On the Outside Looking In (Wrong Reasons) Read Free Page A

his lips curling at the corners, and nodded.  I returned the nod and scurried out the door.
     
     

Chapter Two
     
    Saturday mornings at Beans, the coffee shop, are usually my favorite time to work.  The people who come in are not so rushed or stressed and can grab a cup of their favorite hot beverage and linger at one of the tables, reading the paper or chatting.  The atmosphere is more relaxed and it’s easier to deal with the more difficult customers.
    During the late morning lull, I grabbed a rag and a spray bottle full of blue cleaner and tackled the tables.  I took my time, making sure to spray and wipe each table down.  The sun’s rays streamed through the large windows, blocked only by the lettering which made strange shadows on the floor.
    An hour before my shift was over; Evan waltzed through the door, minus Manda, and flashed a charming grin.
    “Hey, Morgan,” he said as he rested a hip against the counter.  “How’s it going?”
    “Fine,” I said.  “Plain coffee?”
    “Sure,” he said.  I quickly poured him a cup and placed it on the counter, holding up a hand before he could pay.  “On the house.”
    His grin widened.  “Nice.  Thanks.”
    “No problem.”
    “So,” he said, lifting the lid to blow across the cup.  “Did you have a good time last night?”
    “Yes. It was fun.”
    He nodded as he sipped his coffee.  “Have you heard anything about the indie record guy?”
    “No,” I said, my heart sinking a bit.  No one had called or texted - nothing.  “I haven’t spoken to anyone yet.  I had to be here early and I’m not supposed to be on my phone.”
    “Ah, gotcha,” he said.  “Well, I haven’t heard anything, either.  Rusty seems to think that they’ll get signed.  He loves those guys.”
    I smiled.  “I do, too.  They’re great.  And they work really hard.”
    Placing his cup on the counter, he leaned next to it.  “So, tell me, Morgan.  Do you have a boyfriend?”
    “No,” I said, eyes wide.  “I don’t really have time.”
    “Sure you do,” he said as he straightened, his eyes dancing in amusement.  “Everyone has time for romance.”
    Pulling the napkin dispenser closer, I opened it before ducking beneath the counter to grab a package.  I started refilling the dispenser, avoiding Evan’s eyes.
    “Don’t be all shy,” he continued.  “You’re a beautiful girl – you probably have guys breaking down your door.”
    I couldn’t help but to snort.  I wasn’t the beautiful one.  Bailey and Irelyn were. 
    “No, I don’t think so,” I said as I shoved more napkins in the dispenser. 
    My mind flashed to Spencer, standing on the stage, playing his guitar while the spotlight shone on him.  Long legs sheathed in denim, topped with a vintage tee, he was the epitome of cute in my eyes – and the only one who could turn my head.  Perhaps if I was beautiful, I could turn his. He was unavailable, of course, and I’d have to get over him if I ever wanted to be happy.  But until then, I could live in my fantasies.
    Evan straightened suddenly and lifted his cup to his lips.  Cocking his head, he studied me, eyes narrowed.  “What are you doing tonight?”
    “Me?” I asked as my hands froze over the dispenser.
    “Yes,” he said, hiding a smile.  “You.”
    “Nothing,” I said with a shrug as I snapped the top of the dispenser and pushed it back to its spot.  Closing the napkin package, I shoved it back under the counter.
    “Why don’t you hang out with me tonight?” he asked.
    “You, huh?” I said, my heart thudding.  “And where would we hang out?”
    “Wherever,” he said, lifting a shoulder.  “Movies, bowling alley, arcade – you name it.”
    Furrowing my brow, I crossed my arms over my chest.  “Are you asking me on a date, because I’m not in a dating place right now?”
    “Not a date,” he said.  Sipping his coffee, his eyes bored into mine, waiting for an answer.
    “If it’s not a date, then what is