Page 33 of By the Book

“Ivy?”

“Hi!” her voice cuts through the noise, chipper and sweet. Then she pauses and I hear a muffled debate. “I was curious—why do I need to be at my store in the next few days?” she asks me, her voice clearly directed back into the phone. There’s something about it that doesn’t quite sound like her though. Is she drunk?

“What are you up to tonight?” I ask instead of answering her, reaching Hayden’s house and leaning against one of the front porch pillars.

“Oh, the girls thought I needed a night away from everything, we’re at a new wine bar in Fenbury.”

Something stirs within me. I want her to relax and enjoy herself. But I want to be a part of it.

“Good, you deserve some fun. What’s the plan after the wine bar?”

“Just home,” Ivy replies loudly, followed by a softer hush and giggle.

A thrill runs through me that she is wanting to talk to me and gossip about it with her friends tonight. Suddenly, I feel like I’m some high school kid again, hoping for any bit of her attention. But my brain reminds me that I’m an adult, and they are drinking far from Foxport. “How are you ladies getting home?”

“We’ll use a ride app; it’s how we got here.”

I check my watch. I’ve only had one beer so far tonight. And plenty of pizza. If I leave now, I could get them by the time they’re ready to leave.

“That’s ridiculous, I’ll come get you,” I tell her.

“No, Tripp, that’s not why I?—”

“I know you’re not asking. I’m offering. In fact, I’m insisting. What’s the name of the bar?”

“It’s, um… are you sure?”

“The name, Ivy.”

A soft sigh escapes her. “Vino on High. But it’s far, Tripp.”

“Then I’ll leave now. See you soon.”

Parking in front of the wine bar is nonexistent. I grab a spot a block down and send Ivy a message that I’m here whenever they are ready. I tap the steering wheel in rhythm to the SmashingPumpkins song playing and think about where I can grab food to wait rather than crashing their fun.

Ivy

We’re ready. But I don’t see you?

Tripp

I’ll be right in.

I grab my keys from the ignition and step out into the night. Crossing the street, it’s easy to spot the bar immediately. There’s a line forming out the door.

Prepared to push my way in, I freeze, catching a glimpse of Ivy through the window. She’s in yet another one of her tiny skirts, this time paired with sexy boots and a tight little top. I’m not going to survive this drive back.

She catches my eye through the window, and a breathtaking smile spreads across her face. Holding up a delicate finger, she signals for me to wait where I am. Then she turns to her friends, and they all rise.

“Hi,” Ivy offers shyly as they cross outside. She keeps her eyes down, fighting to get her coat on. Taking it from her, I hold it out and guide it onto her petite frame from behind.

“Hi,” I whisper, my arms still around her, my mouth near her ear. There’s freedom being away from town. It feels safe to be this intimate with her.

“Hi, Tripp!” Poppy chirps, a smirk on her face.

So not complete freedom then, I’d forgotten the strong ties to town witnessing this interaction.

“Ladies,” I nod to them, stepping to the side of Ivy. “Have a nice night?”

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