Page 107 of Off the Wall

I scoff. “Of course it is.”

“But what if it’s not?”

I blink at her like she started speaking Latin. “Landing a territory that focuses on kids was always the goal.” Even as I say this, my chest goes tight, and I think about Travis—and all the kids I’ll see on tables after I make this switch. “Yes, the job is hard, and the hours are insane, and I have no life outside the OR. And sure, I was happier playing ball.” I shift my weight. “But I still want to do some good in the world. And spine sales is the best way for me to do that now.”

Lauren tilts her head. “What if it’s not?”

“Ummm, you already asked me that.”

“Your niece is a kid.” She nods to indicate Tilly. “Or at least, she will be someday when she’s not a lump. What if there were other ways to do good in the world, and still be there for kids, and be happy again? Here?”

“Well, I already took the job in LA, so the point is moot,” I say. “And I’m not qualified for anything else.” Frustration pecks at my insides. “It’s too late, Lauren.”

Her brow quirks. “What if it’s not?”

“Great.” I throw up my hands. “Are you going to play this game all day?”

“I can play, too,” Cullen pipes up. “What if it turns out that being with Nori is what youreallywant? So what if you get over yourself and fight for her instead of walking away the minute things get tough? You say you want to be the best. What if you’re the best forher?”

My dad clears his throat. “What if you gave Nori the money to buy that tea shop?”

I bite back a laugh, even as my guts churn. My father’s been paying attention. But he’s missing a couple of important details. “I tried. Nori doesn’t want my help,” I say. “Or anybody’s. And it doesn’t matter because her boss is selling the place to someone else now.”

“What if she’s not?” my mother chimes in. “Ooh!” She claps her hands. “Thisisfun!”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, Mom. But Violet already promised Serendipi-Tea to Glen Cottage and his son.”

Cullen snorts. “Is Glen Cottage the real estate guy?”

“Yes.” I grunt. “And he’s buying the tea shop Nori wanted.”

Lauren clears her throat, and everyone turns.

“But what if he’s not?”

Chapter Forty-One

Nori

“Here you go, Mrs. Chamberlin.”

She peers out from under her floppy-brimmed sun hat, and I pass her a lavender latte. It’s in a to-go cup with my signature happy face. “And here’s a little something extra for you.” I hand over a paper bag with two cinnamon scones. “On the house.”

“Thank you, dear.” Her smile is wide. She remembered her dentures today. “You know you’re still my favorite.”

“Back at you,” I say.

Pearl Chamberlin has visited the shop almost daily for the past twelve years. And even if she does keep coming to Cottage and Coffee, I probably won’t take the job Glen’s son offered me. The truth is, I may never see Mrs. Chamberlin and her sunhat again.

She makes a move to leave, then turns back around. “I almost forgot.” She lifts a wrinkly finger. “Warren told me to tell you he has a girlfriend now.”

My stomach heaves. Even Warren Snuze has found love? Great. Under my breath, I say, “I hope they have a verymeatyrelationship.”

“What’s that?” She cups her ear. “Could you repeat that on my good side?”

“I said, ‘I hope I meet someone special soon, too.’”

“Oh, I’m sure you will, dear.” She hobbles away clutching her cup and her bag. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she warbles.

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