Page 7 of The Harborer
Shane gave the sky a dubious glance. “It’s cold, it’s getting dark, and it’s going to snow any minute now.”
Amy was about to remind him she lived only a few blocks away and had walked here to meet the delivery guy, when Hailey burst into the conversation. “Did I hear something about Amy needing a ride? I can take you, girlfriend.”
Amy mustered a smile for Shane. “Looks like I’m covered. Thank you. If you’ll excuse me.” She hurried to the bathroom before her frustrated tears could spill.Damn it!She hated letting her emotions show like that. Maybe he hadn’t noticed, but this was Shane. He didn’t miss much.
She studied her reflection in the mirror. “Get a grip,” she warned it. “Don’t let anyone see until your ducks are lined up in a neat little row.”
After splashing her face and patting it dry, she felt slightly more human. She pulled in and exhaled a bracing breath. Back in the kitchen, Hailey now leaned against the counter. “What’s going on, Aims?”
“W-why do you ask?”
Hailey’s brows furrowed with concern. “Don’t try to pull that with me. Iknowyou. Besides, Shane muttered something about Micky being an asswipe who wasn’t good enough for you when he left. I can’t say I disagree.”
Words Amy had fought to hold back burst from her. “I’m moving out. I’m leaving Micky.”
Chapter 3
Secrets
Saying the words outloud to her best friend clobbered Amy with two completely opposite emotions: relief and abject sorrow. This time, she couldn’t hold back the tears, and Hailey probably recognized she was about to spring a leak because she opened her arms and wordlessly beckoned Amy to her. Amy didn’t hesitate to run into her friend’s embrace and break down.
She had no idea how much time passed before the well finally ran dry. Recovering herself, she pulled back and brushed at Hailey’s shoulder where she’d sogged out her shirt. “I can’t believe I went and cried all over my best friend! I’ll get you a new shirt.”
Hailey glanced at the wet spot and let out a humorous snort. “It’s just my Miners work tee, Amy, and I’d rather have your tears on it than the beer that typically winds up there.” When Hailey wasn’t running her bookstore, she was usually workingbeside Noah at the Miners Tavern. Today, she sported sage green with the tavern’s logo and a very large wet spot.
“But I—”
“‘But I’ nothing. What are besties for if not to lend a shoulder? Mine is at your disposal anytime you need it. You’ve done the same for me. Besides, it’s not like you go around crying every day.”
“I don’t think I’veevercried in front of anyone in this town,” Amy sniffed. “Then again, I’m not leaving my boyfriend every day either.”
“Does he know?”
Amy shook her head. “No, and I’ve got to tell him before he hears about it from Winona at the Vogue Vault. I owe him that much at least.”
Hailey’s light brown brows crunched together. “How wouldsheknow?”
“Because I signed a lease for the apartment above her shop today. I dealt with her niece, but that niece is Germaine.”
“Ohhhh.”
“She promised not to say a word until I could tell Micky, but I’m not sure how soon I’ll get the chance.”
“Hmm … Yeah, with Germaine in the mix, you’re definitely living on borrowed time. That news is too hot, and she’s going to blow her lid and spill.”
Amy groaned. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, Hail. I only made up my mind today when I saw the place.”
“It’s okay. I get why you wanted to keep it to yourself. I gotta say I had a feeling something was up, though.”
Amy swiped a paper towel and blew her nose. “Can you stay for a bit?”
“Absolutely, as long as you pour me some of that coffee you made for Shane. It smells wonderful.”
“Because it’s French press, and yes, I can do that. He only had one cup.” Amy got a clean mug out of her cupboard.
“Wow, you went all out for our deputy, didn’t you?” Hailey teased.
Amy sent her a glare over her shoulder. “Would you stop? It was easier than firing up the machines.”
