Page 98 of Finn Rhodes Forever

I laughed to myself, thinking about all the stupid antics that went on in this town. “That’s fair. Queen’s Cove can be a lot.”

I glanced around the bar at Dot sitting at a table full of regulars, making them laugh with stories from her life. At my dad talking about sports with his friends at another table. I thought about Miri shrieking at the sky as the plane with the banner flew overhead.

“If you get the job, you should take it,” I told her with a shrug and a smile. “The people in this town are special. They’re weird,” I added and she laughed, “but they’re special. You might like it here.”

She watched me for a moment with a small smile. “Thanks. I’ll think about it.”

* * *

The next hour passed quickly,and I stayed busy mixing drinks, keeping the bar clear, and chatting with regulars.

“Hi, sweetheart.”

My head whipped up from where I was restocking limes. Elizabeth leaned on the counter. The apples of her cheeks popped with her smile.

“Hi.” I swallowed, and my stomach clenched.

For years, I’d been dodging Elizabeth Rhodes. She’d ask if I wanted to get coffee to catch up and I’d shut her down. She’d compliment my hair or my outfit and I’d freeze her out. I had wanted nothing to do with Finn’s mom, who was so sweet and nice and warm. I’d admitted to Sadie once that it always felt like she held a candle for Finn and me, like she was waiting for us to get back together, and I couldn’t take the pressure.

“I won’t bother you.” Her hands came to her necklace as she took me in. Elizabeth had this funny way of looking at people like she was admiring them. It had always made me feel like shrinking into the background, but tonight I stood my ground. “I wanted to see if Finn was here.”

“He’s at the fire hall.”

“Oh.” She shrugged. “Okay, I’ll try to catch him tomorrow. Bye, honey.” She waved.

“Wait.”

She stopped and turned, eyebrows raised.

I chewed my lip. A strange, nervous energy flowed in my blood. “We have a new red,” I told her.

She blinked at me. “Oh.”

“Lambrusco. It’s sparkling, which is weird, but it’s good. My dad calls it trash wine, but it’s not. It’s good,” I repeated. “The bubbles are tiny. It’s fizzy and fun.”

She tilted her head, watching me with a funny smile like she thought I was cute but strange. She reminded me of Finn right now, amused and entertained by me.

For years when I ran into her, I always saw Finn’s impish, wicked smile, and I never wanted her to get her hopes up about me and Finn.

“You might like it.” I cleared my throat. “I’ll have a glass with you.”

She watched me for a long moment and I felt like I might crawl out of my skin under the intensity of her gaze, but she dropped her bag on a stool and hopped onto the one beside it.

“I’dlovea glass, honey. You know I love a weird wine.”

I snorted. “Yeah. I do.”

“So,” Elizabeth said as I poured her a glass. “I can’t wait for Sadie’s baby shower.”

I burst out laughing and we smiled at each other. “It’ll be memorable, I’m sure.”

While karaoke continued, I hung out behind the bar, chatting with Elizabeth while we drank wine and I mixed drinks for other customers. It was nice, being able to chat openly with her, and for once, I didn’t mind that she was holding out for Finn and me.

Elizabeth checked the time. “I should get home. I have book club in two days and I haven’t even started the book.”

She told me the title of the book and some of the plot, and my jaw was on the floor.

“Hannah and I had a romance book club,” Elizabeth explained, “and then we merged with Miri and Don’s book club. It’s easier that way.”

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