Page 69 of The Uncomplicated Café
“The call lasted all of five seconds, but he said, and I quote: ‘Kid, I like your style. And your script. Let’s make a movie.’”
“Jayce! That’s fantastic!” Her heart swelled with happiness. Maybe things would work out okay after all.
“Thanks. I owe it all to you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not the one who wrote the screenplay.”
“Sure, but I wouldn’t have written it without your tough love.”
Love. A few days ago, hearing that word on Jayce’s lips would’ve carried an entirely different context. But now, she knew it extended far beyond the confines of friendship. And it would only deepen over time.
“So, what’s the next step?” she asked before she got too lost in her daydreams about the future.
“He wants me to meet him at his office Monday morning to go over the details.”
“Oh.” Her euphoric mood instantly plummeted. “You’re going back to LA?”
“I have to. There’s a ton of stuff to sort out.”
“Sure. You’re a bigshot screenwriter now.” She attempted a smile, desperate to be happy for him regardless of what it meant for their fledgling relationship. She knew life wouldn’t be easy, despite their engagement. It wasn’t as if a ring would fix their geographical complications.
“Not a bigshot yet, but thanks for the vote of confidence.” He grinned. “I was referring to all the packing I have to do. Plus, deciding what to do with my place in LA and where I’m going to live next.”
“Wait.” Hope shot through her like a lightning bolt. “Does that mean—?” She didn’t dare finish her thought.
“What do you say, Future Mrs. Hunt? Want to go house shopping with me?”
“Here? In Blessings Bay?” Her heart nearly burst from excitement.
“I can write from anywhere. And there’s no place I’d rather be than right here, with you.” He looped his arms around her waist. “So, is that a yes to the house shopping? Or will Spock and I have to check out places on our own?”
She slid her arms around his neck, a smile on her lips. “It’s a yes,mi dawlin. A million times yes.”
Her sultry accent had the desired effect.
He claimed her mouth with his beneath the glittering marquis lights.
Not a platonic peck. Not playing pretend.
A deep, passionate, toe-curling kiss.
The kind of kiss that let her know, without a doubt, they were definitely, undeniably, irrefutably way more than friends.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
ABBY
Abby stoodbefore the full-length mirror in her bedroom, in awe of her reflection. And a little dazed. Before Logan, she never imagined she’d wear a wedding dress again, let alone one so close to perfection.
For her first wedding, Donnie’s mother had talked her into choosing an extravagant ballgown with a sweetheart neckline, corseted bodice, and a full, flouncy skirt that rivaled Cinderella’s. While she’d looked beautiful, she hadn’t felt like herself.
This time, she wore a vintage tea-length dress with a fit and flare cut in the most gorgeous white silk satin. She gave the skirt a little swish, loving the way the lightweight fabric swirled around her bare legs.
“You belong on the cover of a bridal magazine,” Nadia gushed.
“Maybe an issue printed in 1954,” Abby countered with a good-natured grin, although she appreciated the compliment.
“You look stunning, dear,” Verna murmured from over her shoulder. In the reflection, her motherly gaze glistened with unshed tears.
