Here With You (A Laurel Heights Novel) - By Kate Perry Page 0,50

had said.

Did Grif need to be saved?

She shook her head. She couldn't think about this now—she needed to get ready for work.

Going through the motions, she showered and dressed, feeling less like she was run over by a truck. A couple ibuprofen and her red boots and she was ready to face the world.

Mostly.

She considered stopping at Grounds for Thought for a doubly-fortifying dose of caffeine and a chocolate croissant, but she didn't want to run into anyone and have to explain why her eyes were so bloodshot, so she went directly to work.

Thankfully, it was a typically slow morning. Grateful for Olivia's foresight in installing a chime to announce customers, Nicole went to lie down on the floor in the largest dressing room, knowing she'd hear if someone came in.

She was on the floor with her arm over her eyes when her phone rang. It was her mom, based on the ringtone. She jumped to answer it. "Mom?"

There was a pause. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Tears came to her eyes. "Did you talk to Mrs. Chase?"

"No, I was just calling to say hi, but I can hear it in your voice."

"Grif left." She pinched the bridge of her nose to keep the tears in.

"What happened? Did he finish his song?"

"We had an argument."

"Was it about the reports of his engagement in the papers?"

"You saw those?"

Her mother chuckled. "The entire world saw them. Lottie was upset about it. She must be the only mother in the world who wasn't looking forward to a supermodel daughter-in-law. She came over on a rampage."

Nicole cracked a smile at that. She could see it. "Remember the time Grif's seventh grade English teacher gave him a C on a creative essay for not following directions, and she went to school and ripped the teacher a new one?"

Her mom laughed. "She's protective of her boy. But even she's upset with him over this. I told her I didn't think the rumors were true. Grif wouldn't lead you on that way."

"The rumors aren't true right now, but they were a year ago." She pouted, feeling her heart wither. "Mom, do you think marriage is forever?"

"It depends on the people, sweetheart."

"For me?"

"Are you getting married and I didn't know it?"

"Not apparently."

"Nicole—" Her mom paused. "Nicole, I always thought you and Griffin would find your way to each other eventually. We were all surprised that you didn't date in high school. You two connect in a way that's rare. I don't really know what you two argued about, but just think about if it was worth a life without him."

"I've spent the past nine years without him."

"Yes, but he came back to you."

The door signaled someone coming in. Nicole sat up and heaved herself off the floor. "I've got a customer, Mom."

"Think about it, sweetheart. I love you."

"Love you, too," she said as she ended the call and stepped into the store. She'd expected to see a customer, but Bull stood at a table, holding up a crimson merrywidow.

"I need to find a woman to buy this for." Grinning, he held it up to himself, but then his grin faded into a frown and he lowered his hands. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "I didn't think I looked that bad."

"You do." He tossed the merrywidow on the table. "It doesn't help that it looks like a funeral home in here, with all the flowers."

"It's out of control, isn't it?" But part of her loved all the flowers Grif had sent her, especially now that Julie had stopped bringing them around.

Bull charged toward her. Anyone else might have been intimidated by his bulk coming at her like that, but Nicole knew he was a big softie. He stood before her, his hands on his hips, looking fierce. "I love Griffin Chase's music, but give me the word and I'll break all his fingers."

"You're sweet." She patted his chest reassuringly and got on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "It's okay though. It was a losing proposition anyway."

"Why?"

She blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Why was it a losing proposition?" He scowled. "Didn't you like him?"

"Stop looking at me like that." She frowned at him. "If that's the look you give your opponents, it's a wonder they don't pee their pants before you fight."

His eyes narrowed. "You're avoiding my question."

She threw her arms in the air. "Yes, I like him. Satisfied?"

"I'm not the one who looks like she went on a bender because someone stole her teddy bear," he retorted.

"My teddy bear walked away of