Page 28 of Read Me, Baby
“You did wonderful again tonight, Nina. I don’t think you realize how perfect you fit in here.”
I smile at her, feeling none of that. “I’m still not the slightest bit comfortable.”
“I did notice a difference tonight and the only thing I can think of is that Jay wasn’t here working while you were reading.” She gives a knowing smile. “Just knowing he’s close is comforting to you, isn’t it?”
I nod. “It is.” I don't tell her he can hear me reading. That's our little secret.
“But nonetheless, you were stunning tonight, and it just shows you're capable of doing it yourself.”
I shrug, fighting tears though I've no idea where they’re coming from.
“That's not to be confused with saying you have to do anything alone. You're a strong woman, Nina. You’re capable of anything you put your mind to, whether you believe it or not. Whether you're comfortable or not, you can do it. And you are doing it. You moved to a new town. You took a new job. You've met a man who's making you rethink a lot. It’s okay to be nervous or afraid of what's next, but know, whatever comes next, if you want to enjoy it with him, you can. And there's nothing wrong with that.”
A lone tear slips down my cheek. “Oh heaven sweet girl. Why are you crying?”
“Because you're saying everything I've been thinking but need to be told it’s okay to do.” She ushers me to a chair and I sit and tell her about my ex. How he wasn’t supportive. How he made me feel small. How he took my love for something and stepped on it.
“I’m falling in love with Jay, Mrs. Holly. And between him and the event and all this stuff coming to the surface, I've never been more afraid of making the wrong choice.”
“There is no wrong choice here, Nina. You're already in a town that loves you and loves love. Magnolia Point was built on a happily ever after. They want nothing more than to see it happen for everyone here. And especially for Jay Parker. No one saw you coming, but once you showed up, they knew you were his.”
“Seems like a bunch of busy bodies just wishing on falling stars.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. But if I didn't let them wish on a star, I wouldn't be here sixty years later with the love of my life. Jay's parents wouldn't have met without them, his dad and uncle wouldn't have started the HVAC company. Conservationist Shelly and Finn bonded at the beach over turtles. Polished off wouldn’t be here and Jill and Tate wouldn’t be together. And that coffee shop you love so much? Pour Some Sugar On Me wouldn’t exist if Harrison and February never got together. So, you see, the town is responsible for a lot of happily ever afters. They haven’t gotten it wrong yet.”
CHAPTER 18
JAY
Today is the event this town waits for each year. But there’s something about this year that makes it extra special. There's something that's happening here that is calling to the town, making them come out in droves to hear the happily ever after reading by their new favorite librarian.
Mrs. Holly has run this event for years, starting before I was even born. There have been many love stories told, along with mysteries, and angst and all the autobiographies you could want, but today is different. Today there is a feeling of expectation, a feeling of something more, bubbling to the surface.
Maybe they see it in me. Maybe they see it in the way we spend our time together in town. Maybe they see it in the happiness she exudes just by being her.
Last night, we went out in my boat and floated under the stars. We spoke of fears, loves, wants and desires. I’ve never had a more intimate night without having sex than I did then. And I know Nina Amoré is the one I need in my life. We’ve each taught each other so much in a short time. I’ve helped bring her love of books back. I’ve helped bring her out of her shell, even though she’s still worried about it all, she has no idea the strides she's conquered.
And me? I’m not afraid to tell the world my love for reading HEA’s have finally led me to my own.
Nina expressed her fear of public speaking. Even though she’s gained so much traction reading in front of the fifty who come to the book club, having to stand on stage with a microphone in front of twenty-five hundred is frightening.
Her love for the books is beginning to shine through once again, but I know her painful memories of being laughed at are coming to the surface. It’s one thing to read in front of those who share your same likes, but this is reading in front of grandfathers, business owners, high school coaches and teachers … those who may find romance offensive, the words and dirty love stories construed as filth.
Even though it's the furthest thing from it.
Maverick knocks on my door but enters before I can say come in, and Wes trails in with him. “Hey man, how's it going?”
“I’m just getting ready to head downtown. Are you coming?”
Mav looks nonplussed. “We wouldn’t miss this for the world!”
Wes claps me on the back. “You ready to give away your big surprise?”
Mav smirks. “Let’s see the ring man.”
I bark a laugh. “That will come but not today.” I shake my head. “But I could use a little moral support so let's get a move on and get down there.”
We leave my house and make the quick ten minute walk into town. The streets are lined with vendors and food trucks and the town is packed with wall-to-wall people.