My Beautiful Neighbor (The Greene Family Book 1) by Piper Rayne (phonics reading books TXT) 📕

“Can I have your phone?” I ask, looking around for it and not seeing it. This situation is starting to warrant an intervention.

“I lost my virginity to this song.”

“Okay, TMI. I don’t need to know that. And I don’t need the reminder when I hear that song too.”

“Lucy was so scared. I made this whole romantic scene that night above my dad’s garage. He never knew and we lied to our parents…”

Can I please stick my fingers in my ears? I grab the earbuds out of his hand. “Adam, I know it’s hard.”

He looks at me squatting next to him.

“Heartbreak is never easy, but you gotta get out there,” I say. “Go through the motions at least until time works its magic. Clara was just here, and she asked me to go to duo night. Want to come with us?”

He sits up straighter and nods. “Okay.”

“Really?” I ask, surprised I didn’t have to talk him into it.

“Yeah, I know you’re right. It’s just facing the damn townspeople…” He shakes his head. “They give me these looks like I’m ready to shatter.”

I sit on the floor, bringing my knees to my chest. “Can I be honest?”

He nods.

“They might look at you like that because it looks like it’s true.”

He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. “I hate how much I miss her.”

I put my hand on his knee and run my palm in circles. “She was really important to you, I get it. You have to mourn the end of your relationship.”

He huffs. “First my mom and now Lucy. I barely remember mourning my mom. I was too young.”

“You guys were all so young,” I say.

“Not Cade. He was twelve and I think he still mourns her every day in his own way.”

Not wanting to get into the conversation about his mom, since I have no experience in it, I hand him back the earbuds. “I think from here on out, you need to listen to a different kind of music. Something that won’t trigger memories.”

“Yeah, I guess I should listen to Motown or some shit,” he says and puts his earbuds back in, standing to finish the wall.

Saturday comes and I’m at the store, stocking the small amount of books that have arrived already. I understand now why Hank Greene came so highly recommended—he’s done amazingly fast work. It helps that Adam has been at my disposal when he’s not working as a forest ranger. I’m still waiting on the majority of my books, the round tables, and some decorative pieces. But I’m confident I can set the opening date for three to four weeks from now.

Adam, Xavier, and Clara knock on the window before entering.

“Hey, Presley.” Clara walks in and glances in the box. “All great choices.”

“I’m glad to see they meet the librarian’s approval,” I say, standing to greet them.

Xavier holds out his hand. “We’ve never officially met. I’m Xavier Greene.”

I shake it. Being this close to him, I notice the differences between him and Cade. He’s a big guy, just as tall as Cade but much broader. And fairer. Not quite blond, more of a dark blond or really light brown.

“Xavier plays for the Rebels,” Clara says with pride.

“Football,” Adam adds.

“I know who the Rebels are,” I lie because I don’t, but kudos to Xavier for making it pro.

“We all played, but this guy got the best arm.” Adam thumbs toward his older brother.

“I like to say I had the better work ethic.” Xavier winks, and Clara pats his stomach.

“You should’ve seen this guy last season. He threw three thousand yards and only one interception.” She holds up her finger with a proud smile.

Xavier swings his arm around her shoulders and kisses the top of her head. I’d think they were a couple if I hadn’t been told differently. “She’s my biggest fan.”

Adam rolls his eyes. “Goal is to get zero interceptions.”

Xavier unlocks himself from Clara and puts Adam in a headlock. They circle around the room, Xavier at the advantage.

After a few seconds, Clara says, “Come on, you two. I don’t want to wait forever.”

We walk out of the store and I lock up as Clara tells me what we need to do to experience a business duo night. “First, coffee at The Grind. Either that or grab a beer at Truth or Dare.”

We all look at the line at the brewery, and I spot Jed and Cade at the bar through the window. There are so many people in there that I’m shocked.

“Do people come here from other towns?” I ask.

Adam shrugs. “Sometimes. But honestly, Sunrise Bay is larger than it seems. People just don’t always congregate in town because they like to hate on the tourists who keep our community thriving.” He rolls his eyes.

We grab a coffee from The Grind first. Although I would’ve preferred a beer, I’m not sure I’m ready for another interaction with Cade. Then we wait in line at Fired Up to paint our pottery and I learn more about how long Xavier and Clara have been friends from Adam, who is pretty chatty for a guy who, up until a few days ago, I thought could give a monk a run for his money on the quiet game.

Finally, we get a table for four. Four white ceramic flowers have been laid beside a bouquet of real flowers. A fancy card advertises Twisted Stem.

“They’re so cute,” I say, and Clara nods. “I call lily.” I snag it from the middle of the table.

“I’ll take the daisy,” Clara says.

“So we’re left with roses? Why are the two men painting roses?” Xavier asks.

“Stop being so gender-biased.” Clara elbows him, and he fakes an injury.

We get all the paint on our pallets and study the real flowers in the middle of the table.

“This is relaxing,” I say, painting my ceramic flower and listening to the overhead music. Hopefully none of the songs send Adam into a tizzy.

We’re halfway through and Xavier and Adam are telling me