Page 13

Briar

I walked into the coffee shop, the sweet aroma of roasted beans wafting over me.

As I scanned the room, the muted clinking of spoons meeting ceramic reached my ears.

My eyes landed on Amy, seated at a corner table, her legs crossed, tapping her nails on the ceramic mug in front of her.

A second mug sat in front of the empty seat across from her. I made my way over and sat down.

She looked up at me, her eyes expectant. “How did it go?”

I shook my head, sighing. “Just don’t ask about our date, which, news flash, isn’t happening.” I poured a splash of milk into my coffee. I stirred carefully, watching the white swirl into the dark brown liquid, creating soft, curling patterns, not unlike how my thoughts swirled in my mind.

“Is there anything I can do?”

I shook my head.

Amy leaned forward. “Did he tell you if it was his family involved with Lady Isobel?”

I nodded, but I couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. “He said he’d bring me a journal from his ancestor Lorcan O’Cillian.”

Amy’s eyes lit up before narrowing. “But he didn’t tell you about this ancestor at the party? At least he’s helping now.”

The words caught in my throat before I pushed them out. “Yes, but I think I was hoping for more. I was hoping maybe he felt a little of what I feel.”

“So we are talking about this?” Amy raised her eyebrows.

“No.” My eyes darted around. “Yes. I don’t know.” I heaved a sigh. “My mother made the no-commitment, all-play life look so glamorous. I never thought I wanted something long-term.”

“Do you?”

My heart pounded. Did I? I wasn’t sure, but I knew I wanted some of what Amy had with Hugh—someone who would allow me to be my uncontrolled, authentic, and honest self.

Instead, I was there every day, making sure my business ran, Amy had support in her business, and I followed my mother’s dream. I had no time for anything else.

Amy reached across the table, her hand brushing mine. “How much did you want him?”

“Too much.” I pushed the spoon around my cup, staring, refusing to meet her eyes.

“I don’t even know why. Why is this so important to me?

I’ve never been a love-at-first-sight person.

Fuck at first sight, maybe, depending on how long it’s been, but this?

Not that I love him, but it would have been nice to get to know him.

” Amy’s lips turned down, but she didn’t move to stop me, just letting me vent.

“He’s planning on leaving. And I’m still unsure I’m ready to see anyone after Mum.

Part of me just wants to swear off people altogether. ”

“Briar, come on,” Amy said, her voice soft but firm. “You can’t let John be your last fuck forever. How sad would that be?”

I set the teaspoon down on the napkin and nodded.

I could still see John’s lopsided grin, but the memory was clouded, like one I didn’t need to relive.

“The cad who even you pointed out shared bedroom gossip with everyone? The one who didn’t understand when my mother was sick that I couldn’t drop everything to go fuck him?

I couldn’t be in two places at once. I don’t understand why he even came to the party. ”

“He told me he was worried about you.”

“Right.” I shook my head resolutely. “He told me he’s dating someone new and didn’t want to bring her to my place. But, of course, he wanted to be there to support the garden because he knew how important it was to me. He likely wanted to brag about having someone else to make me jealous.”

Amy swirled the remnants of her coffee as a smirk curved her lips. “Did it?”

A tight coil settled beneath my rib cage.

“Hardly. But it reminded me of what I want. Someone who will support me for who I am; someone I can trust in every way.” I caught the look on Amy’s face.

“Yes, every… I don’t want to have the details of my sex life the subject of gossip in the village just because my boyfriend can’t deal with a woman in control.

” And that was it, too. I knew what I wanted in life and in bed, and John couldn’t deal with either.

His insecurity had doomed our relationship.

I pushed back my chair, the legs scraping on the tile floor. “I’m going to grab a scone. Want anything?”

Amy shook her head. “No, I’m good.”

The soft hum of conversation surrounded me as I crossed the room, the scent of buttery cakes drawing me toward the glass display case.

My eyes focused on the glittering sugar as I approached the counter.

Something sugary and fattening was precisely what I needed after being turned down by Lorcan.

Not even turned down. He said he wanted to go on a date, but now he said he was leaving. What a weak excuse. I deserved better.

I collided with something solid and stumbled backward, looking up at the man I’d just run into. Heat rushed to my cheeks, my voice catching awkwardly in my throat. “I’m sorry.” I reached out a hand to a nearby chair to steady myself.

He wore a black button-down shirt, dress pants, and polished black shoes.

His black hair was closely cut and neatly styled, and he held the hand of a woman shorter than him.

Her long, almost-black hair cascaded down her back, and a silver disc with an engraving that resembled a large cat dangled from a chain against her dark shirt.

I tried to laugh off my clumsiness. “I wasn’t paying attention. I guess I was focused more on the cakes than where I was going.”

“It’s not a problem,” the man said, his tone polite. His accent carried a faint lilt that seemed familiar and foreign, while her silver pendant caught the light, glinting like a shard of moonlight. “Please, go ahead and order. We’re still deciding.”

“Thank you,” I replied, grateful for his courtesy. I placed my order and returned to the table with two scones, knowing that Amy would eat at least half of mine despite saying she didn’t want one. Setting the plate in the middle of the table, I broke off a piece of the scone.

“Well, that was awkward,” I said before popping the small bite into my mouth.

“What was?” Amy asked, following my lead and grabbing a piece of scone.

I swallowed and tilted my head toward the counter. “I just totally ran into that guy over there. I was paying more attention to the food than to where I was going. What a way to make an ass of myself.”

Amy’s lips twitched in amusement as she followed my gaze toward the counter. “It could have made for a great ‘How I Met Him’ story.”

I grimaced. “Who is it you want me to be dating? John, this guy, or Lorcan?”

Amy shrugged again, grinning mischievously. “Any of them will do—or all of them, if you want. I’m not gonna judge.”

I rolled my eyes, laughing despite myself as I tore another piece from the scone.

“I cannot believe you, but thanks for making me laugh.” I glanced over my shoulder at where the couple sat in hushed conversation, their hands joined at the edge of the table.

“Anyway, this guy is taken from how he hasn’t let go of her hand, so scratch him off the list as well.

God, I wish I could get away for a break. ”

“And go where?” She popped a piece of scone into her mouth.

“Nowhere.” Reality slammed into me. “I can’t afford it. Every extra cent I have goes into the account to go to England.”

“Still?”

I swallowed hard. “Yes. It is really expensive. Maybe whatever is in that journal Lorcan has will make it so I can just blow the money on something else to make me forget him, but otherwise…”

Concern laced Amy’s words. “Otherwise what?”

I inhaled sharply. I should have kept my mouth shut and not let this out, but it was Amy. “I’ve thought about selling my mum’s necklace…”

Amy’s eyes grew wide. “Briar, you can’t. That necklace has been in your family forever.”

“It isn’t like I have anyone to give it to.” I sighed, thinking of the diamond and lapis stones set in silver. It was her favorite piece, and I didn’t want to part with it, but I would if I had to. My promise was more important.

Amy reached across the table. “You will. Maybe the journal Lorcan is bringing will help. Please don’t sell the necklace. See what he has first.” Her words tumbled from her mouth.

I stared into the center of the coffee shop.

The man I’d run into caught my eye. He still held his partner’s hand.

She laughed and whispered something to him.

Their quiet conversation added a curious contrast to the lively bustle of the cozy café.

But it wasn’t just that. They moved around each other with the kind of choreography that spoke of complete ease and familiarity.

Their eyes glittered with love, their focus barely leaving each other.

A pang of jealousy hit my chest. Maybe I wanted more than what my mother had taught me. The thought felt like a betrayal.

Amy cleared her throat, drawing my attention away from the couple. “What if I pay you the rental fee for the wedding now?”

My breath caught, and I shook my head before she could say more. “No, Amy. I’m not charging you to rent the garden center. I can’t do that.”

“Since the funeral, you’re obsessed with learning more about Lady Isobel. Let me help—not just by watching the garden center when you go, but actually help.” Amy reached across the table and gripped my hand, her sincerity calming my stomach.

I squared my shoulders. “There’s no way I can take that money from you. If I wait until March, the flights will be less expensive. I’ll be able to afford it by then. I just have to be patient.”

She nodded, seeing the resolve in my expression. “All right. But promise me you won’t sell the necklace.”

“I promise.” I swallowed the lump in my throat and wondered if I could keep my promise.

“I’ll tell you, researching Lady Isobel is nothing like what I saw from my mother’s other research.

This is so much harder than I thought it’d be.

Somehow, she disappeared from history, despite many other records on convicts being incredibly detailed.

It’s like someone didn’t want her to be found ever again. ”

“Maybe all the vampires did their hocus pocus thing and made everyone forget.” Amy’s laughter floated across the room.

I giggled. “Oh my God. We’re done. You’ve officially lost it. Let’s go.”

She gathered the empty plates and cups, carrying them to the dish return near the front door.

As I stood, the gentleman I’d run into earlier caught my eye.

He gave me a small smile and a polite nod.

I drew in a sharp breath. There was something in his eyes—something familiar, though I couldn’t place it.

A cold sensation crept up my spine, making me shiver as his clear blue eyes lingered on mine for just a moment too long.

I rushed to Amy. “Let’s get out of here,” I whispered, my heart flip-flopping.