Page 28 of Mine to Love

“Well then,” I pick up my glass and finish my scotch, “we’ll have to make sure she doesn’t find out.”

“Good luck with that, son.” Johnny shakes his head with another laugh. “Good luck with that.”

CHAPTER NINE

I didn’t realize how much I would miss Emerson until two weeks have passed without seeing her. The newlyweds will be gone for another eight days, driving across the country on their honeymoon and stopping at all the national parks.

“Slow for a Friday.” Amanda leans against the counter and nods toward the empty lobby. “People getting a jump on the weekend. Must be nice.”

“I can work your shift tomorrow if you want. I don’t have any plans.” Not with Emerson away. Heck, even if she was home, she’d be spending the day with her new husband.

“I couldn’t do that to you. It’s supposed to hit the mid-seventies. Pretty warm for May.”

“Seriously. I don’t mind.”

I’m not one to mope. Maybe Emerson getting hitched will be a kick in my pants to start up a new hobby. Or even look for another job. The credit union has been good to me, and I had planned on moving my way up so as not to get bored, but that doesn’t seem likely anymore.

Not with Logan Pierce coming in and screwing up my plans. At least I have my father to go home to. Yeah. I’ve become a single old maid who will end up living with her father forever. Granted, I’m there because he needs me, not because I’m afraid to venture out on my own.

“If you’re sure.” Amanda does a poor job hiding her grin.

“Go have fun with your family.”

“Oh my god. Thank you.” She claps her hands in excitement and bumps my elbow right as she picks up her coffee.

The warm liquid splashes the front of my white shirt.

“Shoot. Reese. I’m so sorry.” Amanda covers her face with her hands.

“It’s okay.” I look around for something to wipe up the mess. “I’m going to the break room to clean up. Think you can handle the crowd?” I’m not upset about the spill. It could be looked at as a metaphor of my life. No matter how nice I look on the outside, someone or something is going to come along and destroy what I’ve worked hard for.

Last month, it was my career. Today, it’s my outfit. Next, it’ll be... I don’t even want to think about it.

“I’m so sorry. What can I do?”

“Seriously. Don’t worry about it.” I squeeze Amanda’s shoulder and go to the break room to get a paper towel. I dab at my top, but it only makes it worse.

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