Page 3 of Lila

“He has a round-ish face. Brown eyes. Messy brown hair that looks like he just crawled out of bed and not in a sexy way. He’s short for a man—5’6”—and has a beer belly. He only shaves his face once a month, if even. Trust me, you couldn’t miss him if you tried.”

“Uh, yeah. Sounds like someone who would stick out.” I cringe at the picture she paints of the apartment manager.

She leads me to an elevator and presses the down button. Once the doors open, we step inside and descend to the first floor. My eyes catch on a poster attached to the wall. Looking at it closer, I realize it’s a freakingmap. This apartment building is so big it needs a map! Silver Springs is freaking crazy.

The door slides open a moment later and we step out into the bustling first floor. Kids run around in bathing suits, climbing the playset in the middle of a wading pool on one side, parents resting in lounge chairs nearby. While people on the other side of the building swim in the huge pool or wait in line to ride down the slide.

Lav grabs my hand and drags me through the center of the chaos, weaving between guests enjoying a little indoor summer. We finally pass the front desk where a young man in his early twenties is checking in guests, and giving water-proof wristbands, and make it to the main doors. A doorman pulls open one of the heavy double doors and tips his head with a grin as we walk past.

“See ya later, Lavender,” he smirks, licking his lips as he looks my best friend up and down.

“That’s all you’ll be doing, Wendel,” she snarks with a roll of her purple eyes.

“Someone has an admirer,” I tease as we leave Wendel looking after us like a lost puppy. “Oh, holy shit balls!” I cry as the cold hits me, reminding me I’m not in Florida anymore.

“Oops! Forgot about that,” Lav grimaces as she digs through her purse until she pulls out some kind of small spray bottle. She takes the lid off and sprays both of us with a fine mist. I instantly feel warmer. “Summer Spritz,” she says like that’s all the explanation needed.

Chapter 3

Lila

Lavfiddleswithherphone and moments later a car pulls up in front of us. The front window rolls down and a guy calls from inside. “Mystic Transit. You call for a ride?”

“Yup!” Lav chirps before dragging me to the car and opening the back door. “Get in, Tootsie Pop.”

“You know I hate it when you call me that,” I grumble as I climb in.

“I know,” she laughs as she closes the door behind her.

“Where to, sweet thing?” the driver asks, looking at us in the rearview mirror.

“To Jewels, Orson! Lila here is new to town. I can’t think of a better place to show her first.”

“Sounds like a good place to start,” he agrees, pulling away from the curb and heading down the long driveway.

We pass houses, a park with some kind of fountain, and even a cemetery on our way to the center of town. The car finally stops in front of a cute little shop in the middle of downtown and we get out, saying goodbye to the driver.

The cobblestone sidewalk, cute trees, and potted flowers make me instantly love the place. There’s an old weathered sandwich board sign on the sidewalk advertising the store’s pumpkin spice lattes. The dark brown wood is chipped and the chalkboard looks worn and well-loved. The capital P, S, and L boast flourishes and the hand-drawn cup has whipped cream in white and orange chalk.

I’m not a fan of pumpkin spice, but the adorable sign makes me want to stop in and see what else they have.

“Welcome to Jewel’s Cafe,” Lav announces as I take in the shop. The bell over the door jingles as we enter and despite the redhead at the counter being busy texting someone, I decide I’ve never felt more comfortable and welcomed than in this cozy cafe.

“Hey, Minnie! This is my bestie, Lila. She’s new to town.”

“Hi, Lila.” She smiles broadly at me before glancing down at her phone as it buzzes in her hand. “Sorry about that. Wes is insisting Amber go to the hospital, and she’s texting me a play-by-play.”

“Hospital? Is she okay?”

“If you call being pregnant with triplets okay, then yes.” Minnie grins.

“Amber owns this place,” Lav adds. “Wes is her mate.”

Minnie smiles. “So, the usual, Lav?”

“Yup. I’ll have a gingerbread latte,” Lav says. She turns to me. “They’re amazing.”

“I can make it.” A cheerful voice comes from the back of the cafe and I watch as a heavily pregnant woman waddles toward us.

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