Page 29 of The Ruse of Romancing

Dani

The next morning, I woke with bleary eyes and a crick in my neck.

After spending the afternoon shopping with Allen, I’d come home full of ideas.

As I’d typed, the hours disappeared until the next thing I knew I was waking up on the couch wearing one of the new sweatshirts I’d purchased, a smile on my lips, and Poppy’s bracelet digging into my arm, leaving little imprints that would probably take all day to fade.

Yet, I didn’t mind as the marks reminded me of hours spent holding Allen’s hand, his fingers tracing over each stone and sending shivers of attraction up my arm.

Yesterday had been... unexpected.

I had no idea I could have so much fun with a man I’d only just met.

Allen was kind, creative, flirty, and outgoing.

He’d been endlessly patient with me as I dragged him through multiple thrift stores and tourist shops, looking for more clothes to get me through my time here in Oregon.

He’d gone along with it, joining in the fun by trying on some of the crazier items we found, including a jean vest with patches that I was still sad he hadn’t purchased.

As we’d shopped, we’d held hands, making it clear we were there together, despite the many women who cast interested glances Allen’s way.

He’d ignored them all, keeping his attention trained on me.

We’d swapped stories and laughed. I was still embarrassed when I thought about how long it took me to learn he was a graphic designer.

“You know, I’ve learned the value of a skilled graphic designer,” I’d mused as we browsed the jewelry section of one thrift store where I’d spent far too much money.

“I like to think what I do is worth something,” he’d said with a laugh, handing me a small bracelet with a heart-shaped pendant to examine.

I slipped the bracelet on my wrist, its delicate chain contrasting sharply with the bulk of the bracelet from Poppy. I took the bracelet off, talking myself out of purchasing any jewelry for now.

“I meant, I couldn’t do what I do without incredible graphic designers who create covers and promotional graphics. I’d love to see your work some time,” I’d said, handing back the bracelet.

“I’d love to show you.”

Allen’s fingers had wrapped around mine and given them a squeeze before accepting the bracelet and putting it back.

And even though it was a perfectly average moment, I couldn’t help but feel like something significant had passed between us, like we’d somehow taken a step forward in this undefined, only-just-beginning relationship of ours.

It left me wondering if Petros needed to take Hypatia thrifting. Or maybe he needed to forge her a bracelet from the depths of the underworld. Something a little more in alignment with their story and world.

As I’d dropped Allen off at his car in the beach parking lot, he’d paused and finally asked for my phone number.

I’d rattled it off quickly before remembering my reception problem until the internet was fixed tomorrow, but Allen hadn’t seemed worried.

Instead, he’d saved my number and made plans to meet up in a couple of days for dinner.

It had all felt so easy and simple and wonderful, and I couldn’t wait to tell the cousin crew about it.

Just as soon as I headed into town to find good coffee and cell reception.

And if cell reception also meant I might hear from Allen today, all the better.

I changed into another one of the sweatshirts I’d purchased the day before, a gray crewneck with a bigfoot graphic on it with the words, Hide and Seek World Champion emblazoned at the bottom.

I threw my hair up into a bun, pulled on some joggers, and headed to my car.

I whistled the entire way to Sugar and Sea, grinning like a fool.

Maybe a change of scenery and the fresh sea air really were all I needed to get my creativity going again.

Of course, an entire day with Allen Bradley hadn’t hurt anything either.

I had several thousand words to show for my writing session last night and the ideas were still coming.

I’d only stopped writing because of exhaustion.

The bakery was busy when I arrived, so I got in line, pulling out my phone to play a bit of catch-up now that I had cell reception.

I had several messages from the cousins but nothing from Allen.

Reminding myself I’d been with him just yesterday, I pushed aside any feelings of disappointment.

He’d text and, if not, I’d see him at dinner tomorrow.

Once I’d read and responded to all my missed messages, I popped a message into the “Cheaper Than Therapy” group chat, needing to share my good mood with someone:

Dani:

It’s official. You all have to pause your lives to come to Oregon. Sadie, you would love the food! And Poppy, there are so many fun thrift stores.

Lucy:

Who are you and what have you done with Dani? Either there’s something in the water in Oregon or you’re doing more than just writing a love story there...

Chloe:

Lucy has a point. You’re only this chipper when a hot guy is involved. Anything you wanna share? Is it your neighbor?

I snorted. If only Chloe knew just how different Allen and Mason were. Though, come to think of it, it had been at least forty-eight hours since Mason had done something to annoy me. He’d been surprisingly helpful with the whole internet situation.

Sadie:

Food and thrift stores?? Someone is avoiding writing... and why are you so happy about two things you never want to do when you’re home?? Answers. Now.

Avery:

Sadie is right; your whole reason for going to Oregon was to WRITE. [face palm emoji]

I rolled my eyes, shuffling forward in line as I typed.

Dani:

I’ll have you know, I was up all night writing! I have several solid chapters now with plans to write even more today.

And yes, there might be a guy. But it’s only a might right now. [winky face emoji]

“What has you grinning so wide?” Joane asked, making me jump. I’d reached the front of the line and hadn’t even realized it. I should have been more focused on my breakfast order than on updating my cousins on my dating life.

“Oh, nothing,” I said, tucking my phone into the pocket of my joggers as I perused the menu, quickly selecting the first item to catch my attention. “I’ll have the lemon-berry stuffed sourdough French toast please. Oh, and coffee. Lots of coffee.”

Joane peered at me from behind the counter, clearly seeing straight through my claims that it was “nothing.” She arched an inquisitive eyebrow as she entered in my order.

“You forget, I’m a mother. I know what that look means.” She waved accusingly at my face, and I attempted to wipe away whatever expression she was referencing. “You’ve met someone, and I want to hear all about it!”

The clearing of a throat behind me cut me off before I could protest further.

“Just as soon as the rush is over. We’ll talk later.” Joane probably meant the words as a promise, but they felt more like a threat as I paid for my food and settled at the table in the corner that I was quickly coming to think of as “mine.”

My phone vibrated with thoughts from the cousin crew on my last message.

Poppy:

You’ve been wearing the bracelet I gave you, haven’t you? I knew those stones would help! But I won’t say I told you so. [Two winky face emojis]

Thinking of Allen’s fascination with said bracelet had me biting my lip and considering never taking the bracelet off again.

Avery:

What?!?

Poppy:

I should have mixed you some oils too. It would seal the deal! What’s your address? I’ll overnight deliver them to you!

Deciding the cousins could live with a bit of suspense, I switched my phone to “do not disturb,” stuck in an earbud, and got to work crafting Petros’s and Hypatia’s adventure as I waited for my food to be ready.

An hour later, the very loud huff of someone settling into the seat across from me pulled me from my manuscript, and I blinked to focus on Joane, who was grinning at me like the cat who’d eaten the canary.

Her hair was once again pulled up, and she was wearing her customary apron over a bright pink floral shirt that I was fairly certain I’d seen the sister of in a thrift store yesterday.

“The breakfast rush just ended, and I have about thirty minutes before I need to work on lunch prep. Spill!”

I leaned back, trying for nonchalance, even as my insides danced and skipped with excitement.

“There’s not much to tell. I met a guy at the bookstore the other day and ran into him again on the beach yesterday. We spent the day together and it was... nice.” I finished lamely, not sure how else to summarize my day with Allen without it sounding ridiculous.

“‘Nice’ doesn’t put that shade of pink into your cheeks,” Joane said, nodding at me. “You’ve got to give me more than that! What’s his name?” Her face scrunched in concern. “Please tell me it’s not Mason.”

“Why would Mason have been at the beach?” I asked, confused by her concern.

She looked guilty. “He’d asked where you were headed yesterday, something about your garage door opener.”

My forehead furrowed as I tried to make sense of what Joane was saying. “There’s nothing wrong with my garage door opener. Are you sure it didn’t have anything to do with my internet? That’s supposed to get fixed today, thank goodness! I need to be able to research when I’m working.”

There were several comments in my working document noting places I needed to come back to once I had completed a bit of research. But I’d been too fired up by ideas to let the holes stop me.

Joane shook her head slowly. “No, I’m pretty sure he said garage door opener. Though maybe it was a typo or something.”

“Well, doesn’t matter,” I said, thinking I might need to write a sticky note to Mason to clarify the situation, “I know what Mason looks like, and I definitely didn’t see him yesterday.

No, my guy’s name is Allen and he’s,” I bit my lip not sure how exactly to describe Allen, “he’s kind of amazing. ”

“Allen? Not on my list of sexy men’s names, but definitely better than Gary, my ex’s name.

That really should have been the first sign.

” She gave a small sigh, before reaching across the table to pat my hand.

“But we’re not talking about me and past mistakes.

Tell me about Allen! What does he look like?

What did you two do after the beach? You have to remember I’m an old lady whose son has the social skills of a tomato.

I need to get my romantic excitement somewhere! ”

I wasn’t exactly sure what a tomato’s social skills looked like, but I wasn’t going to ask. I’d met Spencer and could acknowledge he wasn’t the smoothest individual, and he did tend to turn red when speaking. Though he’d been nice and would likely make some woman a very loyal, kind partner someday.

“Have you tried reading? I’ve heard it’s full of romantic excitement, especially if you pick the right book.” I shot back, straight faced. “There’s this one called something about pomegranates and curses that I’ve heard is really good.”

“Ha ha. Nice try! Now give me all of the details before I cut off your coffee and pastry supply.”

“Okay, no need to be hasty,” I said with a laugh, trying to decide where to begin. As I summarized my day, Joane leaned an elbow on the table, her chin in her hand, a slightly dreamy look on her face.

“That right there is better than what you find in romance books because it’s real.” She gave a big, satisfied smile before glancing at the clock on the wall and pushing to her feet. “Guess it’s time to get back to work.”

She took two steps before turning back.

“What did you say your man’s name was again? If he’s from the area, chances are good I know him.”

“He’s not local. He’s just visiting his grandparents. His name is Allen, Allen Bradley.”

“Allen Bradley,” Joane said, mulling over the name before shaking her head. “Can’t say that I’ve met him. You’ll have to bring him to the bakery so I can vet him for you.”

It was only much later, after I’d taken a break from writing to visit the restroom that Joane’s words registered. The first time we met, Allen had mentioned loving the bakery and visiting it multiple times. With Joane being as friendly as she was, it surprised me she didn’t know him.

Pushing away the thought, I finished washing my hands and headed back to my table to keep working. I was reading too much into it. Joane couldn’t possibly remember everyone who walked through the bakery doors, even if they visited regularly during the summers.

But maybe I’d take her up on her offer of vetting Allen. It never hurt to get a second opinion from an unbiased party, though I was pretty sure Joane would like Allen just as much as I did.