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

[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 running low, and

she spotted her parents enjoying

come try Mom’s

called, her eyes warm

you’re having coffee!" She inhaled dramatically. "These must be the special beans I brought back from

poured a cup for

simply

topped off her parents’ cups with practiced sophistication, radiating self-importance. ’Poor thing probably only knows instant coffee from her

studied her

had specialty coffee? This particular

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

caught