Page 105 of Light My Fire Three Times
I nod, understanding far more than I want to. “I get it. It sucks. But what I said about the town… I mean it. Coyote Glen won’t let one ofusstruggle.”
“One of us.” Olivia smiles as she repeats me. “Sounds nice.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Olivia
DECEMBER 15TH
Ring,ring… Ring, ring… Ring, ring…
My fingers are so cold that it takes me a moment to grab my phone from underneath the coffee truck counter.
“Ivy?” I ask the moment I hit the answer button. “All okay?”
“Liv, she’s here.”
“Huh?” It takes a moment for my icy brain to catch up.
“Sloane is in town! Please meet us at the Coyote Cup ASAP. Like, right now. She’s here, and it’s time to get the ball rolling.”
My heart skips a beat. The fact that Sloane is here already, actually in Coyote Glen. This is happening faster than I thought. A small jolt of excitement courses through me, followed by the realization that this could really be the thing that changes everything.
“Right, I’m closing the truck for lunch now. I’ll be there soon.”
I exhale sharply, making a mental checklist of everything I need to do before I can leave. This could be huge.
As soon as the phone goes silent, I’m on autopilot, shutting down the coffee truck. My heart is hammering in anticipation. This could be the break I’ve been waiting for.
The cold air hits me again as I step out from behind the truck, but this time it feels like it’s clearing my head.
I’m moving fast. I can’t get to the Coyote Cup quick enough. Every step I take toward the café is a little quicker, a little more determined, and before I even realize it, I’m pulling open the door to the cozy, dimly lit space.
The scent of coffee and cinnamon greets me instantly, the warm ambiance contrasting with the chill of the mountain air.
And there they are. Ivy’s sitting at a corner table, her face lit up with that unmistakable energy she gets when she’s excited about something big. She waves me over, already grinning. And then there’s Sloane.
Sloane Katz.
The woman I’ve only heard about in Ivy’s college stories before now. The one Ivy issurecan turn this whole lawsuit situation on its head.
My first impression of her is immediate, and it’s a punch to the gut. She's striking. It’s not just that she’s beautiful, though she is, in a sharp, effortless way, but there’s something about the way she carries herself.
She holds her gaze. She knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s not just in control of the room, but the whole damn world.
Wow, she isamazing.
Her eyes are calculating, and there’s a quiet intensity about her. Her dark hair is cut in a sleek bob, and she’s dressed in a jacket that probably costs more than my entire wardrobe, though I’m not about to be intimidated by that. I’m not sure if I’m more nervous or impressed by her aura. Maybe a little of both.
She stands as I approach, and for a split second, I forget how to breathe. I stick out my hand awkwardly, trying to steady myself.
“Olivia,” I manage to say. “It’s great to meet you finally.”
Sloane’s handshake is firm but not overpowering, and her lips curl into a small smile while her piercing green eyes seem to shoot right through me.
“Nice to meet you, Olivia. Ivy’s told me a lot about you.” She sits back down and motions to the empty chair across from her. “I’m glad we finally get the chance to talk.”
I sit down, trying not to let my nerves show. Inside, my thoughts are racing. What do I even say? What do I ask? I should’ve prepared more, I should’ve…
