Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 99967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
“I’m Billie,” she says, holding out her hand to shake. “Billie Gallagher.”
“Ah, so you’re the owner. Unless another Billie is hiding around here.”
“That’s me,” she replies with a chuckle. “I’m so happy you found us.”
“Me, too. I just started working at the hospital a couple of weeks ago, and I finally have time to wander around downtown.”
“Oh, where did you move here from?”
“I’m originally from Silver Springs.” She smiles at that. “But I lived away for about ten years. A lot has changed.”
“You’re not kidding. Well, if you decide that you need something specific, just ask. I’m around, and Emily is, too. She’s stocking shelves on the other side of the store.”
“Over here,” Emily calls out, waving a hand, making me chuckle.
“Got it. I do have a question about book club.”
“Oh my God, join our Spicy Girls Book Club,” Billie says, getting excited. “Our next meeting isn’t until next Friday, so you have time to read it. This month is Steel by Eva Simmons. It’s a delicious motorcycle club romance that will make you sweat. Trust me. So good.”
“I do enjoy a motorcycle club romance,” I reply with a grin. “I’ll buy two copies and make my bestie join with me. It won’t be hard. This is totally her vibe.”
“Yes,” Billie says, just as the bell over the door dings, and a stunning redhead walks in with an enormous black dog at her side. “Skyla, this is our newest book club member. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Harper,” I say.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you. This is my sidekick, Riley.” Skyla shakes my hand, and I immediately fall in love with her voice. It sounds like music. “You’ll love the book club. We have sweet treats from the Sugar Studio and talk about all the spice.”
“This is my definition of heaven.” The three of us giggle at that. “Wow, thank you. I’m so happy I found this store. I’ll just browse a bit, leave with a stack the size of Texas, and get out of your hair.”
“You are absolutely not in my hair,” Billie assures me. “Take your time, friend.”
I break off and start to browse, pulling books off shelves to read the back covers.
It seems I’m physically incapable of putting anything back.
“You have good taste,” Billie says when I walk to the counter, and she sees my paperback haul.
“I have to stop before I buy out the whole store.” I laugh. “How do you not have every single book in your house?”
“She does,” Skyla informs me. “She’s married to my brother, and he built her a Beauty and the Beast library in their house. It’s alarmingly beautiful.”
“Holy shit.” I can feel my eyes bugging out of my head. “Good for you, girl. Hang on to that man.”
“Oh, I plan to.” With a laugh, Billie tosses in some stickers and a bookmark.
I leave with eleven books, not counting the extra book club copy I bought for Ava, and with my finds in a cute little Billie’s Books tote bag on my shoulder, I wave at the two women and walk outside.
When I pulled in, I spotted a restaurant just across the street that I want to try, so I cross over without stowing my books in the car first.
I might want to read one while I eat.
Pushing inside, I feel the smile spread over my lips again. Sage & Salt is airy and beautiful. It looks like Joanna Gaines designed it with a farmhouse feel.
When I get to the back of the restaurant where you place your order, I see that the entire menu is gluten-free.
In fact, the signage states this is a clean kitchen, meaning it’s safe for those with celiac disease and wheat sensitivities.
Holy shit, I’m in love. Can I move in here?
“Hey there,” a pretty blonde says with a smile, showing me deep dimples in her cheeks. “Welcome in.”
“Thank you. How long has this place been here?”
“Only a couple of months.” She wipes the back of her hand over her brow as she leans against the counter. “I’m Juliet, the owner. It’s been a labor of love, but we’re finally open.”
“Well, I’m Harper, and I’m thrilled because I try to stay as gluten-free as possible. I might be in here every day to get my fix and harass you.”
“Excellent,” Juliet replies with a wide grin. “I can’t wait to be harassed. What are you hungry for today?”
I skim the menu and bounce on the balls of my feet in excitement. This massive menu has pasta dishes, sandwiches, and even Mexican food. Not to mention, I see that they have a big cooler full of grab-and-go options, which will be great when I’m working.
What? I love food. Sue me.
“I need those fajitas, please.”
“Chips and salsa on the side? Guac?”
“You’re speaking my love language,” I inform her, and Juliet laughs.