Once Upon a Date - Susan Hatler Page 0,38
readers love that kind of thing, so it’s all good.”
I could feel my face flaming as I recalled his smile. How could he say my idea of romance was far-fetched when we’d literally lived the pages and fallen in love? Or so I’d thought. If Brooks had really fallen in love with me, he’d have been right behind me, cheering me on like a partner, not criticizing me like an editor.
“A date in a broom closet would have worked for us, Michelle. We are meant to be.”
“Clearly not,” I muttered as I slammed the book shut, giving up on reading. After all, if Brooks and I were meant to be then we’d be together right now. I couldn’t get my head around the way he’d changed in a split second.
“Hey, if you don’t want the book, just put it back on the shelf. You don’t have to slam it around!” came a familiar male voice.
I jumped, and turned around. “Brooks. . . What are you doing here?”
His presence seemed to fill the entire room. “You see me in a bookstore and you’re surprised?”
I shrugged. “Good point. But . . . this is our bookstore.”
He raised one eyebrow. “Our bookstore?”
My face heated. “I mean, there are bookstores closer to your place, that’s all.”
He perched on the arm of one of the chairs and smiled, pushing his glasses up his nose and raking his hand through his hair. “But I like this one.”
I nodded. “So how’s—”
“I saw Courtney—”
We’d both spoken at the same time, which made me start to laugh. Then I remembered there was nothing to smile about right now.
“I’m sorry, you go first,” he said.
I smiled, despite myself. “I was just going to ask how work is going.”
He nodded. “Fine . . . good. I saw Courtney this morning.”
“Me, too. Had a delicious brownie from her,” I said, and then threw my gaze at the ceiling. “This is lame. We’re talking like two strangers, not people who’ve known each other for years.”
He moved from the arm to the seat and sat down. “Just so you know, you’ll never be a stranger to me, Michelle.”
I took a deep breath. “Brooks, I’ve decided to take Jodi up on her offer. I’ve got a meeting with her to go over the contract, but the bottom line is she’s willing to publish the book exactly how it is.”
Brooks smiled the biggest smile I’d ever seen. “That’s fantastic news, Michelle.”
I wasn’t sure what reaction I’d expected, but excitement wasn’t it.
“Congratulations.” He looked at his watch and then stood. “Look, I’ve got to run but . . . I’m really happy for you.”
As I watched his retreating back, I couldn’t help but feel hurt that he didn’t seem even slightly disappointed that we wouldn’t be working together. Maybe he was just moving on, which meant I should do the same. If only my heart would cooperate.
Chapter Fifteen
I arrived at the soccer field with my hair and make-up done, hoping it would make me look better than I felt.
Missy gave me the once over and whistled. “You make me feel on the plain side, Michelle.”
I gave her a half smile. “Well, you never know who you’re going to bump into at a recreational soccer game.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Still haven’t heard from Brooks, huh?”
I shook my head. “Nope.”
She turned around and picked up a tray of cups filled with orange juice. “Well, now that you’re here you can help hand out drinks to the players at half time.” She nodded to the players on the field, including Krista, who would be coming off in a few minutes for their half-time break.
“Why are you handing out orange juice?” I asked.
She shrugged. “Apparently Krista signed up to bring drinks today and forgot. I owed her one, or, you know, like thirty, so I offered to swing by the store. And voila.”
I smiled. “I’m happy to help.”
“You’re a good friend—” Missy ducked as a soccer ball sailed over her head, but she managed to keep the tray of drinks she’d just poured upright.
“Impressive,” I said, trying to be more upbeat for my friend, especially on this sunny day at the park. Unfortunately, I was feeling particularly down in the dumps. “At least Krista is in the game. Seems like all I ever do is sit on the sidelines and watch.”
One of the subs turned around and faced me. “You don’t have to just watch. We’re always looking for more players to join the team. It’s great exercise.”
“Oh, thanks . .