Leah Blair

Contents

1. Gracie

2. Trevor

3. Gracie

4. Trevor

5. Gracie

6. Trevor

7. Gracie

8. Trevor

9. Gracie

10. Trevor

11. Gracie

12. Trevor

13. Gracie

14. Trevor

15. Gracie

16. Trevor

17. Gracie

18. Trevor

19. Gracie

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Gracie

The thud of books falling from the top shelf shocks me out of my gossip-filled conversation. I muffle a chuckle with a hand to my lips. “Whoops,” I say to my best friend Natalie, before rushing to the crumbling shelf.

“Hopefully the new owner will make changes to this place,” Natalie says as we pick up the books. “I’ve worked here almost my entire career. I’d hate to see it close.”

“Me too,” I agree with a sigh. Espresso Books has been my favorite place in Golden Bay since I was old enough to read. The building’s architecture was what originally drew me in. The perfect blend of wooden shelves and lovely art brought magic to the library.

The idea of a combined bookstore and café was amazing to me. I could spend days here with friends and get the adrenaline rush I need from a variety of coffee drinks.

The shop bell rings, and a customer waltzes in, interrupting my gossip. “Welcome to Espresso Books,” I chant as she smiles at me and then stares at the menu on our counter. “The usual?”

“Yes, Grace,” the lady answers, then goes to hunt for books.