I have on, which used to be a blanket and is now a fringe sweater. “You have an eye for this. You’re trendy while still being unique, and I think your pieces will really make us stand out this year. This place is a hodgepodge of local talent, and I want you to be a part of it.”
She squeezes my hands.
“Just think it over, okay? Even if you come to me at the last minute and decide you want in, I’ll make it happen. If you don’t want to, that’s fine too. I just had to put this out there since you’re on this kick of trying new things, like macking on your best friend.”
I smile when she winks.
“Thank you,” I tell her. “I’m really not sure I’m ready, but I promise to think it over.”
Her eyes spark with hope as she pushes off the counter. “It’s not a yes, but it’s not a definite no either, so I’ll take it.” She brushes her hands together. “My work here is done, then. I’m going to get back to poring over the inventory. I have to be out of here on time tonight or Dean said he’s going to storm the store and carry me out. Again.”
River has a bad habit of spending too much time at work, and though she’s gotten better about it since she started dating Dean, she still gets in these I need to do all the things and need to do them now modes. He’s always there to support her…and drag her back to reality, sometimes literally.
“I saw the look on your face when he hauled you over his shoulder. You totally liked it.”
“I do like it when he smacks my ass.” She bounces her brows up and down, grinning, and her eyes get that now familiar lovestruck haze in them as she starts to think about Dean.
With a giggle, probably because she’s thinking dirty thoughts, she practically skips to her office.
I let her offer simmer the rest of the afternoon.
I have pieces ready. Not a lot and they’re mostly just in my size, but the design is there and that’s always the hardest part. The festival is a month away. It’d take some work to make new pieces in varied sizes, but it’s doable. Not like I have a social life anyway.
River was right—I have been trying new things lately.
Like dating apps. Going out to a bar.
Kissing Cooper.
Maybe I’m finally ready to put my fears aside and try this too.
“You’re home early.”
Cooper sets the coffee pot back under the basket and rests his back against the counter, bringing the mug to his lips. I don’t know how he can drink coffee all day long like that and still sleep a full eight hours. He must be some sort of magician. It’s the only explanation I have.
I pull my crossbody purse off and hang it on the hooks we have near the door. “Yeah, River was dead set on getting out on time tonight. She was scared Dean would barge into the store and make a scene.”
I took the long way, needing to think, and I still walked in the door earlier than I usually do.
“Like that’s a real threat. She loves it when he does that.”
I laugh. “That’s what I said.”
“Man, those two are ridiculous. I really didn’t think they’d ever get their shit together.”
“Still can’t believe I lost fifty bucks in the building bet.”
“I can. I told you they were fucking.”
“Don’t say it like that—so crassly.”
“People fuck, Caroline. Well, except for you.” I flip him off, and he laughs. “Speaking of, guess that gives you more time to prep for your date now that you’re home early.” He lifts the cup to his mouth and takes a sip, not bothering to blow on the hot liquid like the psychopath he is. “You nervous?”
I shake my head, slipping my jacket off my shoulders and putting it over my purse. “No.”
“Really? Not even a little bit? It’s been a while since you’ve been on a date.”
“I’m not going.”
I’m not?
I pause for a brief second, surprised by my own words.
I’m not going. I’m canceling.
Somewhere between the store and home, I decided going out with Jason isn’t a smart idea. What if things are awful and it ruins my favorite bookstore? Can’t go risking my book obsession.
Right. Just keep telling yourself that’s the reason you’re not going.
“You’re not?” He pushes off the counter to his full height, going into protective mode. “What happened?”
I shrug, toeing off my flats.