Page 56 of The Wedding Run
“Goodbye, Derek.” I click off my phone. It takes a minute to regain a calm demeanor. I roll my neck, lift my shoulders, and exhale slowly. Finally, I walk in Libby’s direction.
The closer I get, the more I realize Derek was right. Iaminterested in Libby, more than any other woman. I’m not worried about Derek’s threats or what he thinks he can do to my business, but I do worry about Libby. Is it too soon for her? Would she be rebounding? What does she need?
I’ll try once more to spark her interest in Derek as a test to see if she’s ready for another relationship.
“Everything okay?” she asks as I approach.
“Sure. Did you reach the photographer?”
She shakes her head. “I left another message. I looked at his website, which looks legit and very professional. I’m sure he’ll return my call soon. But I'll secure Charlie as backup.”
I motion toward the cabin. “Shall we?”
“Is Roxie all right?” she asks.
“Roxie?” Then I remember. “She’s fine.”
“Is this a hint you’re getting hungry?” she teases.
“Definitely.” I need to steer the conversation back to where it was. “What were we talking about before?”
“Oh,” she says, “families and businesses, and the pleasure in watching them grow. Like your town, your business, and even your garden. Don’t you feel that? Waking up the whole town of Storybrook with coffee?”
But I feel the burden of Derek’s request and my own uncertainty on my shoulders.
“What could be better than a great cup of coffee?” she says in a cheerful tone.
I stop midstride. “Did you say ‘great’?”
That lures a smile from her. “Of course, great. When you don’t have to make the coffee or do the clean-up, then it’s always great.”
“Hmm. You know,” I say, trying to incorporate Derek into the conversation when he is the last person I want to mention, “I bet someone else feels the same way about watching things grow and change. When Derek secures a property and transforms it into what it should have been, there must be great pleasure in that kind of success.”
Something in her expression shifts. The light in her eyes dims, and I feel a peculiar sense of hope.
CHAPTER 29
Libby
Why does Luke keep bringing up Derek and ruining everything? Can’t he let well enough alone? A niggling irritation tightens my stomach. It’s something to add to my list of ‘What not to like about Luke’: his incessant need to praise Derek.
Then I wonder whether Derek was the one who called Luke. It only confirms Luke’s loyalty as a friend, which I suppose isn’t a negative. However, I don’t view it as a positive either. I decide to turn the tables on Luke. I won’t flirt, as I’ve learned that is dangerous territory. But if Luke is going to praise Derek, then I’ll sing of Luke’s accomplishments.
We enter a small but cozy kitchen. All the appliances look new and shiny—clean. I should have known this since The Brew is always spotless. The kitchen leads into the open den, featuring a rock fireplace and a loveseat. Books fill the built-in bookcases. I notice a shelf of Stephen King novels, along with a wide assortment of paperbacks and hardbacks.
So far, I haven’t found anything to make me like Luke less, except for the Derek situation. And that’s more about Derek.
Luke rubs his hands together. “How can I assist you? Are you the type of chef who likes to do everything yourself? Or do you like help?”
I smile. “I’ll take all the help I can get.”
Soon, water boils on the stove, and pancetta sizzles in the pan. I hand Luke a fistful of dried pasta. “Break it in half and toss it in the water, please.”
“I’ve never seen pasta this thick,” he says, examining it.
“Are you strong enough to snap it in half?”
“Is that a challenge?”
