Page 48 of Feel It All

“Ivy, you are the best,” I say while I stifle a yawn. “I love you guys.”

“We love you too,” Wyla whispers.

Chapter 14

Winry

Myalarmpoundsat6 in the morning, and we collectively groan.

“Ah, turn it off,” Waverley mumbles.

I roll over and scrounge for my phone. My head feels like it is going to explode with each blare of the alarm. I finally find it under the pile of pillows and shut it off.

“Ivy,” I give her a little shake, “we’ve got to get ready.”

“Mm, five more minutes,” She replies rolling away from me.

I begrudgingly climb out of the pile and head upstairs to shower and get ready. The hot water helps my headache a little, but I grab some medicine out of the cabinet and take it. I really hate being hungover, and I need to shake this if I am going to enjoy tonight with Graham.

Back downstairs, everyone is up moving around slowly. Ivy has changed her clothes but now sits on the couch with her eyes closed on the verge of falling back asleep. Waverley and Wyla are finishing folding the last blanket.

“Coffee, I need coffee.” Waverley collapses next to Ivy.

“Why don’t y’all come with us to help open up? I’ll pay you with coffee,” Ivy says.

“Deal,” Wav and Wyla respond together.

We all head over to Crossroads; I unlock the back, and we all wince when I hit the lights.

“I’ll get started on our coffees. Everyone want their usual?” Ivy asks.

“Yes,” we mutter in response.

“Thanks, Ives. Wav and Wyla, why don’t y’all hit the lights up front and turn on some music. Nothing provocative, and not too loud.” I rub my temples with my fingers. “I’ll help Ivy turn everything on back here, then I’ll be up there to count the register.”

“Aye, aye, captain,” Waverley gives me a salute and they head up to the front.

It takes us the whole half hour to get everything on and ready to go because we are moving at snail’s pace. I unlock the front door right at 7 and Ivy passes out our coffees.

“Oh, come to momma,” Waverley takes the cup and takes a big gulp with no regard for how hot it is. “Ah, it’s a good burn.”

We all chuckle lightly and sip our coffee. The front door chimes and we all wince again.

“No, no, turn that off,” Wyla cries.

I turn slowly to greet our customers because I think if I move too fast my head will explode. I scrounge up my best fake smile, but then it turns genuine when I am met with chestnut eyes.

“Morning, buttercup. How are you feeling?” Graham is still in his uniform, and even after being up all night working, he still looks perfect.

“Mm, better now.” I round the counter and let him wrap me in a hug. “What are you doing here?”

“Just wanted to see my girl before I crashed. You’re getting off early, right?”

“Yeah, I’ll leave here around 3 and I just need to pack then we can go. What are our plans for tonight?” I bite down on my lower lip. Thinking about a full weekend with Graham has me feeling better by the second.

“Well, you know, it occurred to me that I have been a terrible boyfriend and haven’t taken you on a proper date. So, tonight I thought would be perfect to wine and dine you,” he leans in closer and whispers, “but if you keep looking at me like that, we will never leave my bed.”

I swear I purr in response and give my best fuck me eyes.

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