Page 81 of November

“Yeah, me too,” India said as she placed the ring box on the dresser and climbed into bed over the comforter, still only in her robe.

“So, what did you mean, you messed up?”

“She found out about Colter.”

“Oh. Well, you knew that was going to happen,” Finley said.

“I was going to tell her after.”

“She’s pissed?”

India thought about that for a second and said, “I don’t know ifpissedis the right word. I think she’s upset. I didn’t stick around long.”

“What? Why not?”

“Because I didn’t want to make it worse. Today was a big day for her, and I thought it would be less stressful for her if I left.”

“So, you don’t even know if she’s mad at you? God, call her, India.”

“Not tonight. I’m sure she’s with her friends or just needs to be alone.”

“You’reher friend. Even if you’re not dating anymore because of this, you’re her friend, right?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “Anyway, I’m sorry I bothered you. I don’t even know why I called.”

“Do you want me to come over? We can talk in person.”

“I’m sure Molly wouldlovethat.” India laughed.

“Molls knows I love her,” Finley said. “And that you and I are trying to be friends.”

“Thank you, but I’ll be okay,” she replied. “I’m pretty tired, anyway. I’ll just try to get some sleep.”

“Okay. Well, let me know if you need anything.”

“I will. Thanks, Fin.”

CHAPTER 21

“How are you feeling?” Lainey asked.

“Like I spent a lot of money on stupid buttons for no reason,” Maisie said and tossed the aforementioned buttons into the trash by the table. “I can’t believe I actually thought I could do this. I know it was silly to think I could overcome the likely millions of dollars Colter Stone had to spend, but when I saw the polls go up a bit, I let myself believe it could happen. Plus, my commercial ran, and I thought that would help, but I just wasted India’s money, too. I should have just spent my savings on it instead.”

“No, you shouldn’t have. You took campaign donations like everyone else. India donated. It was her money to spend, and she spent it on you.”

“I lost, Lainey. He got seventy-three percent of the vote.”

“Losing doesn’t mean you weren’t the right one for the job. It just means that fucking Stone guy has a broader reach. Hey, if you’d met India earlier in the process, I bet she could’ve helped you with those connections, even if you didn’t let her give you more money.”

“Yeah, well, I didn’t,” she replied, sitting down next to her friend. “And now, it’s just over. What am I supposed to do?”

“Go back to running this place,” Lainey told her as she looked around the shop.

“With its three customers a day and at least one of them needing the bathroom on average?”

“I thought you said you were going to talk to the woman about the tours.”

“I did. I am. She’s supposed to call me back today.”