Page 61 of Reuniting with Lucy

They glanced at each other and finally acquiesced. “I wouldn’t say anything,” Lizzie said. “I can keep a secret from her.”

“Uh-huh. Name one,” Daisy said, putting on her coat. “You two read each other’s minds. In fact, maybe you should stay away from her for the next few days.”

“That’s actually not a bad idea,” Lizzie mumbled.

He and Kate stayed and hashed out the do-ability of his plan. She loved his idea. “It’s Saturday, but since real estate agents don’t understand what weekends are, I’ll start right away.” She picked up the phone, dialed, and waited. “Voicemail,” she muttered.

“Brooke,” she said after waiting a second. “I’ve got some serious business to take care of. As soon as you get this, clear my schedule.”

The dramatic way in which she said it made Jack laugh. “Are you always this efficient?”

Adam entered the room and chuckled at Jack’s comment. “You have no idea,” he said, putting his arms around Kate’s waist from behind. “If you need something done though, you’ve found your gal.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Today was the grand opening of The Drip 2.0. Lucy couldn’t believe what had become of the shabby, broken-down space. Two months ago, it was just studs and cement. Jack and his crew had worked hard to make her dream a reality. They’d debated waiting to open until after the new year, but the employees were ready, and the shop was beautiful, so they’d decided there was no reason to wait.

Too bad Jack wouldn’t be here to soak up the compliments. He’d done a fantastic job. Everything turned out exactly as she’d pictured it. Long dark counters, rustic wood flooring, a soothing light green paint on the walls, and her framed quotes! They stole the show. One read “You’ve got this,” and seemed apropos right now. She smiled and touched her stomach.

Ironically, the smell of coffee was making her queasy. She’d been fighting nausea all morning, and the mere thought of a sip had her stomach roiling.

“Hey, Lucy,” Kenny said, coming up behind her with an ear-to-ear grin. “Doesn’t everything look amazing?” He was always so positive and cheerful.

“Yes,” she said. “Jack and his team did a wonderful job.”

“Have you seen your office? Come on. I’ll show you.” He grabbed her arm and gave a gentle tug.

She had, but she let him drag her to the back. The office was twice the size of her old one. Because she planned to work mainly out of this location, and knew she’d be spending a lot of time in here, she’d designed it to be cozy and functional. Once the baby news came out, she’d move the furniture around to accommodate a crib.

After her conversation with Jack, she’d had a private talk with Kenny to tell him the baby thing was top secret until she told her family. He’d sworn himself to secrecy, and she trusted him. Since the fainting episode, he’d been treating her like a fragile China doll, which was sweet but unnecessary.

He escorted her back to the front of the shop and asked if he could pour her a coffee. Her stomach was still in no mood, so she politely declined, saying she’d get some later.

She checked on the Three Amigos, who sat in the booth she’d designed specifically for them. When she asked which Drip they intended to hang out in, they told her wherever she was going to be, they would be. Their spot was a circular booth in the corner, which gave them all a view of the entrance.

“All right,” she said. “Now no one has to have their back to the door. So no more arguing over who sits where.”

“This is perfect,” Gene said. “Thanks for thinking of us.”

“Here, here,” Walter said, raising his mug.

“Yeah, you’re the bes—” Archie started, then caught sight of Nana and forgot all about Lucy. “Audrey, over here.” He waved frantically. “I saved you a seat.”

Lucy laughed. “Oh, I see how it is,” she said. “I thought I was your favorite Parker.”

“Hello, sweetheart,” Nana said. She side-hugged Lucy and then sat with the three. “Gentlemen.”

“You’re a very close second, Lucy,” Walter said with a teasing grin and a wink.

“Veryclose,” Gene said. Lucy shook her head and walked away, chuckling.

Kate and Adam entered, and Lucy went to greet them. “Hey, guys,” she said. “Thanks for coming.”

“Wouldn’t have missed it.” Kate had an excited, secretive glimmer about her. Probably the pregnancy glow.

“Never gonna turn down free coffee,” Adam said.

“You’ve been getting free coffee since you and Kate got engaged,” Lucy said.

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