Not Quite by the Book

by Julie Hatcher

I frowned, trying to imagine Davis with friends. Strange that one of his friends owned a bar.

She’s not met him NEARLY enough times to try to say he doesn’t have friends. Or is she simply projecting as she has a total of one friend?

forcing the final words from my lips in a whisper. “Please help me.” His expression softened,

Ah, the damsel in distress. And I thought she was trying to be miss independent

The urge to kick him out

The man who kindly stopped by to fix things, did more and cleaned your kitchen, and is being nice to you, but makes one joke so he’s out?

“I might be happiest surrounded by books.” I set a hand on my collarbone, melting a little at his perfect words. “Me too.”

Except… you keep saying you’re not?

seeming as if he had something to say.

He’s terrible at masking this and you’re too stupid to notice

“As soon as possible. There’s a national historic restoration competition going on right now.

So she’s stopping him from renovating this and competing to win money he’s donating to cancer research?

“Looks like Clayton is canceling.

Good thing cause you’re taking up a lot of his time.

For him, it was a mistake. How could I have misinterpreted something so severely?

You didn’t then. You are now. 60 seconds before that kiss he said he wants you to get everything you want. That includes, apparently, giving up on love.

I think his apology was about your list. I’m sure it wasn’t you. I’ll bet he didn’t want to ruin your quest to become a crazy cat lady.

Exactly. Listen to your friend

I hadn’t called or reached out to her or Dad very often before leaving town. I’d shown up for Saturday-night dinners, but otherwise waited for my family to come to me at the bookstore. Whenever they hadn’t, I’d added it to my list of reasons to be upset with them. The realization was a little startling. So instead of trying to defend my behavior by complaining about hers, I simply said, “Me too. I look forward to calling.”

Huh, almost like I first thought when she didn’t text them to say “hey I want to talk about something big” when booking her trip

Mom told me to call her. After saying goodbye, I sent Annie a text. Like the nightly messages I’d sent before, this one was quickly marked as delivered, then read. Then ignored. This time, I sent a follow-up, making sure she knew I loved and missed her.

SHE SAID CALL

Could his affections be more than welcoming friendship?

Why does that matter? You’ve sworn off men?

“I forgot you like a little mystery with your holidays.” “I do.” I paused for a moment, hung up on his words. “How did you know that?”

YOURE SO DUMB

I hadn’t yet allowed myself to think about my parents’ big request. They wanted me to take over their shop, their life’s work. Their dream. They’d cleared it with Annie before asking me, but they wanted the whole thing to be mine. I swallowed a lump of emotion. It was an enormous honor. But was it my dream?

You said you’re happiest surrounded by books, and like people, and what else do you need? Probably most of us don’t love our jobs but you’re doing well with this?

Couldn’t stop reminding me he wasn’t interested.

HE DIDNT EVEN SAY THAT HE JUST SAID IT WAS ONLY YOUR SECOND MEETING DAMMIT

hypothermia.

I know you’re in Massachusetts but it’s September. You’re fine

Because now I’m convinced it’s not Grace I’ve looked forward to chatting online with every day for the past few years.”

Hey friend. You literally saw him next to the tablet, running the store, and he told you he is happiest when surrounded by books. Open your damn eyes

I always sat right behind the row of topless guys with red letters painted on their torsos.” Davis barked a laugh and raised his hands into the air. “M.”

Okay that’s cute

Swear on Sam the Minuteman.”

Honey that should tell you it’s him you’ve been talking to

Cecily would flip when she heard about the possibility Michael, not Grace, was Historically_Bookish.

Maybe she’ll point out that you’re missing the damn obvious thing

“Fine. What’s the scoop on this Paul guy?” she asked. “When do I get to meet him?” The rhythmic scratch of sandpaper on wood stuttered, then stalled for a moment

Cecily is the only one I like

I planned to make big changes in the way I treated myself and interacted with my family, but I wasn’t sure six weeks would be enough time to cure all my problems.

“Six weeks…” ya think?

“Have you changed your mind about giving up on love?” A lump formed instantly in my throat and chest, forcing me to look briefly away. I took a steadying breath then shook my head, wishing I could answer differently. “No.”

You’re so dumb and oblivious to him wanting you

When I marry.

Huh. And your future wife is right there. Convenient

Because wasn’t that the same as saying he had no idea who it was?

No, that’s him saying he doesn’t want to disappoint you dummy

And why was the first man to hold my heart in a real and wonderful way someone unwilling to tell me if he felt the same?

Because you’ve been insistent that you weren’t changing your number 10 on your to do list?

I’ve been stuck in this cycle for years.” She rolled her eyes. “What is your problem?”

Okay they made me forgive the sister earlier to get this? No she still sucks

A lifelong confidant because fate had taken the one I was meant to have.

Again. They all need therapy.

Not long ago, I was Davis’s first call when sharing news.

Like twice? You’ve known him in real life only a few weeks?