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.]

I’m camping

muted the chat before the

to visit York Pharmacy-her special prescriptions were running low, and it had been too long since

she spotted her parents enjoying their morning

try Mom’s

eyes

you’re having coffee!" She inhaled dramatically. "These

grace, she poured a

you simply must

topped off her parents’ cups with practiced sophistication, radiating self-importance. ’Poor thing

her

specialty coffee? This particular blend..." Audrey began with honeyed

know exactly what’s brewing here," Danielle replied with a

carefully curated influencer smile faltered as she caught Danielle’s meaning -