Page 60 of Love Deep

Luckily we’re interrupted by our food arriving at our table.

“Will says you can have half a cat now, and if you eat everything, you can have another half of a cat. That work for you?”

Riley nods. “Thank you, Donna.”

“You’re welcome, honey. And I’ll just get the Oreo shakes.”

“You can share mine,” Fisher says to me.

Donna comes back and sets one shake in front of Riley and one between Fisher and me, and it has two straws in it. It’s like the entire town is trying to get me laid.

“Is Vivian making her album now?” Riley asks.

Fisher puts his finger over his lips. “Remember, it’s a big secret that she’s up there.”

“Oh no it’s not,” Donna returns with a jug of maple syrup and some whipped butter. “We all know Vivian Cross is up at the Club.”

Fisher’s mouth falls open. He looks stunned.

“Haven’t you learned that you can’t keep a secret in Star Falls?” she says, before heading off.

I laugh at Fisher’s expression. “I hadn’t heard it, if it helps. And the first person who would hear it is Donna. It doesn’t mean the entire town knows.”

“Oh god. I should inform her security team,” Fisher says.

“You really don’t need to. The people of Star Falls aren’t going to start stalking her and running up to the Colorado Club for autographs. They just like to know what’s going on. Especially at the Club. That way it feels more like part of the town.”

He shakes his head. And sends off a text.

I reach across the table and squeeze his hand. “Really, you don’t need to worry. I know just about everyone in this town. You don’t have anything to be concerned about.”

He holds my gaze for a beat, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. “You really love this place, don’t you?”

I smile. “Why wouldn’t I?” I glance across at Riley. “Got my sweet girl here and Galaxy Grill makes the best eggs in America.”

Star Falls has everything I need.

Well, almost everything.

TWENTY-ONE

Juniper

I’m wearing my best jeans and a blue sweater I got on sale last winter but haven’t worn. The sleeves are a little long, and suddenly I’m wondering whether I should have worn a dress or something. Grace Astor sounds like the name of a princess. She’ll definitely be wearing a dress. I don’t want her to think I’m being disrespectful.

I’ve agreed to meet Grace down here at the candy store. Fisher’s bringing her. She wanted to come to the studio. When I explained that most of my finished work has been bought by the Colorado Club, she said she wants me to give her a tour so I can walk her through the pieces up there. Apparently, Fisher’s squared that with the manager at the Club.

The door to my studio creaks, and I spin around to see a blonde woman in jeans and a white shirt enter. She’s wearing an ear-to-ear smile. Fisher follows her in, and we exchange a smile.

“Hi,” I say, stepping forward and offering her my hand. “My name’s Juniper French.” I glance at Fisher, and he smiles encouragingly.

“Grace Astor. How do you do?” She glances around the old candy store. “What a great idea to set up a studio in a store that’s closed.”

“I’ll have to move out if Mrs. Peters ever rents it. But it works.”

“I see that. The light is perfect here.”

“The skylights make a real difference.”