Page 32 of The Story of Us
She couldn’t wait to give Lucy a blow-by-blow of the conversation they’d just had. Beth and Chuck had practically been eating out of Sawyer’s hand until she’d pointed out his hypocrisy. Another point scored for True Love!
But gloating was going to have to wait, because as she drew closer to the spot where Lucy was busy setting up True Love’s Fire and Ice booth, she realized she wasn’t the only one headed that way. As Lucy pushed the latticework backdrop into place, Rick sprinted toward her from the street corner.
“Lucy, let me help you with that.” He picked up one side of the backdrop and hauled it into place.
Red and pink silk roses were tucked into the open spaces of the lattice and a swag of greenery interwoven with baby’s breath and tiny pink flowers draped from one end of it to the other. Aunt Anita had helped Jamie put it together two years ago, and it still looked pristine. Lush and romantic, perfect for True Love’s booth.
“Thank you.” Lucy smiled up at Rick.
Jamie veered off-course and hid behind another vendor’s collapsed tent so as not to interrupt what shehopedwas the moment that Rick would finally ask Lucy out on a date. Doubtful, if past history was an indication, but a girl could dream.
“Where’s Jamie?” Rick said.
“Jousting with her ex.” Lucy glanced toward Sawyer’s coffee cart, where a new trio of business owners had assembled around him. The man was relentless. Why couldn’t he just pack his bags and move on?
Jamie’s heart gave a tiny pang at the thought. Ugh, what was wrong with her?
“Sawyer has her going, huh?” Rick’s mouth curved into a lopsided grin.
Lucy placed a hand on one hip. “That and trying to save the store she’s loved since childhood and sunk her life’s savings into.”
Jamie couldn’t help smiling to herself. Lucy was firmly Team Jamie, as she should be.
“There.” Lucy tucked a fallen flower back in place, then turned away from the latticework to face Rick. “How do I look?”
She unbuttoned her practical trench coat to show Rick her new cashmere sweater—caramel-colored, with deep red hearts scattered all over it. Lucy had been with her when she’d bought it at a Valentine’s sale at a cute boutique in the business district a few days ago.
“The only answer is: gorgeous,” Rick said, as devoted as a golden retriever.
How could Lucynotsee that he was head over heels in love with her? The mind reeled.
“Oh.” Lucy’s cheeks flushed pink as she re-fastened the buttons of her coat. “Aren’t you sweet?”
Jamie held her breath. It was the perfect opening for Rick to tell her how he felt.Come on,doit.
He cocked his head. “Why do you ask?”
Uh-oh.
“Quentin’s stopping by.” Lucy beamed as she unloaded a stack of books from the cart.
“Sweater Guy?” Rick said, with a heavy dose of sarcasm.
Oh, Rick.Jamie shook her head. Green-with-envy wasn’t his best color.
Lucy’s face fell. “It’s February, Rick. People wear sweaters.Youhave sweaters.”
“Yeah. But I make it look cool.” He flashed her another grin, showcasing his perfect boyish dimples. Sometimes Jamie forgot Rick had been known around Waterford as a lady killer, since any time he was within a one-mile radius of Lucy, he instantly became a lovesick mess. “So, um, do you like this Quentin guy? I mean, did you have that ‘wow’ moment you talk about?”
Lucy blinked, visibly taken aback. Clearly there’d been nowow. “I don’t know if I’d call it ‘wow.’ But he’s nice…and handsome.”
“Uh-huh. But no ‘wow.’”
“No. I haven’t had many of those.” Lucy’s flush was suddenly back. “Only one, actually.”
This was news to Jamie. As many times as she and Lucy had discussed her dating life, she’d never mentioned having an actual, bona fidewowmoment.
Could it have been Rick? Possibly, given the way he and Lucy were suddenly regarding one another. Something unspoken passed between them. Jamie could sense it, even from her hiding place. It felt like magic.
