No Sweeter Love (Sweeter in the City Book 3) Read Online Free PDF

the mall junior year of high school. Even though Mr. Bateman never took attendance, one could never be too careful, Claire had told her friends, who rolled their eyes and had their fun without her.
    More like reckless Claire, she thought now. Impulsive Claire. The old Claire never would have lost her job. But then, the old Claire never would have quit it either. Not without something lined up.
    “It’s not like I need to worry about it now, anyway. All my ideas for this place cost money, and I don’t have any at the moment.” Hailey shrugged. “Better go check on those muffins before the chaos hits. On second thought, mind getting the coffee started for me?”
    Claire nodded silently. It was the least she could do for her cousin, considering she wasn’t even paying rent. She felt sick to her stomach as she ground the rest of the beans and started three brews: robust, medium, and decaf. She was just beginning to think she should leave and busy herself with packing for the trip when there was a knock at the door.
    Claire turned to see her friend Mary Harris smiling and waving through the glass door, her hair pulled back in a ponytail that was nearly as perky as her floral sundress. With one last press of a button, she hurried from behind the counter and crossed the room to turn the locks, excited to see a familiar face.
    “You’re here early today,” Claire commented. “I just put the coffee on.”
    “I wanted to see Lila before I went to the shop. It’s going to be a hot one today and I’m expecting a record turnout this weekend.” Mary beamed as she set her handbag on the counter, causing several slips of paper covered with what Claire knew to be ice-cream recipe ideas to spill onto the glass surface.
    “Lila’s not here yet,” Claire said, but she would be soon, and she was looking forward to it. Hailey had offered up more than just a place to crash when Claire had so hastily thrown away her life. She’d also introduced her to women who had quickly become her friends, too.
    “What do you think about Berry Jubilee for July’s flavor of the month?” Mary suddenly asked, her eyes gleaming as they usually did when she started thinking of new flavors for her ice cream parlor, Sunshine Creamery. “I was thinking it would be a vanilla base with blueberries and cherries.”
    “Very red, white, and blue.” Claire pulled a mug from the shelf as the coffee began to percolate, and then, on second thought, took two. She had hours to pack, and a little time with friends did wonders for her mood.
    “What’s red, white, and blue?” Lila asked as she closed the door behind her. She checked her watch and then turned the locks. Claire smiled her thanks across the room.
    “A new ice cream flavor. Ben thought it would all turn purple, but I have my methods.”
    “Ben.” Lila winked up at Claire and then smiled back at her younger sister. “And how is Ben these days?”
    Mary gave a dreamy smile at the mention of her boyfriend. “Wonderful as ever. The house might even be ready by August. Violet can’t wait to see her new room. It’s going to be pink, of course, but I talked her into a touch of mint for variety.”
    “If things keep up like this, you’ll be planning your wedding next. I’m sure little Violet would love to be a flower girl for her father’s wedding.” Lila sighed. “Three more weeks until Sam and I tie the knot. I can’t believe how much can change in a year.”
    I can , thought Claire. A year ago she had life all figured out. Now  . . .
    “Coffee, Lila?” she asked abruptly, eager to change the subject and keep her thoughts on track.
    “Please.” Lila settled onto a counter stool beside Mary. “How’s the new job?”
    It took Claire a moment to realize that the question had been directed at her. Her hands stilled as she reached for another mug, and she took a moment to compose herself before replying, “Fine, fine.” She kept her eyes trained on the coffee maker. She couldn’t