“That’s why you bought me books.”This man is so thoughtful.I needed to figure out how not to mess things up so he would stick around.
“I know you like reading, and I took a guess that you might enjoy getting to do that among like-minded introverts, plus a token extrovert.” He grinned. “I’m sure you get tired of talking all day at work.”
I’d never felt so understood. Leaning in, I pressed a soft kiss to Amos’s lips. “Thank you for seeing me.”
“Hopefully the books I picked up aren’t shit.”
Laughing, I practically floated from the car, and as soon as we met in front of it, I grabbed his hand because this was a date, dammit, and we weren’t in Maplewood.
“From what I read in the reviews, this place has a strong cheese selection. Lots of local stuff on their charcuterie boards. Could be a good place for some networking.” He winked.
I chuckled. Amos was an idea machine. One minute, he was problem-solving logistics for delivering meals to those who couldn’t attend the Christmas Eve Community Dinner in person, and the next, he was hilariously spitballing menu ideas for a restaurant that only served pickles or dropping brilliant nuggets of how I could get Mystic Rind out in the community. It was one of themanythings I adored about him.
The wine bar door swung open and two laughing women exited. It took my brain a moment to process the familiar figure.
“Mom?” Amos and I asked in unison.
Mom spun in my direction, eyes wide in surprise, while Mrs. Flynn’s attention dropped to my and Amos’s joined hands. I immediately let go like a kid busted sneaking into the cookie jar, but I regretted it immediately because I wasn’t ashamed of being seen with Amos.
“What are you doing here?” I asked incredulously. Mom lived over in Burlington.
Mom and Mrs. Flynn locked eyes and a look passed between them.
“Let’s find somewhere to talk,” Mom said.
AMOS
I must’ve driven Mickey and myself through a portal into another dimension. That was the most logical explanation for how we’d ended up sitting across from our moms at a café with coffees quickly cooling between us.
The silence was oppressive. I clung to the warmth from Mickey’s thigh against mine and the press of our feet together to get me through.
“Are you going to tell us what’s going on?” Mickey’s tone was sharper than I’d ever heard, with accusation lacing his words.
Could I blame him? I was gobsmacked and, quite frankly, hurt, but Mickey had lived this Sparky’s versus Red’s feud day in, day out, his entire life. This had to be a new development because there was no way we would’ve been clueless about our moms being friendly. Though since Mickey’s mom, Carla, had never worked at Red’s, I guessed I hadn’t seen her around the events where Sparky’s and Red’s both had food booths.
“Beth and I have been friends for a long time,” Carla said gently.
“How long?” I asked.
“Years before you were born, sweetheart.” Mom reached over and covered my hand with hers.
Carla glanced at Mom. “We got to talking one day while in a waiting room at the doctor. We were each pregnant with Matty and Sage at the time.”
“Carla was the only person I could confide in about the diner and everything that comes with it,” Mom said.
I shot Mickey a look.
“So you’ve been secret friends for decades?”
Mickey’s wounded tone broke my heart. I wanted to wrap him in a hug.
“Yes,” Carla said plainly. “I don’t expect you to understand, but carrying the town’s expectations can be a burden.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” Mickey said harshly, then squeezed his eyes closed. “Sorry.”
“Honey, don’t be. I know this is a lot to take in.”
“Aren’t you tired of it?” I asked.
