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.]

answer or I’m camping at your

then muted the chat before the mounting headache

her small bag. She planned to visit York Pharmacy-her special prescriptions were running low, and it had

she spotted her parents

come try Mom’s freshly

called, her eyes warm with

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

exaggerated grace, she poured a cup

you simply must

topped off her parents’ cups with practiced 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

I know exactly what’s brewing here," Danielle replied with a sweet smile that didn’t reach

as she caught Danielle’s meaning - her fake sweetness wasn’t