Page 36 of Pros Don't

“Gross. That’s my brother we’re talking about,” Aunt Jo says.

I shake my head, but I can’t help but smile. “Anyway…” I make it to the door of the café. “I wanted to check in, and—“

“Tell us you kissed Holland,” Jo interrupts. “We know.”

I frown at her through the screen. “I promise it’s no big deal.”

“Yet you felt the need to tell us, which makes me think you’re feeling something.” Jo props the phone up in front of them and crosses her arms.

“No feelings. I promise. Unless you count annoyance.” In the back of my mind, I register that Ihavebeen feeling something other than annoyance toward Holland. But I don’t want to dissect that right now. I need to keep my focus.

“I say lean into the feelings!” Mom shoves herself back into the screen. “Let yourself fall, Mal. Get yourself some stomach flutters.”

My mom isnothelping.

“I’ve got to go. I’m going to grab a coffee before I head back to the inn. Mom, did you fill out the online paperwork for your new therapist?”

My mom swishes her hand in front of her face. “Of course I did. I’m all set.”

“Good.” I nod. This whole thing is worth it, knowing that my mom is going to get the care she deserves and won’t be in financial ruin in the process. “Tell Dad I love him.”

“Will do. Love you, sweetheart.” My mom waves and leaves the picture.

Jo watches her over the camera and then pulls the phone to her face and leans in. “What’s going on, Mallory?”

“Nothing. I told you.”

She’s quiet as she assesses me through the phone. “He’s your paycheck. Your livelihood.”

“I know that.”

She nods slowly. “Guard your heart, okay? Based on what you’ve told me about Holland in the past, he’s not the type of guy you want to get messed up with.”

I nod. “I know. I’m fine. I promise.”

Jo twists her lips to the side but nods. “Call again soon, okay?”

“As soon as I can, I will.”

I pocket my phone after saying goodbye and pull open the door to Getaway Café. The coffee shop is adorable, and a woman with dark hair and dark eyes smiles at me from behind the counter. She does a double-take, and her smile widens. “Mallory, right?” She motions me over.

I hesitate before making my way to the counter. “Uh, yeah. Do I know you?”

She shakes her head. “Not yet. I’m Inez. I own the café here. I’m friends with the Kasper sisters. They told me all about you. I feel like we’re friends already.”

“We’re all rooting for you,” a voice calls out behind me, and I spin around to find a group sitting at a table. They wave in unison.

“Uh, thank you. I’m sorry. Who are you?”

“Mayor Witmore.” A middle-aged man wearing a Cashmere Cove yellow polo shirt and pressed khaki pants steps forward. “So glad to have you and Holland in town. And all the other women too, of course. But mostly you.”

He shakes my hand, and I am so confused. “I’m sorry. How do you know who I am?”

“Willow said she met you last night. I was in the library this morning, picking up my holds, and she was gushing. Said the sparks were flying, and Holland is already smitten.”

Pretty sure the only sparks Holland and I are giving off are the ones associated with dislike, but I can’t come right out and say that, now can I?

And is that even true anymore?

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