Page 40 of Kissing for Keeps
I put a bracing hand on his shoulder. “At least we’ll have your strawberries and walnuts to keep our energy up.”
“You sure you don’t want me to come?”
I hesitate for a second because, the truth is, Idowant Jack to come. That’s exactly why he can’t. I need some time away to re-center myself, to detox from his attractiveness and the way he makes me laugh.
“Positive,” I say, heading toward the door. “I’ll be back in an hour.”
Unlike the drive to the craft store in my hometown, which requires a stint in the insane freeway traffic, the drive in France passes by two clifftop chateaus and through three charming villages. No wonder Madi and Rémy want to live here.Iwant to live here. Maybe Iwillgive Philippe a shot. He’s a more viable option than Jack.
The craft store is inside a sort of indoor mini-mall, the mainstay of which is a large grocery store. The parking lot is below, and I hold my breath as I head under the clearance bar. No lifted trucks are getting in here, that’s for sure, but since I don’t hear any scraping as the van passes under, apparently this ugly but serviceable vehicle is safe.
Once again, the parking spaces seem like they were made for bikes rather than cars, and most of them are full, but I manage to find a free spot next to a Smart Car, making it easy to pull in.
“Take that, Jack,” I whisper with smug satisfaction as I pull the parking brake. I have to shimmy my way out of the car again, but this time, I do it with more grace. I’ve perfected the parking space shimmy. If only Jack was here to appreciate it.
My phone buzzes, and I tap the lock button on my keys, then slip them into my purse and check my phone.
Mom
How are things going, sweetie? Dad and I just booked our tickets! I think we’re the last ones. Unless Austin has changed his mind about coming.
Troy
I’ve got mine.
Tori
Me too!
Siena
Things are… going.
Can’t wait for you all to get here and see the venue
So I can put you to work!
*GIF of maniacal laughter*
Tori
Don’t you already have enough help from Jack? *sly-faced emoji*
Dad
Who’s Jack? Jack Allred?
Tori
The one and only
Troy
Wait, what? I thought you hated him, Siena.
I silently swear to subject Tori to the worst wedding tasks when she gets here.
Siena
