Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
I look like a girl.
“Okay, I’m meeting him at Three Sisters because I refused to let him pick me up at my grandma’s house and get the third degree from her. Plus, if he’s horrible, I can just leave.”
“Good plan. I like it. Stay safe, and call me if you need me.”
“Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow. Thanks.”
I hang up, frown at myself in the mirror, and then throw my hands up before hurrying to pull on the one and only pair of black dress shoes I own. They’re going to kill my feet, but at least they match my top and they aren’t heels.
I draw the line at heels.
After tossing my phone, wallet, and lip gloss into the tiny bag that Sarah loaned me, I walk out of the room I’ve lived in since I discovered mold in my rental last year and had to move out, and hurry down the stairs to find Grandma sitting in the living room watching Jeopardy.
“I’m headed out for the evening.”
“Be safe out there,” she says before looking over, but after a second, she turns to me, and her eyes just about bulge out of her skull. “Well, look at you.”
“It’s just an outfit.”
“No, that’s an outfit. You must have a date.”
“Yeah. I decided to look like a girl for it.”
“You’re so beautiful,” she says as her eyes fill with tears.
“Don’t cry.”
“I’m almost eighty years old. Don’t you tell me what to do.” She sniffles but then smiles. “Have a wonderful time, my dear.”
“I’ll try.” I lean over, kiss the top of her head, and then I’m off.
My truck could practically drive itself the short distance into the heart of downtown Huckleberry Bay, it’s made the trip so many times. When I pull into the parking lot of Three Sisters Kitchen, it isn’t too packed for a Friday night, and I easily find a spot.
“What am I doing?” I whisper, not ready to get out of the truck yet. I’m not good at dating, and they usually end up in disaster. Am I trying to wash Apollo out of my brain?
Maybe.
“Don’t be dumb. It’s one evening, and Eric seemed nice. Just go inside already.”
It wasn’t my best pep talk, but it does the trick because I unhook the seatbelt, step out of the truck, and lock the doors before walking inside.
“Well, hello, hottie.” Darla looks me up and down and then fans her face. With her being the third sister and part owner of Luna’s new inn, I’ve grown to know Darla well over the past year. She’s funny and hardworking. I really like her.
“Don’t make me punch you.”
Darla laughs. “You really do look great. I take it you’re meeting Mr. Eric? He said he was meeting a date here.”
I love the way all three Kinnard sisters have that soft southern drawl hanging in their voices. They moved here about six years ago from South Carolina, I think, and listening to them talk is always so soothing.
“I’m the date.”
“I’ll show you the way.”
I take a deep breath and then follow Darla through the dimly lit, busy restaurant to a table in the back where Eric’s waiting for me.
I met him at The Grind a few days ago, and he struck up a conversation with me while we waited for our coffee. The conversation was easy and fun, so when he asked me out, I accepted without really giving it much thought.
I’m glad I did. He’s tall, with dark blond hair, green eyes, and broad shoulders. His smile might be too perfect.
Honestly, now that I think about it, he looks like a Ken doll with scruff.
“Wow.” Eric stands and leans in to kiss my cheek. “You look fantastic.”
“Thanks.” This might be the most compliments on my looks that I’ve ever received in my life. Do I really look that bad on a daily basis? Because it’s getting almost insulting.
“What can I get you to drink, June?” Darla asks as I sit.
“Just water for me tonight, thanks.”
“Sure thing.” She fills my glass from a pitcher and then leaves me alone with Eric to peruse the menu. I haven’t been this nervous in a long time. “Have you been here before?”
“No, but I like the atmosphere. How about you?”
“Yeah.” I nod slowly and glance over the familiar menu before I set it aside, knowing what I’ll order. “I know you’re new to town, but you didn’t mention where you moved from. How long have you been here?”
“New York City, actually, but I’m not quite here full time yet.” The way he says that makes it seem like I should be impressed.
I’m not.
“This is very different from New York. What brought you here?”
“Work. I’ll admit that I’m not a small-town guy. I already miss the city.”
“I find it hard to believe that there are more job opportunities in Huckleberry Bay than in New York City.”