking myself out of my surprise, I quickly ducked behind the building before she could spot me. I couldn’t risk someone from town, particularly Joane or Spencer, blowing my cover and revealing I was not, in fact, Allen. Especially not now when things were going so well.
Considering my options, I hurried away, hoping Dani wouldn’t spot me as I crossed back in front of the bakery window to the bookstore. I’d come to town to show Spencer the concepts for his commission anyway. I’d arrived with time to spare, intending to grab an early lunch at the bakery before our meeting, but it looked like food would have to wait. I couldn’t risk Dani finding out the truth, not yet at least. I needed more time to gain her trust and then I’d tell her my real name. Probably.
At the bookstore, it took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim light as the chime for the door rang.
“Welcome to Seabreeze Reads! How can I help—” Spencer broke off as he caught sight of me. “You’re early. Or did I mix up the time?”
Spencer glanced down at his watch, his lips pursed in confusion as he muttered something to himself about forgetfulness and schedules.
“I’m early.” I rushed to reassure him. “The line at the bakery was too long,” a white lie I hoped Joane would forgive me for, “so I thought I’d come over and see if you could meet now.”
Spencer studied me for a moment before shrugging and waving me back to his office.
“We can meet now. I just might have to step away if there are any customers. My employee isn’t here yet to man the cash register.”
“That’s fine,” I said, following him to the office and settling into one of the desk chairs he kept in the small space. As I sat back, I couldn’t help remembering the last time I’d been in this room. And while I was happy to spend time with my best friend, I kind of wished I was in this room with Dani again talking about the publishing world or her latest project or her love of cheese. Really anything if it meant I got to be with her again.
