Page 27 of When You Blush

“This is my definition of heaven.” The three of us giggle at that. “Wow, thank you. I’m so happy I found this store. I’ll just browse a bit, leave with a stack the size of Texas, and get out of your hair.”

“You are absolutelynotin my hair,” Billie assures me. “Take your time, friend.”

I break off and start to browse, pulling books off shelves to read the back covers.

It seems I’m physically incapable of putting anything back.

“You have good taste,” Billie says when I walk to the counter, and she sees my paperback haul.

“I have to stop before I buy out the whole store.” I laugh. “How do you not have every single book in your house?”

“She does,” Skyla informs me. “She’s married to my brother, and he built her aBeauty and the Beastlibrary in their house. It’s alarmingly beautiful.”

“Holy shit.” I can feel my eyes bugging out of my head. “Good for you, girl. Hang on to that man.”

“Oh, I plan to.” With a laugh, Billie tosses in some stickers and a bookmark.

I leave withelevenbooks, not counting the extra book club copy I bought for Ava, and with myfinds in a cute little Billie’s Books tote bag on my shoulder, I wave at the two women and walk outside.

When I pulled in, I spotted a restaurant just across the street that I want to try, so I cross over without stowing my books in the car first.

I might want to read one while I eat.

Pushing inside, I feel the smile spread over my lips again. Sage & Salt is airy and beautiful. It looks like Joanna Gaines designed it with a farmhouse feel.

When I get to the back of the restaurant where you place your order, I see that the entire menu is gluten-free.

In fact, the signage states this is acleankitchen, meaning it’s safe for those with celiac disease and wheat sensitivities.

Holy shit, I’m in love. Can I move in here?

“Hey there,” a pretty blonde says with a smile, showing me deep dimples in her cheeks. “Welcome in.”

“Thank you. How long has this place been here?”

“Only a couple of months.” She wipes the back of her hand over her brow as she leans against the counter. “I’m Juliet, the owner. It’s been a labor of love, but we’re finally open.”

“Well, I’m Harper, and I’m thrilled because I try to stay as gluten-free as possible. I might be in here every day to get my fix and harass you.”

“Excellent,” Juliet replies with a wide grin. “I can’t wait to be harassed. What are you hungry for today?”

I skim the menu and bounce on the balls of my feet in excitement. Thismassivemenu has pasta dishes,sandwiches, and even Mexican food. Not to mention, I see that they have a big cooler full of grab-and-go options, which will be great when I’m working.

What? I love food. Sue me.

“I need those fajitas, please.”

“Chips and salsa on the side? Guac?”

“You’re speaking my love language,” I inform her, and Juliet laughs.

“You got it. Anything to drink?”

“Just water is great.”

“Have a seat anywhere, and I’ll bring it out to you.”

I pay the tab, drop some money in the tip jar, then settle at a table by the windows. I pull out the book club paperback to dig into and am fully immersed, several chapters in, when Juliet delivers my dinner.