Page 62 of A Cup of Autumn
“I prefer that to loser.” Raine hadn’t been called that, but she’d thought of herself as one after Emmett left her. Anna was all sunshine and smiles. “But you’re younger than me.”
“Life and love begin at thirty. That’s my new motto and I’m sticking with it. I’ve told Pippa the same thing.”
Anna would turn thirty-one soon. Raine smiled. “Going all in with this.”
“One hundred percent. And I suggest letting things with the geeky gorgeous professor run their course, whether that’s as friends, co-coordinators of the Boo Bash, or something more.” Anna glanced over her shoulder toward the corner. “Should’ve called dibs in December.”
“I didn’t.”
“He has eyes only for you. The same as Brandt had for Callie.” Anna picked up the drink carrier. “Now relax, take a few deep breaths, and keep smiling.”
“Thanks, Anna.”
“You’re welcome. I need to get these drinks to the shop while they’re still warm, or Sam will complain.”
Raine waved. “Have a great day. And thanks for the advice.”
Now she had to put that into action.
Relaxing wasn’t easy for Raine to do. Breathing deeply, she could handle. And smiling was something she did whenever she saw Keaton.
*
Keaton kept busyapplying for jobs, working on the Boo Bash, and revising his manuscript. The Boo Bash took most of his time. He hadn’t made it to the coffee shop yesterday, and earlier in the week, he’d arrived later in the day when the place was less crowded.
Not that Raine was less busy, but she appeared more relaxed and less tired now that Parker and Robin worked during the weekdays.
Progress.
Now to get the Boo Bash put together, so Raine would have less to worry about.
On Thursday at eleven, the first boxes of supplies he’d ordered arrived. Keaton carried the two boxes to the guest room and set them on the desk. He opened the first box—enough candy to send every dentist in Silver Falls on a fully paid, all excursions included Caribbean cruise. This amount was less than half the amount passed out during last year’s Boo Bash. No wonder Robin and other parents wanted less candy given out. Next came the second box full of small toys and other items.
“It will be a bootiful Halloween in Silver Falls.”
He double-checked his order with what arrived—candy, spider rings, jack-o’-lantern mini bubble bottles, sticky skulls, stretchy skeletons, mini coloring books, erasers, pencils, stamps, and stickers.
Keaton took a picture, typed a text, and hitsend.
Me:Look what arrived.
Raine:Fun! That’s a lot more than I thought we’d have.
Me:Wait until you see everything in person. Are you on break?
Raine:Yes. Can you bring the stuff to my house?
Me:When?
Raine:Tonight? I’m off at seven.
Me:See you then.
Keaton set the phone on the desk and put the items back into the boxes. He should bring something for her. The bakery was on the way, and most people enjoyed cookies. He would call ahead to see if someone knew what Raine enjoyed.
A knock sounded.
“Come in.”
