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“You said the magic word.” I grabbed my purse and got into her car.
“Want to go to our normal place?” she asked.
“Yes. Ineedtheir red eye right about now.”
“So, how is wedding planning going?” she asked as we pulled out of the driveway.
“I have a ring. It’s ... gorgeous.”
“I need a picture.”
I grabbed my phone and took it out. She gasped. “That’ssounfair. My first ring was so ugly.”
“It’s woodland themed. He picked it out. I didn’t even know I would like it.”
“Now that you mention it, I could see you with that style. That, and vintage.”
“You know me so well,” I said. “But you have a reason to. I have no idea how he guessed that one.”
“It could have been a lucky guess,” she replied. “It doesn’t have to mean anything.”
“It probably doesn’t,” I admitted quietly, trying to curb my disappointment. She raised an eyebrow at me, but thankfully, we were pulling into the coffee shop.
“Let me get my order of caffeine before you judge me,” I said.
“I’m not judging,” she replied. “I just have questions.”
The smell of coffee hit me as we walked in, and I wasted no time getting in line.
“I know what you’re thinking. I shouldn’t be putting too much stock in him knowing my style.”
“I’d think the same thing, but I also think your lines are getting crossed, which I know you don’t want.”
“I don’t,” I replied. “He’s just being sonice.This is what he was like when I talked to him in high school. He really seemed into me, and then Calvin came into the picture, and I realized what he was really after.”
“And right now, Calvin isn’t around.”
“Exactly. But you should see him when I mention my brother. His whole demeanor changes.”
“Remember that,” she said. “Especially once you’re walking down the aisle.”
“Who’s walking down the aisle?”
I jumped, realizing Lily and I were at the front of the line.
Riley was the manager and part owner of the shop. Despite her status, she often worked as a barista and helped out around the store. I liked her a lot, and I knew Lily did too. I’d talked to her ever since the shop opened, but as was my usual style, I kept her at arm’s length and knew more about her life than she did mine.
I stared, wondering if I should tell her about my impending fake nuptials. She looked so curious with her slight smile and raised eyebrow, and I knew I couldn’t lie to her.
“I am,” I said. “But it’s for money, not for love.”
Lily turned to me. “Wow, immediately giving out the truth.”
“I can’t lie to the woman who makes the best coffee in Nashville,” I hissed.
“Married for money, huh? Is this like the whole thing with Lily?”
“No,” both of us said at the same time.