13. Another Favor

13

Another Favor

Deacon

"How are you today, Deacon?" Dr. S. asks once we're both seated and his notebook is out.

I take a few seconds to consider his question. "I feel good. Lola and I had a nice time yesterday, she doesn't seem to hate me as much, business at the bar is booming, and my relationship with my neighbor is improving." I even chuckled yesterday. Since when do I chuckle?

He flashes a bright smile. "I'm so happy to hear that. It shows, too. You seem more relaxed. "

I feel more relaxed. For the first time in ages, I slept like a baby.

"Tell me about you and Lola. What happened that brought you a step in the right direction?"

"It was her birthday, and I let her go to a concert with her friends."

He quirks an eyebrow. "By herself?"

"No! Of course not. She went with my neighbors."

"Ah, yes, the bookstore owners. You told me about one of them before. Alice, was it? The one who's friends with Lola."

"Yes, that's her. She helped us out with a few things—girl problems, French homework. And she spent time with Lola."

"I'm glad that you have some support. Raising a teenager isn't an easy task."

Tell me about it. I'm winging it one hundred percent of the time. "So, yeah. Lola was happy about that, and when she came back, she even gave me a hug. The first one since she started living with me. After that, we spent some time together. She blew out a candle on a muffin, and I gave her the books I bought for her birthday, and a phone."

"A phone," he says, his tone laced with surprise .

"Yup." I sigh, still not sure I made the right decision. "I think she's old—and mature—enough to have a phone. And that way I can reach her at all times."

"Good. I'm delighted you had a nice time together, and that you're starting to trust her more."

"It's all thanks to Alice."

He gives me a pointed look. " You're responsible for all this joy, Deacon. I know you tend to think you only bring negativity, but this was all you. You're the one who let Lola go to this concert, the one who spent time with her afterward, and the one she hugged."

I rake a hand through my hair. "Sure, but only because Alice and Emma took her to the concert, and because Alice told me to spend time with Lola before she went to bed."

His brow furrows. "You wouldn't have otherwise?"

"Yes, I would have," I admit. I had to give her the gifts I'd bought, after all. And she was so happy, I wanted to bask in that. Especially after that hug. When Lola embraced me, it was as if every single one of my insecurities disappeared at once. Like she was telling me she loved me, and that she had hope for our future. Never before would I have imagined a hug could be so powerful.

We continue chatting about me, Lola, and our relationship. And for once, it really feels like just that—chatting. Not me being put in the hot seat and counting the minutes until our session is over.

Unfortunately, for every step forward, we take two steps back. At least, that's what it feels like when you're raising a teenager. Spring Break started a few days ago, and Lola and I are back on barely-speaking terms. She spends half her time complaining about not being allowed to hang out with her friends in the city, and the other half either shut in her room or holed up at the bookstore next door.

I've finally finished the renovations upstairs, and while this apartment doesn't have the appeal of my old house—like being an actual house in the middle of nowhere—it's starting to feel like home. Lola and I went shopping yesterday, and she chose a few decorative objects for the shared spaces, like carpets, plants, candles, and shelves. I don't really need any of that stuff, but I know a woman's brain works differently. And if that can help her feel more at home, I'll suffer through a cinnamon-scented candle. At least she also grabbed a pine one for my sake.

I've been thinking a lot about my hometown these past few days, and with the sunny weather peeking in, I'm missing the outdoors more than ever. It's been an unusually hot spring on the East Coast, and this city already feels like a giant pressure cooker about to explode. It's only sixty-five degrees. I don't know how I'll ever survive summer in Brooklyn.

Dr. Stewart had mentioned it might take some time before I muster the courage to go back home, but I feel ready. Maybe a breath of fresh air would do me—and Lola—some good. The Raptors have a few days off before the next game, so closing the bar wouldn't impact my business too much. Even if the guys like to hang out there on the nights they don't play, I'm sure they'll understand.

Lola emerges from her room for a bathroom break, so I take the opportunity to talk to her.

"Hey, what would you say about going on a little trip for a few days?"

"Where?" she asks, looking at me with a neutral expression.

"I'm not sure yet. Maybe New Hampshire? They've been having a mild spring, and it would be a nice change of scenery. We could go hiking, fishing, camping."

"Ew. I hate that stuff."

I wrinkle my forehead. "Really? But you've been talking about wanting to go out for days, saying that you feel cooped up here. This is your opportunity. "

"I don't want to go to some forest with you," she snaps, stomping back to her room. "I want to go out with my friends."

My shoulders fall, and all my hopes of spending a few days out of the city vanish. "Wait," I call after her. I feel bad for always resorting to this tactic, but it's the only thing that works. "What if Alice came?"

She cocks her head to the side, narrowing her eyes. "With us? To New Hampshire?"

"Yes."

She thinks about it for what seems like forever, then she nods. "Okay." Glancing at me, she adds, "You like her, don't you?"

"What?" I choke out, then break into a cough.

"Alice. You have a crush on her. I get it, she's super nice and really pretty. She would be good for you."

I swallow hard. "I—no. Yes, I guess she is. But I'm not looking for a girlfriend, Lola. One girl in my life is more than enough." I smile, but I'm pretty sure it looks forced.

"Fine," she says, folding her arms over her chest. "Shame, though. You'd be a good match, I think."

I resist the urge to ask her why on earth she would think that. Alice and I couldn't be more different. Besides, she's searching for the perfect gentleman. I don't exactly fit the bill. "So, we're going? "

"Yes, if she comes with us."

My chest warms instantly. Now, I just have to convince Alice to go on a trip with me. Uh—I mean, with us. And it's absolutely crucial that she agrees. There's a weird tingle in my chest as I think about the trip. Alice has to say yes. She has to. It's my only shot at spending a few days in nature, after all. I think I may have underestimated how much I need this trip.

Alice

I'm trying to get the perfect shot of my Pink Wednesday stack, but the lighting is all wrong, no matter how many angles I try. I swear, this Bookstagram thing isn't always a breeze. But I love Pink Wednesday, and I am determined to make it work.

A notification flashes on my phone as I'm getting the stack into frame. It's a text from Emma.

Emz: Grumpy neighbor in the store looking for you.

My heart jolts, and the phone drops from my hand. Why is Deacon looking for me? We haven't seen each other since that awkward flirting thing after the concert. Of course, that hasn't stopped me from thinking about him, once or twice—or one thousand times. Merde . What does he want?

I hurry downstairs. Emma is behind the counter, pretending to look at the computer, but I immediately catch her sideways glance. And that little smirk.

Deacon is standing near the entrance, wearing a simple black T-shirt with a pair of jeans and looking way too delicious. His usual frown completes the look. Big surprise.

But as soon as our gazes cross, his scowl dissolves, and that sends my heart on a bungee jump. Having the power to make Deacon's frown vanish with a simple look is like witnessing a rainbow after a heavy rain or stumbling upon a hidden treasure. There's nothing better in the world. Except maybe adding a smile on that face.

"Hi," I say, walking closer. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yeah, um." He clears his throat, and for a second, I wonder if he's nervous. He wipes his hands on his pants and swallows hard. "I wanted to ask if you'd come with me and Lola to New Hampshire for a few days."

My heart leaps. Is Deacon seriously asking me to go on a trip with him? Well, him and Lola, but still. Just when I thought he might take a small step and ask me out, he takes a giant stride. "Is that where you're from?" I ask. In other words, I s that where that sexy accent comes from ?

"Yeah." He sways on his feet. "I think it'll do us some good, but Lola won't agree unless you're in."

My heart falls to my shoes, and I cross my arms. This has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Lola. "Oh, so you need another favor."

"I guess," he says, scratching his head. "I'm a lost cause."

A smile escapes me.

"I'm sorry to ask, and I know you have work and your life, but—"

"I'll come," I say before I can think twice. Lola needs someone to help her navigate life after losing her mom, and I'm proud to fill that role. I know how important it is, having someone who understands. The opportunity to go away with Deacon has nothing to do with it. Plus, I need to see if every man in New Hampshire boasts that delicious accent.

"Really?" he breathes out, clearly relieved.

"Sure. When are we going? For how long?" I ask, remembering I have to clear this with my friends. Hayley is on the road with Maxime any chance she gets, and I don't want everything to fall on Emma.

"I was thinking we could leave tomorrow. And I don't know—until the weekend? I'd have to see what's available in terms of rentals. "

I glance at Emma on my left, and she nods, giving me a thumbs-up. Of course she was listening in on our conversation. I offer her a grateful smile. "Sounds good. Let me know, and I'll start packing."

"Great. Thank you, Frenchie. Pack casual," he says, glancing down at my outfit—a cute white-and-blue polka dot dress.

"This is casual." I frown.

A small laugh escapes him, and my body flushes. "It's more of a nature trip. We'll go hiking, fishing, camping, that sort of thing."

My eyes widen into two large saucepans. "Oh."

He winces, shoving a hand in his back pocket. "Kind of forgot that small detail."

I chuckle. "Don't worry, it's fine." I'm not one to back down on my word, even if Deacon just said three "-ing" words I pretty much hate. I'm more a reading, snuggling, and lounging kind of gal. But the fact that Deacon will be part of those activities makes them just a little more appealing. And Lola. Of course. I love that sweet child.

"Okay." He nods, a smile teasing at his lips. "Well, thanks."

"Bye." I wave.

As soon as he's out of the store, Emma hurries to my side. "Are you seriously going on a hiking trip with Deacon?" she asks, arching an eyebrow.

"And Lola."

"Right." She rolls her eyes. "‘Cause that's the reason you're going."

"Shut up," I scoff.

"Well, I'd tell you to be careful, that it could be a thriller situation and all that, but I don't think I have to worry. You're in good hands. Sure, the guy is a little gruff, but he doesn't seem that bad."

I lift my eyebrows. "Wow, he passed the Emma character appraisal. I'm shocked."

She gives me a smirk. "He did, but I might be biased. We grumps tend to stick together."

That makes me laugh. Emma and Deacon do have a bit in common. I wonder if, like Emma, he's a totally different person once you get to know him. I guess I'll find out soon enough . . . on a hiking trip . Gosh, what have I gotten myself into? And more importantly, what am I going to wear? My entire wardrobe is made up of dresses and skirts, not exactly forest-friendly attire.

"Wanna raid my closet?" Emma asks, quirking an eyebrow .

I place both hands on her shoulders. "Thank you. I'm so lucky to have you as a friend."

"I know," she says with a small shake of her head. "But you'll owe me for all those extra hours. That's some serious reading time I'm going to miss."

With a giggle, I wrap her in a hug. "Absolutely."

One thing you should never mess with: a bookish girl's reading time.