“I might. I’ll come up with some ideas and we’ll talk.”
“Awesome.” I reach into my wallet and try to pull out some money.
“Don’t even think about it, Juno. All I did was pierce your nose. You even brought in the stud.”
“Thanks, Wes.” I slide him some cash for a tip and he nods his thanks. “I better get going. It’s my last day at the diner.” It’s going to be strange not working there anymore, but I have so much to do to get myself off the ground and running.
Wes gives me a hug before I leave. I wave over my shoulder and head to work. The drive is short, but when I pull up, I see the place is packed. What the hell is going on? No way there was a chicken special again. I park in the back and grab my apron, then tie it on as I walk toward the backdoor.
“Hey!” Amy chirps loudly as I put my bag on the hook.
“Hey,” I greet her back, and when I turn around, she smiles.
“Did you finally pierce your nose?” She comes closer.
“Yeah.” I shrug, not wanting to make it a bigger deal than it is. “Why are there so many people here?”
“Oh right,” she says, not answering me. “I mean, let's go see.” She grabs my hand and pulls me toward the front.
When I push through the door, I hear everyone shout “surprise,” and I’m so shocked I put my hands over my face for a moment. My eyes fill with tears as I peek out at the crowd, and I’m overwhelmed with love.
“You guys,” I say, and a knot forms in my throat. There are balloons and posters everywhere. Anyone would think I’m moving away, not quitting. I turn to the owner and feel tears sting my eyes. “John.”
He gives me a giant hug, and I squeeze him right back for doing this for me. I love this town, and this really makes me think I’m starting to belong here. I’m not the new girl anymore, I'm one of them.
“I’m going to miss your pies. Quinn can’t make them as good as you.” His wife is going to murder him one of these days.
“I’m standing right here, jackass.” Quinn crumples up a napkin and throws it at him.
“You’re going to end up on the sofa tonight,” I tease John.
“She can try, but it’s not going to work.” John smirks at his wife. “Go have fun. You’re not working tonight.”
“Thank you,” I say again. “I know I don’t work here anymore, but if you ever get in a bind, call me and I’ll be right over.”
“You’re too damn sweet.” Quinn wraps her arm around me and gives me a hug too.
I make my way around, talking to everyone, and I swear half the town is here. I notice one person not in attendance, and I can’t help but glance out the window to the bench across the street. To my surprise, Cooper’s there watching us, and I’m so annoyed I turn my back on him. I’m tired of seeing him all the time, and he can see me walk away for once.
“Are you going to show me your new place?” Luca asks before he takes a bite of cake.
“Did you cut my going away cake before it was time?” I glance around and see it sitting on the counter with one piece missing out of it.
“My blood sugar was low,” he says, making me laugh.
Why can’t I be attracted to Luca? He’s sweet and laid back and handsome. Not to mention funny and up to do anything. If he fell for a woman, I don’t think he’d ever let her go, but I’ve only ever seen him as an older brother.
“Since you stole my cake you can come over and help me build some furniture. Everything is still in boxes.”
“I think I can do that.” Out of the corner of my eye, I catch the blonde from the other day headed our way.
“Luca!” she squeals as she goes in for a hug. She’s even prettier up close.
“Paula?”
“Yes, Paula. Don’t pretend you forgot me.” She elbows him in the side playfully. Her smile is bright, but it doesn't meet her eyes.
“It’s been a while” is all Luca says, shoving another bite of cake in his mouth. I hide my laugh because I can almost read his mind. He’s thinking if his mouth is full he won’t have to answer any questions or elaborate.
Paula’s attention comes to me, and her eyebrows furrow. She reminds me of a Barbie with how perfect she looks. I could see her with a few babies and a white picket fence, commanding the school PTA.
“You must be new. Is this your girl, Luca?” She doesn’t direct the question at me, and it’s clearly a slight.
“You do know this party is for her, right?” Luca looks at me and then back at her.
“Oh.” She lets out a giggle that’s borderline obnoxious. “Does Cooper happen to be around?” My stomach tightens. “He’s supposed to come over for dinner tonight. Mom’s excited to see him. There’s so much to catch up on.”
“I should go be social with some more people,” I say, trying to step back from this conversation. Honestly I don’t want to know anything about it, and I’m suddenly wishing I could escape my own party.
“Oh! There he is.” Paula spots Cooper out the window on the bench. “See y’all later,” she says before taking off, and I don’t let myself watch as she goes after him.
The excitement of the party fades away as my irritation starts to grow. Shit, that burns. Out of spite I pull out my phone and text Wes. I shouldn’t, but it doesn’t stop me. I need to do something to try and move on. I’ve been holding out hope for too damn long. I’m going to die an old virginal spinster if I keep thinking Cooper Cross will ever get his head out of his ass.
Me: I changed my mind.
Wess: Date?
Me: Yep.
I quickly put my phone away when Amy starts talking to me. Then I spend the next hour hanging out with everyone and wondering if that’s enough time before I can head home.
“Hey.” Luca snags my attention again as I move away from a group of people. “You okay?”
“Great.” I smile up at him, but I can tell from his face he’s not buying it.
“Don’t worry about Paula.” He rolls his eyes. Why do both Luca and Lux not care for this woman? I’ll have to ask Lux later.
“Why would I?” I respond, keeping the smile tight on my face.
He shakes his head. “How about we order pizza and put some of that furniture together?” he offers, and I jump at the chance.
“That would be awesome. I’m tired of sitting on boxes.” My eyes drift back to the bench across the street, and I see Paula sitting with Cooper.
“Pizza makes everything better.” Luca puts his arm around my shoulder as he guides me out of the diner. I shout my goodbyes, but most everyone has left already.
“If it’s a supreme pizza then I might agree with you,” I say, mostly to distract myself.
He keeps his arm around me as we make the walk to my new place. It’s only four blocks, so it feels good to go on foot.
“Maybe we should get wings too,” he suggests.
“And breadsticks,” I add.
“Now we’re talking.”
I snort, and I’m thankful that I have Luca to distract me for the night. I don’t want to think about Cooper or Paula or my date with Wes. I just want to get through this knot in my stomach, and if pizza can’t do it, nothing can.