Rush for Love by Violet Vaughn

Author:Violet Vaughn [Vaughn, Violet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sugarloaf Press

25

I smear cream cheese on my everything bagel and my mouth salivates in anticipation. I’m at The Baked Bean with Nika, Casey, Lori, and Megan.

Nika covers her mouth as pieces of carrot cake crumble out. I say, “Was that bite big enough? I swear nobody will steal it, you can slow down.”

I guess she likes dessert as much as Casey does. This tree-hugger coffee shop makes hearty food, and serves hefty helpings, which makes it a favorite in our town.

Nika waves her hand in front of her mouth with a big smile on her face. I wait for her to swallow. “It’s just so good, and now that I’m no longer a model, I seem to be trying to fatten up.”

Casey scoots back in the big wooden chair and lifts her feet up into a cross-legged position. “If you eat here every day, that’ll do it.” She sips her latte cautiously.

Lori asks, “So are you going to get a job this winter, Nika? I saw The Bootlegger is looking for help. You could get a discount on cowboy boots.”

“Oh, I love that store.” Megan sighs. “That would be a fun place to work.”

Nika scans all of us quickly and she licks her lips. “I thought I might try to be an instructor.”

Casey squeals. “You should!”

I say, “I agree, people will love you. You’re so personable.”

“You think so? What if I’m not a good enough skier?” Nika bites her lip.

Lori snorts, “If I can do it, anyone can. Teach kids with me, and they hire you without even seeing you on skis.” She puts her fork down, and her plate scrapes against the wood table as she pushes her half-eaten cake away.

“So how do I apply for the job?” Nika takes another bite of her cake, which I notice is almost gone.

Casey answers, “Let me call Matt for you and arrange an interview.” She pulls out her phone. “What’s your number? I’ll text you when I know something.”

I flash to the last text from Derrick I read and replay his words. I clench my fists to keep me from biting my nails. Gretchen, I’m not sure what love feels like but I’ve never wanted to be with anyone the way I want to be with you.

Megan is on my right and reaches her hand over to my arm as she leans in to whisper. “Is this hard for you? Need a break?”

I shake my head and take a bite of my bagel. The slight garlic taste is bitter and I focus on the cream cheese instead.

Nika is eyeing Lori’s cake and I reach for it. “Lori, are you done with this?”

“Yeah, want it?” She frowns because she knows I’m not a dessert person.

“No, but I think Nika does.” I chuckle and slide it over.

Nika grins. “I shouldn’t, but if you insist.” She digs her fork in to chocolaty goodness.

Casey says, “I’m so excited you’ll be working with us. Teaching is such—”

My phone buzzes with a call and because it’s against my plate the glass rattles.

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