Lib Novel Page 6
Hell, she’d never had many true, deep connections anyway. She was coming to suspect she just wasn’t wired for them.
She stared blindly through the windshield and sighed. “I’m okay. Not sleeping well, but I’m better now I’m out of LA. Except I set Archer’s coffee machine on fire.”
Tave made a sound.
She knew that sound. He was unhappy. She could picture him sitting at his glossy black desk in his office in Beverly Hills. He’d be wearing tailored pants that hugged his lean form and a white shirt that looked amazing with his dark skin. Tavion always looked polished and stylish.
“I’ll be okay, Tave. I just got here. Give me some time.”
“All right, Red. You want me to come out there?”
Her chest twanged. Coming from Tave, who thought LA was the center of the universe, it was big. “I know how busy you are. You don’t need to come and hold my hand.”
“Never too busy for you. And you never want anyone to hold your hand, but sometimes, Red, it’s okay to hold on.”
“I’ll be fine.” Because she was always fine. She’d made her life exactly what she wanted, on her own, without anyone helping her.
He sighed. “If anything worries you, then you call me.”
“I will. You’ll be happy to hear that I met a member of local law enforcement.”
“Really? You get another speeding ticket?”
“Ha ha. I only got thatoneticket. I’m not a speed demon.”
“It was three.”
“Fine. But no, I met Deputy Hottie because I set the coffee machine on fire, and my smoke alarm was going off and I couldn’t silence the damn thing. He came to my rescue.”
“Deputy Hottie, huh?”
“Big, muscular, and rugged. Looks a little like the actor from theReacherTV show.”
Tave made another sound. This one appreciative. “Maybe I do need to come and visit.”
“I don’t think he swings your way. Anyway, I’m at the local coffee shop wearing a god-awful ball cap and hoping I can get a coffee without anyone recognizing me.”
“Okay, Red, go get your caffeine. Enjoy paradise and I’ll check in soon.”
“Bye, Tave.”
“Stay safe, Hols.”
After tucking her phone away, Hollis headed into Island Brew. As she opened the door, the sweet scent of coffee hit her. She breathed it deep.Come to mama.
The place was busy—with a mix of mostly locals and a couple of tourists. An eclectic mix of tables were scattered around, all topped with shell-shaped sugar holders. A young man and woman stood behind the counter, blue aprons tied around their waists, working in tandem. From the looks of their dark hair and eyes, and brown skin, they were local Hawaiians. She guessedthey were in their late twenties. The man was short and wide, and the woman was a little taller and curvy.
Hollis waited until most of the crowd had cleared. As she approached, the woman saw Hollis and gasped. “Oh my God.”
Hollis froze. Oh no, someone had recognized her already.
“Ilovethose sunglasses,” the woman exclaimed. “Where are they from? I need a pair.”
The man snorted. “Sis, you have like a hundred pairs.”
“I’m always searching for the right ones.Thoseare the right ones.”
“Um…they’re from a little store in—” she almost said LA “—San Diego.”