Page 116 of One Last Thing Before You Go

“Thanks,” I say with a laugh. “I think one or two people have found it annoying, but most find satisfaction in guessing the genre. I think it keeps the reader engaged.”

When I show him the bar and we take a seat, I order us both a mocktail. “And Alejandro isn’t pissed at you for having this in your bookstore since he used to own the only bar in town?”

“No,” I say before taking a sip of my favorite new drink, Spa Day (cucumber, lime, coconut water, and seltzer on the rocks). “It’s a different vibe and he knows it. Ale’s bar is great—but for a different audience. What I wanted to create was an all-in-one safe and fun space for women in this town, mostly. For everyone, but I’m filling a particular need Ceres Cove had. No offense to my brother, but going to his bar has never given me the same type of feeling as going to a nicer, chill lounge-type place with the girls. It’s just not the same. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for going somewhere that smells like hops, but it isn’t every night. Plus, you can sit here and watch Bravo or other trash reality TV. It’s a place for people to get away, while still feeling at home.”

“And I’m sure you’re less likely to get unwanted attention here than you are at your brother’s bar.”

I smile at him, barely able to breathe. “I don’t know. The last guy who tried to pick me up at his bar wasn’t so bad.”

He inhales sharply, eyes locked on mine. “I’m glad you feel that way. Wouldn’t want you regretting anything. It’s not a good way to live your life.”

“Do you have any regrets?” The words leave my mouth before I can even think. Tears start to build in my eyes because I realize I’ve just set myself up to hear something I might not want to hear. But would most definitely deserve.

“About you? None. Maybe that I didn’t fight harder, but…”

I sniffle. “Right. But.” I look away before I lose it. God, it would just be so typical of me, too. To just start crying in the middle of my grand opening because my ex-boyfriend came back and⁠—

I stop. Take a deep breath. No, we are not doing this. We are going to enjoy today.

“I love it, Lottie. Seriously. I’m so proud of you.” He takes my hand in both of his, his eyes locked on mine.

“Thank you, Knox.” I wrap my other hand around his. “I’m so happy you made it. I don’t know how you made it. But I’m happy you’re here. It’s been… It’s been a rough six months.”

“It doesn’t look like it, though.” He smiles, looking around.

“I think you know what I mean.”

His expression drops. So do his hands. To his credit, he pulls them away gently. And because I am an absolute masochist, I tell him, “I missed you.”

Knox sits up straight in his stool, brow furrowed. “It’s cause your aim sucks, kid.”

I groan, half thankful for the comic relief, half frustrated with it. “That was a terrible dad joke.”

“Says the woman who literally made her bookstore all about puns.”

I snort-laugh, spilling some of my drink. He reaches out with his napkin to dab at my chin. But his face grows serious, dropping his napkin in my lap. Knox cups my jaw in his large warm hand, and I can’t help but lean into it. His eyes flit to my lips, which he traces with his thumb.

And it’s like we’re back to that first night. To that spark.

“Knox, I⁠—”

“Hey, sis. Hey, Knox.”

I glare at Adriana for interrupting us, seriously considering the whole murder thing again.

“Adri, we were just⁠—”

“I know, but I just had to interrupt you because the guy from the The Maine Courant is here to interview you.”

I look back at Knox, conflicted. “I’m so sorry. It’s just… They have the third biggest circulation in Maine and⁠—”

He holds a hand up to stop me, a sad smile on his face. “Don’t worry about it.” Knox slides off his stool and begins to walk away but I stop him just in time, grabbing him by the sleeve of his coat.

“Don’t go. Please. There’s still so much I want to say. So much I need to say.”

He stares at me for a moment and swallows, considering my plea. After a painful stretch of time, he nods. “Okay. How about I go book a room at the motel and come back when everyone is gone?”

My breath catches in my chest, heart lurching. “R-really? I… Yes. Yes, please.”