“What? She’s perfect for it.”
“Standing right here,” Lana says with a little wave. Ellison snickers as she presses a champagne flute filled with bubbly pink liquid into her hand. “Thanks.”
“My sister, Hannah, is booking those stranger photo sessions for the spring.” When Lana just blinks at him, he adds, “She owns Wandering Pages, the bookstore in Clementine Creek, but she does photography and she’s been obsessed with the idea.”
“Umm…” Lana hums as she looks at each of us and takes a swig of her drink.
“These two are taken,” he says, pointing to Ellison and Bea. “She won’t be here and even if she were, the sheriff would probably have somethin’ to say about that,” he says, pointing to me. “So if you’re single, she’ll match us with some eligible men.”
“The idea of dealing with a man right now seems like a nightmare,” Lana says, finishing her drink and handing it to Ellison who immediately refills it.
“Which is honestly why this is perfect,” Bea agrees. “I’ve seen those photo shoots and they’re flipping adorable—worst-case scenario is you have awkward first-date vibes and never talk to him again.”
“I’ll make sure my sister pairs you with someone hot,” Cal pleads.
“Fine,” she relents and much quicker than I anticipated. “But someone is going to have to dress me for this thing—I stopped trying to be sexy a long time ago.” Covering her face with her hands, she mumbles, “Sorry—that was an overshare.”
I’m not sure who moves first, but I watch as Bea, Ellison, and Cal all wrap Lana in a hug. “We’re totally keeping you,” Cal murmurs before waving at me. “Get in here—you’re not exempt just because you’re leaving us.”
Sighing, I let them engulf me in their arms, my head resting on Lana’s shoulder. “I got a call from my agent about my contract renewal. It’s everything I wanted—more than I asked for—but…”
“But you’re doubting every decision and you hate that you should be happy but you’re not,” Ellison supplies, and I nod because that’s exactly it.
“I think I can speak for everyone here when I say it’s all right if your dreams change,” Bea says quietly. Her tone is so different from her normal bubbly exuberance. Whispered agreement circles around us, and I have to blink back tears.
I’m not sure I’m ready for my dreams to change—for the game I’ve lived and breathed my entire life to be put on a shelf in exchange for something I’d never considered until coming here.
Clearing my throat, I step back and round the counter to make myself a Bloody Mary. “All right, let’s talk about car chases and attempted kidnapping and sex in boat houses while on the run.”
“It’s definitely my favorite Sloane Daniels book,” Bea says, clutching her chest. “I listened to the audio but then went straight to Wandering Pages to get the signed copy because…shelf trophy.”
“I’d never read her but now I’m already halfway through listening to her backlist and I’m obsessed. My son now stands outside the kitchen and asks if it’s safe to come in.” Lana grins. “He had the misfortune of catching an earful of Gabe and Eden’s romp in the shower.”
“I’m still Team Darian,” Ellison says in reference to the hero of Sloane’s prior release. “It’s a hill I’m ready to die on—that man is sex on a stick.”
“I’m telling Montana,” Cal teases but Ellison shrugs.
“He’ll agree. We listened to that one not long ago and now he’s addicted to audiobooks.”
“Archer would probably have a heart attack if he had any idea what I read.”
“You don’t tell him?” I ask skeptically.
“I love that man more than anything, but he would probably have a heart attack or die from embarrassment,” she says before her grin turns wolfish. “Doesn’t mean we don’t try out a few things every now and then.”
Ellison high-fives her and Lana sighs.
“I miss sex. I can’t even remember how long it’s been.”
“Oh see? You and Cal have lots to talk about,” Ellison quips and he elbows her.
“By. Choice,” he hisses, and Lana holds out her hand for a fist bump.
“Men are so much work. My son is twelve and my daughter is eight, and they’re enough to keep me busy between school and sports. But honestly, I’m too jaded and I don’t have the energy to be fun and sexy only to wind up with someone else who doesn’t appreciate me.” Lana winces. “Don’t kick me out—apparently now that I’m divorced, I have no filter.” She stares at her glass. “Such a mystery why I haven’t made any friends.”
Bea cackles. “We’re totally keeping you.”
My heart squeezes in my chest as I watch them. This is what I wanted—to give Lana a place to land. She’s a good fit, and I’m happy to have facilitated this today.
