Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 9-1

"You’re overthinking this," David said to his grandfather. "Get some rest. I have company matters to attend to, so I’m leaving now." Without waiting for a response, he strode toward the door, desperate to escape another lecture.

His phone buzzed with messages from the "Soufield Handsome Man Group Chat-a name that made him cringe, though its members could sway the entire nation’s economy with a single decision.

Joshua Barnes: [Drinks at Divine Club tonight?]

Andrew Graham: [Perfect, it’s been too long.]

Cameron West: [See you tonight.]

Joshua’s messages flooded David’s screen. [@David, don’t tell me you’re bailing again!]

[@David, no excuses this time.]

or I’m camping at

replied curtly: [Fine.] He then muted the chat before the mounting

the stairs with her small bag. She planned to visit York Pharmacy-her special prescriptions were

she passed the garden terrace, she spotted her parents enjoying their morning

come try Mom’s freshly

called, her eyes warm with

"Oh, you’re having coffee!" She inhaled dramatically. "These must be the

she poured a cup for

simply

sophistication, radiating self-importance. ’Poor thing probably only knows instant coffee from her backwater town, she thought

her cup

This particular blend..." Audrey began with honeyed

here," Danielle replied with a sweet smile that

smile faltered as she caught