The Story Of Us - Teri Wilson Page 0,34

now, talking a mile a minute. There was no stopping her. Maybe he shouldn’t have been so quick to provide her with complimentary caffeine. “But because of where your store is located, some people—in Portland—think it would make a great place for some retail, space station-like mega development, forcing you to sell your life’s work. Is that right?”

Beth aimed a death glare straight at Sawyer. “It is not.”

Even the guy Sawyer had hired to man the espresso machine was beginning to regard him with skepticism.

“No.” Jamie’s expression turned sweet, innocent—overly so, as if butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. “It is not.”

Sawyer squirmed as all heads turned toward him. Now was the time for a rebuttal, but he couldn’t seem to come up with anything that would justify putting Beth out of business or making her move to a completely new location. How was he supposed to compete with things like scrapbooking and homemade Christmas decorations? They were even more homey than cinnamon.

“It’s not a space station,” he finally said, a weak defense at best.

Beth and Chuck exchanged a dubious glance.

“It’s not,” Sawyer muttered again.

But no one seemed to be listening to him anymore.

And that’s how it’s done.

Jamie flashed Sawyer her sauciest grin, spun around and headed back toward her library cart. She could feel his eyes on her the entire time, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of looking back. No way. She was perfectly content to let him stew over there, neck deep in hot chocolate and lattes.

He’d really thought he could turn on the charm and convince everyone he was just a ‘hometown boy’ who wanted the best for Waterford? The nerve! Jamie wasn’t about to let him get away with that, especially since he obviously didn’t have a clue anymore about what the business district represented to the community. Free drinks couldn’t replace history and tradition, any more than a dash of cinnamon could make up for fifteen years of absence. That was a lot to ask of a common household spice.

She couldn’t wait to give Lucy a blow-by-blow of the conversation they’d just had. Beth and Chuck had practically been eating out of Sawyer’s hand until she’d pointed out his hypocrisy. Another point scored for True Love!

But gloating was going to have to wait, because as she drew closer to the spot where Lucy was busy setting up True Love’s Fire and Ice booth, she realized she wasn’t the only one headed that way. As Lucy pushed the latticework backdrop into place, Rick sprinted toward her from the street corner.

“Lucy, let me help you with that.” He picked up one side of the backdrop and hauled it into place.

Red and pink silk roses were tucked into the open spaces of the lattice and a swag of greenery interwoven with baby’s breath and tiny pink flowers draped from one end of it to the other. Aunt Anita had helped Jamie put it together two years ago, and it still looked pristine. Lush and romantic, perfect for True Love’s booth.

“Thank you.” Lucy smiled up at Rick.

Jamie veered off-course and hid behind another vendor’s collapsed tent so as not to interrupt what she hoped was the moment that Rick would finally ask Lucy out on a date. Doubtful, if past history was an indication, but a girl could dream.

“Where’s Jamie?” Rick said.

“Jousting with her ex.” Lucy glanced toward Sawyer’s coffee cart, where a new trio of business owners had assembled around him. The man was relentless. Why couldn’t he just pack his bags and move on?

Jamie’s heart gave a tiny pang at the thought. Ugh, what was wrong with her?

“Sawyer has her going, huh?” Rick’s mouth curved into a lopsided grin.

Lucy placed a hand on one hip. “That and trying to save the store she’s loved since childhood and sunk her life’s savings into.”

Jamie couldn’t help smiling to herself. Lucy was firmly Team Jamie, as she should be.

“There.” Lucy tucked a fallen flower back in place, then turned away from the latticework to face Rick. “How do I look?”

She unbuttoned her practical trench coat to show Rick her new cashmere sweater—caramel-colored, with deep red hearts scattered all over it. Lucy had been with her when she’d bought it at a Valentine’s sale at a cute boutique in the business district a few days ago.

“The only answer is: gorgeous,” Rick said, as devoted as a golden retriever.

How could Lucy not see that he was head over heels in love with her? The mind reeled.

“Oh.” Lucy’s cheeks flushed