Page 73 of Exes Don't

Understatement of the century.

“He’s into you, Rosie,” Poppy says, and Noli nods. “Trust us.”

I blow out a breath, my mind a tangled mess of what I want and what I should or shouldn’t want. What I deserve and don’t deserve. Nothing about this relationship—or potential relationship—with Anton will be easy. Then again, is anything worth having ever easy?

“We’re here for you. You know that, right?” Poppy grabs my wrist and gives it a quick squeeze. “If there’s something you want to talk about, you know where to find us.”

“Just because we’re partnered off doesn’t mean we don’t have time for you,” Noli adds.

My throat is tight with emotion. “I know,” I manage to croak out. “Thanks for saying it, though.”

Poppy and Noli give me hugs and say goodbye to Mia. I wave as they head out into what’s turned into a full-fledged blizzard.

The rest of the book club patrons take their leave shortly thereafter, and I get busy on my nightly checklist, tidying up the store and getting things back in order so we’re ready to open tomorrow.

“You want these chairs somewhere special?” Anton appears with a folding chair under each arm and two more in each hand.

“You don’t have to do that.” I shake my head. “I got it.”

“It’s not a big deal. I’m happy to help.”

Before I can answer, Mia joins us. She’s covering her mouth with her hand. “Rosie, I’m not feeling the greatest all of a sudden.”

“Oh no. What do you need?”

“My stomach is really off. I need to lie down. I hate to leave you with this mess.”

“It’s no problem. I’ve got—“

“Me.” Anton shoots me a triumphant grin. “I’ll stay and help her.”

I roll my eyes at him before turning my attention to my boss, who, even in the twinkling lights of the dimly lit bookstore, looks a bit green. “Are you okay to drive home?”

Mia shakes her head. “I called Patrick. He’s coming to get me. We’ll worry about getting my car sometime tomorrow.”

“Or later this week. I can cover the store if you want to rest.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine. Just need a good night’s sleep.” Mia offers me a faint smile and grabs her coat and bookbag from behind the counter.

Patrick’s truck appears through the front window a moment later, and I walk her out to him.

He hops out of the truck and circles the front of it. “Hey, babe. You okay?”

Mia leans into his hug. “I want our bed.” She presses a hand to her stomach. “I feel so sick.”

“Let’s get you home, then.” He helps her into her seat and closes the door. “Thanks for handling the shop, Rose.”

“Of course. Take care of her, and let me know if you need anything. I hope she recovers quickly.”

A look I can’t quite place passes over Patrick’s face, but then he smiles. “We will. Thanks again.”

I hurry back to the store as he pulls away from the curb. My breath catches as I take in the scene of the whole road. All the businesses lining Main Street are done up for the holidays, and the oversized trees beyond the buildings are wound with small glittery lights. They peek out over the top of the cityscape and provide a warm, festive backdrop.

I love this place. I didn’t set out to love it, but now that I do, the thought of leaving here for the foreign affairs job when I get promoted leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

I’m not sure how long I stand outside, lost in the maze of my own thoughts and feelings, when the door to Mood Reader opens inward, and Anton pops his head outside.

“Rose? What are you doing? You’re going to catch pneumonia out here.” He strides forward and grabs my hand, tugging me back inside.

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