Page 140 of November

India laughed and said, “I’ll be there withyoursweater on.”

Maisie held on to India’s arms and added, “And nights after a day of you teaching me how to ski, where we sit by a fire and drink hot chocolate.”

“Can I still have wine, andyouhave the hot chocolate? The place we’re going has this really amazing 1932–”

“Yes, babe. Hold on. Did you say 1932?” Maisie turned around. “How expensive is that bottle?”

“More than eight hundred,” India answered. “Which is why I’d only order it for this very special occasion.”

“What special occasion? Watching me fall on my ass all day?” Maisie chuckled.

“Our first trip together,” India said.

“Hey, you two,” Finley said, walking up with a beer in her hand.

“Hey, Fin,” India replied.

“Hey. We haven’t met yet,” Bridgette said, walking up to them and holding out her hand for Maisie to take. “I’m Bridgette. This is my fiancée, Monica.” Bridgette motioned to Monica, who walked up beside her.

“Nice to meet you, Maisie,” Monica said. “And nice to see you again, India.”

“You too,” India replied.

“Anyway, we own a little family-owned-and-operated greeting card company in the city, and I was thinking that in your presentation, you mentioned working with Mel. She’s my best friend. I know you’re working with Southern Roastery, too, and I was wondering if you’d be interested in working with us. We could have some cards there for you to sell. All locally crafted.”

“She’s always thinking about the company, even when we’re supposed to be celebrating tonight,” Monica added as she wrapped her arm around Bridgette’s waist.

“Really? Yeah, that would be great,” Maisie said. “I was hoping to get in some new items, actually. I only have bookmarks, a couple of pens, and actual books right now, but I was thinking about adding other things, along with some new shelves under the counter.”

“Great. Let’s talk.”

“Now is fine with me.”

India let Maisie go and watched her walk off with Bridgette and Monica until they were sitting at a booth and talking business.

“You look happy,” Finley noted before taking a drink.

“I think I am,” India replied.

“Youthink?”

“It’s a new thing for me. I’m figuring it out,” she said. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Finley laughed a little. “Wewerehappy once, India. It wasn’t all bad. I like to hang on to the good memories.”

“Yeah, me too,” she said. “Is this how it feels with you and Molly?”

“Depends. Howdoesit feel?”

India watched Maisie laugh at something Bridgette said.

“Like I could tell her I love her right now, and it’s been weeks. I’m not going to yet, but I could. I could just yell it in this bar, and it would feel totally right.”

“Yeah, that sounds about right to me.”

“But that’s crazy, isn’t it?” she asked, looking over at Finley.

“Probably. But who cares? I love Molls. And I know she felt things for me before I wised up, but ever since I did, it’s like… It’s justthere, and I know it like it’s in my bones. I feel so much happier now going into work knowing I sit next to her. I feel like I’ve never understood the whole falling in love at first sight thing. No offense.”