He senses my unease, but I continue to push forward. Being in public right now is my version of exposure therapy. I want to desensitize myself to the stares, and I’m done hiding.
While it’s only ten in the morning, Main Street is bustling with Sunday funday energy. It’s the last weekend before Halloween, and spooky excitement floats through the air.
Families head to the diner on the corner, and the line is wrapped around the block. Many tourists window-shop. Locals gather their groceries for the week because starting tomorrow, the sidewalks will be nearly impassable with people. Trust me, I once learned the hard way. So far, everything looks normal for this time of year.
Behind me, Brody is watching, wearing ago to helllook that makes Nick’s seem soft.
I keep my eyes forward, ignoring those who glance in my direction.
“It’s not too late to turn around,” he offers in my ear with his arm wrapped around me.
“I want a lavender latte,” I explain. “Time to rip off the bandage.”
“Stubborn girl,” he says with a chuckle. “But I’m proud of you. The quicker you stop giving a fuck what other people think about you and us, the better. They’re going to talk anyway.”
Brody chuckles behind us, and Nick mean-mugs him over his shoulder.
“Shut the hell up.”
“Asher was right. You’re whipped.”
Nick’s glare could cut glass, but I bite back a smile. If this is whipped, maybe I like him this way.
“Just like you are with Harper,” Nick tells him.
“Oh, I’m not denying that at all. I worship the ground Harp stands on,” Brody tells him as Nick opens the door for me.
The bell rings, and as soon as I enter, everyone says, “Jules.”
I feel special, like Norm onCheers. Instead of beer, I’m here for lavender lattes and to show the town I’m not backing down or hiding. I immediately grin.
As we move toward the register, Nick’s grip is tighter than usual. I can feel the tension radiating from him. He’s been on edge since we left the condo, and he eyes every person we pass like he’s ready to kick their ass.
“Breathe,” I whisper. “We’re just getting coffee.”
The two of us find our way to the back of the line, and Brody stands behind us. I glance around, noticing how the decorations have doubled since last week. I automatically know it’s Blaire’s doing. No way she’d let the fall decor sit in boxes through the season.
We step up to the register, and Blaire glances between us, grinning. “Wow, you two. My Goddess. You’re in love,love.”
I chuckle nervously. “What?”
“The look on your faces. I haven’t seen you in days, and it’s just … lightning in a bottle.”
Nick smirks. “Mmm. I think I’d like apumpkin spicelatte.”
I chuckle and chew on the corner of my lip. “And I’d like a lavender latte, extra sweet.”
He glances at me while pulling his wallet out. I lift my brows and grin. Love talk made him uncomfortable.
“Oh, and I’d like a large black coffee and a chocolate croissant,” Brody says behind us. “He’s paying for it.”
Blaire tilts her body so she can look past me. “Oh, hey, Brody. I didn’t realize you were here. Is Harper with you?”
“You two know each other?” I ask.
“Yeah, we met at Autumn’s wedding. Oh, and then I chatted with him and Harper at Zane’s party last month. Did you know he’s engaged to Harper? Zane’s little sister.”
“Yes,” I tell her.
