Page 2 of Promising Her Forever

“Love you,” I say as we leave.

Two more days and I get to start my new life in America.

Riley

For some reason, I always choose the wrong fucking guys. My bestie, Daphne, says that some day I’ll meet ‘the one.’ I think she’s delusional. And after this last guy? I’m done. His name was Charles, but he told us we could call him ‘Playboy.’ He said hewas an enforcer with a club called the Feral Raptors MC. He’s here from England and I met him while Daph and I were out for drinks. He was sexy and definitely my type. But his name should’ve told me the kind of person he was. We went on two dates, the first one was okay. The second? Holy shit, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. He was a fucking narcissistic asshole. He spent the whole dinner talking about the women that he’s been with and how I’m lucky because he’s choosing to be with me now. I’ve since blocked his number.

Today, Daphne and I are headed to Ireland. This will be our last trip for a while. I’m in the process of opening a coffee shop in Lake Renegade, Illinois. I can’t wait. This has been my dream for a long time. I had been researching different coffee beans and ways to make coffee. Then on one of our road trips, we drove through Lake Renegade Township and I fell in love with the town. We decided to stay there for a week and we got to know the owners of Precious Risings Bakery & Cafe. The three women who own it are the sweetest. And they have direct ties to the founders of the town. The history I learned from them made me want to stay there even more.

While we were there, I told them my dream of opening a coffee shop. They said that it’s one of the businesses they don’t have there. Before I knew it, we were discussing plans for me to open my shop next to the bakery. There’s even an apartment above the spot that they’ve rented to me. While I’m in Ireland, they’re going to be overseeing the finishing touches on the renovations for my shop. I’m so excited. At first, I was a little sad about not being there for it. But Daphne pointed out that if I wait till I come back, then I can’t open when I planned to. So I’m trusting my new friends to make the cafe into my dream.

I stop into the bakery to grab a breakfast sandwich before I head to the airport. I knock on the front door and wave at Graínne Mancini, one of the owners.

“Morning, love.” She smiles as she lets me in.

Graínne and Caitríona Bastianini are from Ireland. And they’ve told me about some cool places to visit. I’m so excited.

“I can’t believe I’m headed to Ireland,” I say as I hug her. Caitríona and Rosaura Mancini come out to join us.

“You’re going to love Ireland.” Caitríona smiles.

“And when you get back? Espresso Joy will be ready to open. I’ve got all your equipment and inventory ready to be stocked.” Rosaura hugs me.

The one thing I’ve noticed about the families here? They love to hug. They’re not afraid to show how much they love and care for each other. My parents, Steven and Tilly, were like that when I was little. They were high school sweethearts. Then my mother cheated on my dad and got pregnant. It’s been ten years, and maybe one day I’ll ask her why, but right now I’m still angry at her for what she did to our family. I have two older sisters, Jayde and Willa, and one younger brother, Holden. Because I don’t talk to my mother, I don’t see our youngest sister, Maisie, at all. Some days I feel sad about that, but I just don’t know how to fix any of it. My siblings feel the same way I do. We’ve been here for our dad this whole time. He found love again and got married a few years ago. And that’s made me really happy for him. Our stepmother, Ruby, is a great match to my dad. She’s always smiling at him and showing him how much she loves him. I love how happy he is with her.

I finish up my breakfast sandwich and say bye to everyone. Rosaura hands me a lunch bag.

“We made a couple of sandwiches for you and Daphne. And a few pastries are in there for you too.”

“Thank you so much. You all spoil me so much. I’ll see you all in a week!”

CHAPTER TWO

Riley

Daphne’s always saying that I need to fly first class at least once in my life. I told her one day I would, but with all the money I’ve put into the coffee shop, I just can’t do it right now. As we were checking in, I found out that Daphne had paid the difference for me to fly with her in first class. I love her so much. I told her she shouldn’t have spent that money on me, and she laughed and rolled her eyes.

I have to admit, flying first class on an almost eight-hour flight is nice. Now I’m definitely going to save up before flying again. Our first three days in Ireland, we spent in Dublin. Then we took the Irish Rail from Dublin to Galway. We grabbed some food before we got on the train. For some reason, everything I’ve eaten in Ireland tastes so much better than anything I’ve had back home. I’m going to have to ask Graínne and Caitríona if they have any recipes they can share. I have a new love of Irish food.

We have two more days here and I’m really sad to leave.

“Have you decided where you want to eat dinner?”

“What about that restaurant next to the hotel?”

“Sounds good to me. I’m starving.” She laughs.

“Me too. Come on, let’s go.”

When we get to the restaurant, luckily they have a table for us. It looks like one of the last tables that are open. As I look around, my eyes land on the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. And I think he’s looking at me too.

“That guy hasn’t taken his eyes off you since we walked in,” Daphne whispers to me.

“You’re nuts, he’s not looking at me.”

“You’re blushing.” She giggles.

“I told you, I’m done with guys and dating. So yes, he’s gorgeous. But no thank you,” I say to her.