Page 78 of Making New Plans

And, like we’d been doing it every day for months, we executed our plan perfectly. Down to the shower from heaven and the stolen kisses while I checked guests in and out with a big, dopey smile on my face.

I’d also texted Sarah, after reading through a few of her messages.

Sarah: When are you coming home?

Sarah: How late is late to you, because I’m starting to wonder if I should send Wyatt out after you, and you know he’ll haul your ass out of there in his cruiser if he finds you asleep in your office again.

Sarah: Hello??

Me: Hey, sorry, ended up spending the night.

Sarah: With Hunter?

Me: No, Sarah, with Donny the pet yoga guy.

Sarah: Ooo, you’re sassy after you get some. Need clothes and toiletries?

Me: Yes, please! You’re the best!

Sarah: Okay, transitioning to the group text now…

I knew I’d gotten off the hook too easily when my phone blew up throughout the morning with group texts from Gina, Rose, and Sarah. Through a mixture of begging for details and crude yet congratulatory GIFs and emojis, they reveled in my news. Then they decided we needed to have girls’ night again and set about the arduous task of comparing schedules over text.

Rose had an engagement photography session that night, a boudoir session Thursday night, and an art show in the city over the weekend. Gina had to cover at Baciami for several dinner shifts and Dom had basketball practice Wednesday night. Sarah’s Sugar Shack was understaffed this week, and she’d hoped to go fishing with Carter at some point as well as attend a few committee meetings.

After much wrangling, we agreed on Wednesday night. Carter agreed to watch the Sugar Shack after Sarah promised to go fishing over the weekend. Gina got one of her cousins to take Dom to his basketball practice. And I made the covert decision to skip the Historical Society Committee meeting that night because I knew my mother would be there, ready to pounce. Besides, I usually used that meeting time to secretly pore over my planner anyway.

Plans made, I texted Hunter that he was free to go have lunch with Sal. He responded with a thumbs up and several things from last night that he would be thinking of on the walk over to Monty’s. I smiled and sent an equally explicit reply.

When I exited the text screen, I noticed I still hadn’t listened to the voicemail my mother had left this morning. My finger hovered over the Play button. But then I locked my phone and shoved it in my pants.

I couldn’t avoid her forever, but this thing with Hunter was so new and exciting and happy. And she’d ruin it for me. I refused to let that happen. Not yet. I could only hide for so long in a town this small, but if that’s what let me have my fantasy with Hunter, then hide I would.

28

Hunter

Call me ridiculous, but the sky looked bluer today, the sun shinier. Like going from HD to 4K. A new energy electrified the air. Or maybe it was just spring, and spring usually felt that way. Hell, who was I kidding? The lightness in my steps and my lingering smile were due to Chloe and the amazing night we’d had together.

A few people, Wyatt from his sheriff car and Rose out on a jog, waved to me as I walked to Monty’s and I waved back. Damn, I was in a good mood. This never happened. I knew from experience that not all sex was equal, and what had happened last night was not your everyday hookup after an app match and an awkward dinner.

My strides took me past the park, and I saw a few workers unhooking the slide, the new green one laying nearby. I grinned. Maybe I could persuade Chloe into going down that one with me as well.

When I pushed Monty’s door open and the bell tinkled, he looked up from behind the counter and called out an exuberant greeting. I returned it, sounding almost as jovial. He waved me over to where Sal sat, waiting for me.

Her crinkled eyes absorbed my smile and casual tee shirt and hoodie over the work pants and boots I planned to dirty up later. The wrinkles around her mouth deepened with a satisfied smile as I slid into the booth.

“Have a good night last night, Hunter?” she asked slyly.

I chuckled. “I don’t know how you figure this stuff out. But I don’t even care because, yes, I had the best night.”

“Ha! I knew it. The way you’ve been looking at her—you couldn’t resist those blue eyes forever.”

I laced my hands together over the plastic tabletop. “I don’t know who could, to be honest.”

Monty brought us ice waters. “The usual?” he asked.

I nodded, but Sal held up her hand before he could rush off. “Except put some extra whipped cream, strawberry compote, and chocolate chips on my pancakes.” She gave me a sideways glance. “We’re sharing them.”

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