Page 33 of Everything Has Changed
Yes, my mind instantly yells.
“Or maybe,” I start sliding an inch closer to Gwen. Her eyes narrow at my movement before flicking up with an unamused expression. “The universe put us in this situation to make sure we gave these feelings a chance without wasting time.”
She doesn’t look like she believes me as her eyes roll.
“I’m not asking for forever, Gwen. I’m not crazy. You’re right. We don’t know each other. But you can’t tell me right now that what you are feeling building between us isn’t something worth exploring. Isn’t worth getting to know each other again to see if it’s real or one of your sister’s tropes.”
Her lips purse; deep in thought as she absorbs my words. I can almost see the wheels turning in her mind, see the exact moment she starts to agree in the softness of her eyes.
“You know I’m onto something,” I smirk.
“Don’t act so smug.”
Her sass has my smirk widening even more. “What do you say?”
With a deep breath, she turns to give me her full attention. “I say I know I’m right.” My shoulders deflate almost instantly at her admission. “But…”
I perk back up as she continues. “I also say I know I feel something else. Whether it’s just the situation we are in or if it’s real, however, I’m not sure. So let’s play it safe.”
Her hand shoots out in front of me. “Friends?”
Slowly, I grasp hers within mine while tingles dance across my skin at the contact. And though the word that leaves my mouth is an agreeing “Friends,”…
My mind is telling me there is no way in hell I can be just friends with Gwendolyn Prescott.
12
Gwendolyn
The bell over the front door chimes through the cafe.
“Be right with you!” I shout, hoping like hell that the stress in my voice isn’t noticeable. The couple that came in first thing half an hour ago gave a double take to my wide eyes, manic smile, and overly messy bun, so I am not too sure if I’m masking it well.
I’m leaning into the oven to grab the last tray of scones when the familiar timbre responds, “Take your time, Gwendolyn.”
The shock of hearing the mayor in my already frazzled state jolts through my body, making my hand fly up in an attempt to smooth down the flyaway I can see around my periphery. The only problem is I connect with the still very hot oven first.
“Son of a bitch,” I mutter as I cradle my hand to my chest.
“Is everything okay back there?”
“Yup! Yes! Sorry, just a second.” Taking a deep breath, I check out my distorted silhouette in the fridge door and pray I look less crazed as my reflection does. There was nothing I could do about it now as I make my way through the open kitchen door.
The early morning sun is filtering through the windows beautifully. Which is something I usually love about the cafe, but right now I just know it’s highlighting every flaw I’ve ever had in the last twenty-sixyears as I squint against the glare. All I can see is the shadow of a large man, plus someone much more feminine and smaller to his side.
Their voice gives them away before I can angle the sun behind the sunshade I half-pulled down earlier for this exact reason.
“Well, isn’t this a lovely sight? Gwendolyn, you could have at least brushed your hair this morning. Maybe put on a less wrinkly dress.”
Taking a long, deep breath, I silently beg my face to cooperate with a less-than-crazed smile plastered on my face.
“How lovely to see you two this morning,” I grit out to Mayor Spencer and Camila. “What can I get started for you?”
Camila scoffs. “My usual.”
Richard Spencer cuts a glare to his assistant before smiling back at me. Though it’s not one that I would classify as nice. No, instead it has me on edge wondering if this was more than just a casual visit. “I’ll take a black coffee, please, Gwendolyn.”
I start pouring the cup of regular drip for the Mayor first.
