by Susan Hatler
He nods. “Mom has told me a little bit about it. Congratulations.”
“I’ll save the acceptance until after the party.”
Grant looks at his watch. “I can’t imagine how Mom felt when they told her she was going to have surgery. It freaked me out.”
He doesn’t look freaked out. But then again, like I told Sonya, boys were different. “I’ve been praying and praying since she heard the news.”
“That’s cool. Although the prayers for my dad didn’t turn out for the best.”
I don’t respond. How could I? His dad passed away for unknown reasons during a routine surgery. The last time I saw Grant was at his father’s funeral. He had Peony with him, all dressed in black, rubies, red lipstick, spiky heels. She looked stiff and proper, not like a Peony at all.
Grant grabs his suitcase. “Enough of that. Can I grab you a coffee or something?”
“I can probably use some. Although something creamy and frothy would require leaving these premises.”
“Then hospital drudge it is. How are your parents doing?”
We exit the waiting area and head toward the cafeteria, his suitcase rolling down the hall with us. One of his wheels must be out of whack as there’s a thump every few seconds. “They’re good.”
“Their anniversary party is a surprise?”
“Yes.” I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to say the caterer I hired ran off with my money and I have no food, and your mom was my main assistant and now she’s out of the picture for that role.
It’s too much to think about.
“It’s cool the way you are launching your event planning business at the party. Smart move.”
Right now I’m not so sure. “I hope so.”
“You know you’re wearing two different shoes.”
“Yes.” Does Grant have me speechless or am I just exhausted?
We order our coffees. I pour countless sugars and creamers into my darker-than-night brew while Grant simply puts a lid on his.
“Let’s go back up and sit. I don’t want to miss the doctor.” He nods toward the hallway.
We walk to the waiting room, our silence broken only by the sound of that suitcase. I don’t know how I feel about Grant. He’s acting like we’ve never missed a beat since the sixth grade, but I don’t even know him.
The only things I know have come through his mom.
I’m not even asking about the possible engagement.
To a girl named Peony, no less.
A whole group of people vacate a corner section, and Grant and I grab two seats. It feels good to sit.
Grant scrolls through his phone as I blow into the small hole in the top of my lid, the coffee too hot to drink.
“How did you recognize me?” I speak the burning question into the universe. Then wish I hadn’t.
“Your lips.”
I blush many shades of pink, I’m sure. “Lips?”
“Yeah. Remember you kissed me in grade school? I’d know those lips anywhere.”
I sit straighter. “I didn’t kiss you, you kissed me.”
He sets his phone on his thigh. “No. You were the initiator. Chasing me all over the playground.”
Shaking my head I half-smile. “No. Not at all how it happened. New York must have erased your memory.”
He smiles, and I almost admit he’s right. “New York has done a lot of things, but erasing my memory isn’t one of them. Do you remember you were wearing two different shoes that day, too? One black, one brown.”
Faint recollections trickle into my mind. “Maybe. That was a long time ago.”
“Some things never change, apparently.” He nods toward my feet.
I need to change the subject. Maybe ask him about New York? But I really don’t want to hear about Peony. Not because I’m jealous, but because I’m not in that place in my life yet. I have girlfriends who are married or engaged, but my Prince Charming has eluded me so far.
And I’m fine with it.
I have a business to get off the ground.
And now Sonya to take care of. “I know your mom will be glad to see you. Her eyes lit up when she told me you were coming.”
“I can’t let her go through this alone. I wish I could have gotten here before they took her back.”
Worry etches his face.
I’m surprised at the effect this has on me.
This is Grant.
Who is about to be engaged if he already isn’t. Why don’t guys wear engagement rings? That only seems fair.
I reach for his hand, like I did his mom’s, but quickly pull it back. Holding Sonya’s hand is one thing, but Grant’s?
Not happening. “It’s all going to be okay.” I hope my words are reassuring.
“Can I ask why you are wearing two different shoes?”
“Sure, you can ask.”
“Oh, she’s a comedian, too.”
Our words are whispered, but I hear them loud and clear. “I was in a hurry to get to your mom.”
He nods. “I appreciate it.” He takes my hand in his. It’s comfortable, not awkward at all. “I appreciate you, Eden. Especially this last year. I feel like I’ve deserted her. I haven’t been around much.”
His ninth-hour confession is good for his soul, I imagine. I also imagine Sonya doesn’t think he deserted her. “Your mom knows you have a life to live. And it’s in New York. I know you call often.”
“Not often enough. Man, I hope she makes it through his. Where is the doctor?” His gaze flashes around the room, toward the entrance where doctors are making appearances, but always for someone else.
My hand is still trapped in Grant’s. I wonder what Peony would think if she saw this. And now that I’m thinking somewhat clearer, thanks to this awful coffee, I wonder why Peony didn’t come with Grant.
Dare I ask?
**** End of special SNEAK PEEK from Sweet Love of Mine by Lindi Peterson ****
Titles by Susan Hatler
The Wedding Whisperer Series
My Wedding Date
The Wedding Charm
The Wedding Match
The Wedding Bet
Kissed by the Bay Series
Every Little Kiss
The Perfect Kiss
Just One Kiss
The Sweetest Kiss
A Christmas Kiss
All About That Kiss
Better Date than Never Series
Love at First Date
Truth or Date
My Last Blind Date
Save the Date
A Twist of Date
License to Date
Driven to Date
Up to Date
Déjà Date
Date and Dash
Treasured Dreams Series
An Unexpected Date
An Unexpected Kiss
An Unexpected Love
An Unexpected Proposal
An Unexpected Wedding
An Unexpected Joy
An Unexpected Baby
Young Adult Novels
Shaken
See Me
The Crush Dilemma
About the author:
SUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan's books have been translated into German, Spanish, French and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.
You can reach Susan here:
Facebook: facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
Twitter: twitter.com/susanhatler
Website: www.susanhatler.com
Blog: susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog
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