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 could

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

the garden terrace, she

Mom’s freshly

her eyes warm with

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

she poured

you simply must

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

studied her cup

had specialty coffee? This particular blend..." Audrey

what’s brewing here," Danielle replied

caught Danielle’s meaning -