Page 76 of Let Me Love You

“Archer,” I say. “He’s never modeled before. Can you believe that?”

“Seriously? He’s a natural. Is he…single?”

I was waiting for that question.

I chuckle. “Yeah, he is.”

“So, he doesn’t work here?” she asks as if she was hoping to meet him.

“I don’t think he could handle it, honestly,” I say with a small laugh. “Just modeled some clothes for me.”

She looks around, almost like she’s lost.

“Are you looking for anything in particular?” I finally ask.

“Do you have any distressed jeans with rips and stuff?” She wanders over to the jeans that are folded and tucked into cubbies on the wall.

“A girl after my own heart.” I lead her over to them.

“You have to try the winter leggings,” Lexie interjects. Ever since I gave her that pair, she has literally sold dozens of them.

“Winter leggings?” the woman asks, and I can tell from her accent that she’s not from the South. But I can’t quite place it either.

“Yeah, they’re lined on the inside and keep you toasty warm. I love, love, love mine. They’re so comfortable,” Lexie continues until the woman grabs two pairs.

“I’m sold. Guess I’ll take one in black and one in gray.” She also grabs a few of the custom sweatshirts that have Ever After Boutique across the chest in a pretty cursive font. I mean, they are cute as hell, but I’m also extremely biased.

After I lead her to the counter and check her out, she speaks up. “I’m Krystal, but my friends call me Kay.”

“It’s been a pleasure meeting you.” I put everything in a bag. “I also put an extra twenty percent off coupon in there too that doesn’t expire until March. I hope you come back.”

“Oh wow, thank you so much.”

I come from behind the counter and walk to the front. She stays in step with me.

“So, can you tell me anything else ’bout this Archer guy? Does he live here?”

“Yeah, he does. But he’s not really looking for a relationship at the moment.”

She sighs. “That’s too bad.”

“It was nice of you to stop by. Make sure to leave a review online and tag the shop. Would love that!”

“Absolutely. I’m sure you’ll see me again sometime soon,” Kay says with a hint of something I can’t detect.

“I sure hope so!” I offer and wave as she exits.

“She was so sweet,” Lexie says.

“Right! And good upsell with the leggings. I’m gonna have to give you some more shit to wear.”

She smirks. “I wouldn’t deny that offer.”

Lexie’s called over by Mrs. Fergurson to see if we have more sizes in the back. I’m pulled away by someone else, and the rush bleeds into our lunch breaks. By the time it calms down again, it’s nearly two, and I finally tell Lexie to go eat.

When Lexie returns, it’s nearly three, and the shop is empty again. I go in the back and throw a frozen dinner into the microwave and check my social media pages.

My inbox is flooded with questions about Archer once again, and I send them my canned response of the day.