has been an increase in sales through her website. I gather up a few sample packets from under the counter—a variety of lotions, creams, and body products—and stick two in each online package. That technique is proven to successfully help bring in additional revenue. Several customers have placed an additional order, just by the wonderful smelling lotion sample or eye cream sample they received.
“I’m going to walk these down to the post office,” she says when both boxes are sealed and ready to go. “Do you need anything?”
My stomach is still not right, and I’m sure a big part of it is there’s nothing in it. I still haven’t eaten today, my appetite completely gone since I left Samuel’s house. “Yeah, let me grab my wallet,” I tell her, turning to head for the office.
“Oh, stop it. I’ll buy. Just tell me what you want,” my bestie insists, like the amazing, selfless, big-hearted person she is.
I can’t help it, but tears prickle my eyes. I blink rapidly and avert my gaze, thankful that she doesn’t seem to notice. “I’d like some soothing tea. Maybe a chamomile or peppermint. My stomach’s a little squeamish today. Also, maybe a little soup? Whatever they have is fine,” I insist.
Harper just stares at me, but I refuse to give her anything but a quick smile to reassure her I’m okay. With the boxes in hand, she gives me one last look before she slips out the front door. I feel a sense of relief when she’s finally gone and not watching me, waiting for me to crack and tell her what’s going on. I’m not ready yet.
I get to work straightening up a display when I hear someone enter from the side, whistling a Patsy Cline tune. Latham gives me a wide grin and doesn’t even miss a beat of the song.
“Hey, Latham,” I say as he glances around, no doubt, looking for his wife. “Harper ran to the post office and café.”
He smiles the moment I say his wife’s name, and by some stroke of really bad luck, wetness seems to gather in my eyes once more. He’s so excited just by hearing her name and doesn’t even care he’s wearing the biggest, dopiest grin ever. “Damn, I was hoping to steal my afternoon kiss.”
“Well, you’re going to have to wait for her return. I don’t kiss married men,” I reply with a smile.
“And I don’t kiss a married woman besides my wife,” he adds, laughing.
My smile falters, and he notices instantly, standing up straight and tall. The casual man before me is replaced with something else, something edgier and more serious.
I try to brush off the concern I know is coming. “Anyway, I’ll send her over as soon as she gets back for that kiss.” I busy my hands again by straightening the stack of bras I’ve already tidied.
“Hey, Free? Is everything okay?” he asks, taking a step closer.
“Yeah, sure, fine. Why?” I ask, wishing I hadn’t asked that question.
He studies me for a few seconds before answering. “You just don’t look yourself, sweetie. You look…”
“Tired?” I ask with a snort. “I haven’t been sleeping well,” I add with a dismissive wave of my hand.
He takes another step closer, almost into my personal space. “Is everything okay with…you know?”
I blink several times. Is he referring to me and Samuel? I mean, I’m certain Harper told him about finding us in my hotel room, married, back in Vegas, but no one has ever really said anything about it.
When I don’t reply, he goes on. “Did you guys have a fight or something?”
I can’t stop my snort. “You could say that,” I mumble.
He shrugs and relaxes a little against one of the cabinets. “I’m sure you guys will figure it out.”
I glance down at my hand—at the rings on my finger. “I’m not so sure about that,” I whisper, grabbing the wedding band and spinning it around. “I’m sure Harper told you? About Vegas?”
He laughs. “No she didn’t.”
That gives me pause. When I look up I can tell he’s serious.
“Actually, Samuel told me.”
I gasp. “He did? When?”
“That night we had dinner at his mom’s place. I don’t think he really meant to tell us guys, but he just sort of blurted it out.”
“Wow,” I mumble, taking in this new revelation.
“Yeah, and when we got home that night, I might have mentioned it to Harper after swearing her to secrecy. Turns out, she already knew. At first, I was pissed she didn’t tell me, but