Page 118 of Almost Love

Mack narrowed his eyes. “And what did Oakley say?”

He opened his mouth to respond, to tell Mack that hedidlove Clementine. Except, she chose that moment to return with a tray of drinks. One of his favorite smiles lit up her face and Oakley swooned.

“Why does everyone look so serious?”

“I asked Oakley if he lo—” Indigo started, swallowing the rest of their words as Oakley’s eyes widened. Rolling their eyes, the kid continued. “I asked when he got Gracie, he said it was a long story.”

Oakley closed his eyes and exhaled loudly as Clementine snorted. He felt her lips on his cheek and smiled, realizing that maybe he should have let Indigo ask him the question in front of her.

CHAPTER 32

After the visit to the shop with Oakley, she was a hundred percent certain that it was the future home for Pretty Baked. Between the way he envisioned the space and built on her ideas, it told Clementine that she was doing the right thing. And every time he saidwe, her heart would tumble and dance, because wasn’t that what everyone wanted the person they loved to say?

He was the best surprise of her entire life.

Two days later, she put in an offer for the shop. Even though the price she offered was a lot lower than what was requested by the owner, they managed to negotiate it down to a good deal. Now the real work began. Which included measuring spaces and putting in orders for supplies. But mostly putting Mack in front of the wall and telling him to paint a mural. Only when Oakley mentioned art did she realize that it was the best place for her to promote her best friend.

Now, a week before the Spring Food Fling—the name still bothered her because why would you want to talk about flinging food?—she had taken the day off to visit the shop for the first time as the new owner. It was the most excited she’d ever been and for a change, Mack was the one being grumpy. She took apicture outside the main door and sent it to Oakley, then took pictures of the interior to share with her family.

Clementine

Guess who is finally expanding?

Camden

That looks like a place where porn is filmed.

Mama

I have so many questions for you, son.

Camden

None of the answers will comfort you.

Dad

Can’t wait to see what you’ll do with the space.

Clementine

*sends picture of Mack frowning*

Enlisted this fool to paint me a mural.

Mama

Give that boy my love.

Camden

He’s a grown ass man with a kid of his own.

Mama

He’s still a boy to me.

Dad

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