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 your

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

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

terrace, she spotted her parents

Mom’s freshly

called, her eyes warm with

Danielle settled into a chair, Audrey glided onto the scene. "Oh, you’re having coffee!" She inhaled dramatically. "These must be the special beans

she poured a cup for

simply

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

studied her cup

specialty coffee? This

what’s brewing here," Danielle replied with a sweet

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