Page 94 of Liam
CHAPTER27
“What do you think?” Courtney asked, stepping back, paintbrush in hand.
Nylah’s lips stretched into a smile “It’s soothing. I love it. And I think your customers will, too.”
Courtney had chosen a beautiful sage green for the walls, which really brought the coffee shop to life. They’d already finished the first coat on one wall, and between the four women, she was sure it wouldn’t take them long to finish the next.
Jason and Cody were here too. Because of the newspaper blocking the windows, they were alternating who guarded the front of the shop. Right now, it was Jason, which meant Cody had the great fortune of painting with them.
Nylah was glad she was here. It was taking her mind off the fact that Liam was at Blue Halo with a few of the other guys. It was almost closing time, and though they’d been waiting anxiously all day, Callum still hadn’t received a response email from this group.
Violet nodded. “Nylah’s right. It’s beautiful. Good choice, Courtney. You have an eye for color. Imagine how good this place will look after the rest of the walls are done.”
“And of course, my painting’s the best,” Cody said, always one to inject humor into a situation. She shook her head, a smile on her face.
Eleanor just nodded, her own small smile not quite reaching her eyes. As if sensing her mood, Violet inched closer to Eleanor, slipping her fingers into her friend’s. “You okay?”
Eleanor shook her head like she was trying to pull herself out of a trance. “Sorry, I’ve been a bit of a downer tonight, haven’t I?”
“No,” Courtney said quickly. “Absolutely not. We’re glad you’re here. We’re all running a bit low on energy, though, since we haven’t eaten all night. You know what we need? That cider and pizza I promised.”
Nylah’s stomach growled at the thought. “I wouldn’t say no to that.”
Cody scoffed. “When do youeversay no to pizza?”
She whacked him on the shoulder.
Courtney just laughed before pulling her phone from her pocket. “Done.” Then she stepped into the back room to call the pizza place.
Nylah dipped her brush in the paint and looked at Eleanor. “Have they set a date for Pierce’s funeral?”
Eleanor swallowed. “I’m not sure. His family lives in Utah, so they want it there. Maybe next week. They haven’t kept me in the loop much. They didn’t even know we were dating. We were so new, Pierce hadn’t told them yet.”
“I’m sorry.”
“When we know a date and time, we’ll be there,” Violet promised.
Courtney returned to the room. “Done. I’ll go pick up the pizza.”
Nylah frowned. “They can’t deliver?”
“Nope. I asked. Two of his guys are sick, so he can’t offer delivery tonight. But it’s fine. I’ll go. I just need to convince my big, broody protector to let me go get our sustenance. You guys okay if I pop out?”
“Uh, yeah, if you’re returning with pizza,” Violet said sarcastically.
Courtney laughed and left to talk to Jason just as Nylah’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She tugged it out to see Liam’s name.
Liam: Almost finishing time. I’ll come straight to The Grind after. You okay?
Nylah: Don’t stress. Cody and Jason are here. We’re all doing great. Stay safe.
She pushed her phone back into her pocket just as Violet clapped her hands. “I’ll get the cider.”
Nylah chuckled. The woman had wanted to crack into the cider the moment they’d all arrived but had promised Courtney she’d wait. Nylah was more a wine girl, but she wouldn’t turn down a cold hard cider.
Violet disappeared into the back room while Nylah and Eleanor resumed their work.
“Painting’s actually kind of therapeutic,” Eleanor said quietly. “Maybe I’ll ask my landlord if we can paint the apartment.”
