by LK Farlow
I shake my head and smile. “Never mind. And to answer your question, no. No boys.”
He shakes his head, like he’s baffled by my singleton status. “Huh. Always thought you and that Collins boy would hit it off.”
At the mention of Drake’s name, my spine straightens and my posture becomes ramrod stiff. “Drake? And me? Together? Piiiiish.” I roll my eyes, begging for a subject change.
Mom and Pops exchange a knowing look but let the topic go. Praise be. “So, how’s the salon going?” Mom asks. Nosy woman. What she’s really asking me is how Magnolia—the “new girl”—is.
“Work is great. Busy as busy gets.” Mom drums her perfectly manicured nails on the tabletop, and I decide to throw her a bone. “Magnolia is a godsend. She’s really quiet but works hard and knows her stuff. She can craft some of the most gorgeous and natural-looking blondes I’ve ever seen.”
“Well, that’s wonderful. Especially with Myla Rose still being out—”
“Speaking of Myla Rose,” Pops cuts in, “when is she gonna bring that boy of hers out to the house?” You’d think Mom would be the one to go all gah-gah over Brody, but it’s my stepdad who seems to have caught "Grandbaby Fever.”
“She and Cash have a hot date this weekend, and I’m watching him. Y’all should stop by.”
Pops rubs his hands together excitedly, glancing between Mom and me, as if he’s waiting for her permission, which she freely gives. “That sounds wonderful, dear. And how’s Seraphine?”
“She’s doing really well, but her dad’s heart is really struggling.”
Mom’s eyes mist with tears. “So sad. He’s so young.” Pops and I nod our agreement.
The server brings our food, alerting me to the fact that I never ordered. Cocking an eyebrow, I turn toward my mother. “Oh, dear, I took the liberty of ordering for us. I got you your favorite, chicken Parmesan.” I smile and nod my head, pleased with her selection.
The rest of our meal is full of small talk and town gossip, and it’s just the thing I need to get my mind off Drake Collins.
Acknowledgments
Wow, my first book. Never thought I’d see the day, and without the help and support of so many, I can truly say I wouldn’t have.
Karin, we started this journey together, and you’ve quickly become one of my very best friends. Your belief and faith in me means the world to me. You’re my hero, babe!
Lo and Heather, my twins. Love y’all to the moon and back. Two times.
Shawn, this book wouldn’t be what it is, without you! You challenged me and never hesitated to ask “WHY?”. Thank you SO much!
Cassie, love you boo!
Joy, thanks for letting me annoy the crap out of you!
Paola, thanks for believing in me!
To my amazing beta readers, y’all are legit the best around. Thank y’all!
To my Minxes, y’all are the coolest, most amazing group around. Thank y’all so much for always putting up with my endless questions. It means the world to me.
To the blogs and readers who take a chance on little ol’ me! I hope y’all adore Cash & Myla Rose!
To my Mom. You always said you wanted to read this, and I always blushed and told you “No!”. I take it back… I just wish you were here to read it. I love you, eternally.
To my family for their unrelenting love and support.
But most of all, to my husband and children. Without y’all, my life would be dull and gray. Y’all are my hope, my sunshine, my air, and more. I love you.
About the Author
LK Farlow (A.K.A Kate) is a small town girl with a love for words. She’s been writing stories and poems for as long she can remember. A Southern girl through and through, Kate resides in beautiful, sunny LA—that’s Lower Alabama, y’all—with her amazing husband and three wonderful children. When she’s not writing, you can find her snuggled up on the couch watching nature documentaries while she crochets or with her nose in a book. All Kate really wants in this life is her family happy, strong coffee, a good book and more Happily Ever After’s.
Facebook: @AuthorLKFarlow
Reader Group: LK’s Darling’s
www.authorlkfarlow.com