I cross my fingers because well, yeah, I do.
Noli:It’s new, okay? We’re exploring a relationship now that he’s no longer my boss.
They don’t respond right away, and I start sweating. There’s a sinking feeling in my stomach that tells me I’m already terrible at this. I stare at my reflection in the blurry mirror. Heck, if I can’t get my sisters to believe me, who’s going to buy that a guy like Collin Rattler actually wants to date me? He’s all charm, swagger, and good looks. I’m a used-up nobody.
My phone vibrates, and I look down.
Poppy:Well, then. That’s that.
God bless Poppy. She’ll take my side even if I am acting crazy. She’s always been in my corner, and she always will be. I’m leaning hardcore into that belief because when she finds out the truth, she’s going to be so mad.
Poppy:I’mhappy for you two! We’ll have to do a double date. You and Collin and me and Mack! It’ll be so fun.
I laugh out loud in the quiet of The Downer because the idea of going out on a date with Collin Rattler is so bizarre I can’t even.
Rose:SO fun.
Poppy:Rosie, you could come too!
Rose:Hard pass.
Rose:I don’t need to watch you two shoot heart eyes at your respective men.
Little does Rose know the only thing I’ll be shooting at Collin is daggers.
Rose:I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my food for fear of puking.
Poppy:Puking at the cuteness maybe.
Rose:Thanks, but no thanks.
Noli:As fun as this has been, I’ve got to get ready for the day.
Poppy:Keep us posted, Noli. I’m so happy for you!
Rose:He’s a big step up. I’ll give you that.
My stomach rolls at her thinly veiled reference to Nelson. Collinisa step up. Even though I basically despise him, I do trust him not to take advantage of me. That’s more than I can say for my ex.
Rose:And he’s hot. So good for you, I guess.
Poppy:Yeah, Collin is a catch, that’s for sure! You’re both great. I’m so excited!
Noli:And we’re done with this conversation. Byeeeee.
I toss my phone on the counter, go through getting ready on autopilot, and make the quick drive from The Downer to the lower district, where the Getaway Café is located. Even at lunchtime, Main Street is glittering with illuminated Christmas lights and extravagant holiday displays. I find a parking space in front of Mood Reader. The large front window is filled with a Christmas tree fashioned out of all different sized books. It looks cozy and charming, and what I wouldn’t give to cut inside thebookshop and hang out with Rose during her shift rather than sit across the table from Collin and pretend to enjoy his presence.
There’s nothing for it, though. I’ve got to keep my eye on the big picture. Truthfully, I am motivated by one thing and one thing alone. Namely, if I date Collin, I can float the new relationship on social media, indirectly getting the message that I have moved on, loud and clear, down to Nelson. And then I can get on with living my life.
After this brief detour into Collin-land.
I blow out a breath and brace myself against the cold as I exit my car. I speed-walk toward the Getaway Café, and speak of the devil—there’s Collin.
He’s standing outside the door with a giant grin on his face, watching me approach.
“Magnolia, hey!” He holds up his hand and waves it back and forth in an overdone effort to flag me down—as if I could miss the man. He may as well be Rudolph’s red nose.
I glance over my shoulder to see how much attention he’s attracting. When I reach his side, I yank his hand down. “What are you doing?” I hiss.
