Page 55 of Show Me How
“I don’t know what I’m expecting him to be like, honestly,” I say, setting my bottle down beside my chair.
“Imagine a grumpy lumberjack and then make him even grumpier.”
“So, you’re a grumpy/sunshine couple,” I note.
“You read romance novels?”
“They’re the only ones I read.”
Shelly beams at me, and I can’t help but laugh at her reaction. It’s so pure, and honestly, I think she’s the cutest woman I’ve ever met. There’s so much to her. More than there usually is to the ones I’m used to meeting back home.
“Have you been to the free little library that’s set up by the beach? It’s quite popular! There’s another one on the corner of the street beside Twice Treasured, as well. I’ve stocked them up pretty well over the last few months. You need to take a look through,” she rambles excitedly.
“I’ll stop by the one here on my way back to my cabin. I’ve only seen them on social media before.”
“Please do. And don’t forget to come by and tell me if you take a book, and which one. I have a list of my favourites, but it changes so quickly.”
I nod. “I haven’t read in a while, honestly. I’d like to get back into it.”
“This is only another sign that you’re in the right place, doll.”
There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s right.
16
SHADE
I’ve gotten usedto third-wheeling by now.
Bryce and Daisy are damn good friends, so if I’ve gotta watch them fawn over each other over a meal, then that’s what I’m going to do. They deserve the happiness they’ve found, and I’m counting down the days until they get hitched. It feels like they’ve been together forever already, considering how long Bryce was fawning over her before finally making a move.
“You don’t always have to drive out here to see me. I’m capable of heading your way,” I say as we approach the door to Maggie’s.
Bryce sends me a blank stare. “When you come to Cherry Peak, it’s like pulling teeth to get you to leave.”
“Ouch. You’re fucking brutal, Bryce. And I was just thinking about how excited I am to be the best man at your wedding, and you go in for a kill shot.”
“You’re not my best man.”
Daisy pokes Bryce in the side, shaking her head. “You know he’s been trying to claim that spot, Frosty. Be gentle.”
“Poppy would cut your eyes out if you took her place,” Bryce says with a tug of the door.
Sure, Bryce’s best friend from back home would probably be a bit upset to get snubbed from the spot, but I think I’m just as deserving as she is. I might not have known her for the same length of time that Poppy has, but we’re just as close. Plus, Poppy’s not mybiggestfan, and I’d love to keep thinking that’s because she feels threatened by me.
I push the door open the rest of the way and wait for the two of them to step inside before following. “She could try.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Daisy says, hanging back a bit so Bryce can’t hear.
“Thank you, baby girl.”
“You’re welcome. Between Bryce and I, we have more than enough room for all of our friends to stand beside us.”
“I’m just greedy and desperate.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but yes, you’re a bit greedy. We still love you, though.”
I flash a smile and let go of the door. It swings shut, and then I’m following the two of them to the booth Bryce always claims when she’s here?—
