Page 25 of Stolen Kisses
Chapter 6
“Morning muffins are going to keep me from fitting into my wedding dress next month,” Grace complained as she took another bite of her blueberry treat.
Krista looked at Abby. “Is she serious? She hasn’t gained a pound since graduation.”
“I have. I’ve gained ten.” Grace looked down at her slender body.
“And they’re all spread out perfectly,” Abby noted. “You’ll be a beautiful bride.”
“I’m glad you could join us this morning,” Grace told Abby.
Abby pulled her coffee to her with a yawn. “I’m getting sick of eating alone. I needed to meet up with you two before I started talking to myself. Although actually, I’m already to that point.”
“You could, I don’t know, find yourself a man to talk to,” Grace suggested. “Even Krista has finally moved on and found a date.”
Krista didn’t comment on the “move on” reference. Grace was talking about Noah. Krista could deny it all she wanted, but everyone seemed to know how she felt about him. “I’m actually canceling on Noah tonight for Wednesday Wings and going out with Chandler again.”
“Dr. Dale’s first name is Chandler?” Abby asked, biting into her bagel. Thick, white cream cheese squeezed out from the edges. “I will always associate that name withFriends. Chandler Bing.”
“What a crazy last name,” Grace said on a laugh. “I’m not sure I could ever marry a guy named Bing.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about that because you’re marrying a Sawyer,” Krista said.
“It’s a good last name,” Abby agreed. “That’s why I’m keeping it.”
“Well, that and you are still technically married to Sam,” Grace said. “Unless you’ve filed papers.”
Abby shook her head. “Not yet. It’s just a technicality, though. Sam and I are done. I’d rather be married to Chandler Bing.”
Grace snickered as she picked at her muffin. “Grace Sawyer has a really nice ring to it, doesn’t it? I’ve always secretly wanted to be a Sawyer.”
Abby shook her head. “It’s never been a secret.”
This was why Krista loved morning muffins. The conversation was usually light and random—wavering between favorite sitcom shows and last names—and it was exactly what she needed to start her day.
“What did Noah say when you canceled on him for tonight?” Grace asked.
“I haven’t exactly told him yet.”
“Well, serves him right for bringing that date of his to your sacred Wednesday Wings a couple weeks ago.” Grace shook her head. “This is a dose of his own medicine.”
“I’m not dumping him as my best friend. Chandler just has odd hours. If I want to have dinner with him, then I have to adjust my schedule. And I do want to have dinner with him,” Krista said decisively. “It’ll be good for me.”
“You sound like you’re trying to convince yourself of that,” Abby noted, one strawberry blond eyebrow raised. “Don’t you like him?”
Krista shrugged a shoulder and drank more coffee. “He’s all right. I mean, he’s really funny.” But not as funny as Noah. “And cute.” But not as cute as Noah. “He has relationship potential.” Which was exactly where Chandler and Noah differed. And Krista was ready for love, marriage, the whole kit and caboodle. She envied her friend Grace, even while she was absolutely thrilled for her.
Krista’s watch buzzed on her wrist. She groaned. “Time’s up. I have to head to the hospital. Can’t afford to be late because that promotion is mine when Karen leaves.”
“Attagirl,” Grace said, also standing. “I have to head in, too. The deliveries go out in an hour and I need to check with the drivers and make sure they know to stop at our newest customer’s restaurant.”
“All the best fish comes to The Landing first.” Abby pointed a finger. “I don’t have the reputation as the best seafood chef on the East Coast because I serve low-quality fish.”
“You definitely have an in with the Sawyers,” Grace said with a wink.
They waved their goodbyes in the parking lot and Krista headed to work. She pulled in at the same time that Chandler Dale was pulling in with his pristine white BMW.
“Fancy meeting you here,” he said with a wide smile. There were no swoon worthy dimples like Noah had when he grinned.
