Page 99 of Marry Me

“I guess it is my fault for introducing you to this place.”

“It’s pretty hard to forget about.” Megan studied the room. “It’s a good escape to work or read.”

“You’ve been coming here to read.”

Megan nodded. “Only just recently.” She shrugged. “Better chance of running into you if I’m here more.”

Ally dropped her gaze to her drink and the pillowy hills of whipped cream on top. “You might have heard. I didn’t get married.”

“I did hear. I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “No, you’re not.”

“No.” At least she had the courage to admit it. “That wasn’t your life you were heading toward.”

“Interesting,” she said, which was impressive of her because what she really wanted to ask was why Megan had to ruin every good thing Allison had going for herself. The anger tightened around her heart like a vise. “Well, enjoy the rest of your workday. That’s a nice spot you’ve got for yourself.” She didn’t wait for a good-bye.

When she swung by Froman’s the following Monday after a leisurely weekend of doing absolutely nothing that took place off her couch, she was surprised to see Megan reading a book in one of the comfy chairs in the corner. It was Monday afternoon. Didn’t she have clients to meet with? Why was she all of sudden taking up residence at Ally’s favorite coffee shop?

“You’re stalking me,” she said to Megan, who seemed to finish thesentence she was on before looking up from her book. She smiled, and Allison felt it all the way to her fingertips. She planned to ignore that.

“I’m reading a book in a public place. Are you gonna stick around?”

She’d actually been planning to. “Yeah, just to unwind. I’ll sit over there,” she said and pointed to an open table currently being cleaned off by an employee. It offered enough space.

“Suit yourself, but there’s a perfectly good chair right here.” Megan pointed to the armchair next to hers, a small table at its armrest.

“This table is fine,” Allison said and headed to it. “Enjoy.”

Only, a couple of teenagers beat her to the spot, and she was left looking around for a place to sit like an idiot. This place really picked up in the late afternoon. She felt Megan’s gaze on her, tracking her plight. When she turned back, Megan silently gestured with one hand to the chair.

“Fine,” Allison said. “Desperate times and all.”

“You’re sitting here under protest, and it’s been noted for the record.”

“Yes,” she said, setting her things down, sipping from her straw, and feigning intense interest in her phone. Megan went back to her book, and dammit, she’d missed the title. As she mindlessly scrolled and people-watched in rotation, she became wildly aware of Megan’s favorite lotion. She wore it daily, and it took Ally right back to the days and nights they’d been inseparable.Happy, her heart added. When they’d been carefree, blissful, and eager for each new day together.

“What is it you’re reading, anyway?” she finally asked, hearing the annoyance in her voice.

Megan raised her head, and glanced at the front. “Just a little self-improvement.” She flashed the cover, a drawing of a woman with lots of little faces coming out of her head. “It’s calledFlight Risk. It’s about how our emotions influence the risks we’re willing to take in life.”

“Huh,” Allison said. “Interesting.”

“I figured I could always use a few tips. Sometimes I run away from things because I get scared.”

“Right,” she said, eyeing Megan suspiciously. Was this for real?

“Hey, how’s that little guy Levi doing?”

“He’s asking his friends about whether he should become a moviestar or not. Most have said no, but his parents have convinced him that there’s no other route for such a dashing young man. We’re working on how to stay humble.”

“Oh, he’s going to be a handful.”

“He is, until some girl gets ahold of him and sets him straight.”

“Or some boy.”

“Good point. He’s just a runaway train of charisma.” She caught herself smiling in the midst of her dishing. She’d forgotten to be angry, hurt, and unforgiving. She’d have to work harder. But it felt ridiculously good to just talk to Megan again about something as casual as work.

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