One Song Away Read Online Free PDF

enjoyed some privileges growing up. I can’t imagine him as working-class. Like me .
    “Definitely not.” Jake laughs, quietly this time. He studies our hands, as if he’s just realized he’s still holding mine. “It’s a long story, and my parents and I are slowly reconnecting. But no, I’m not rich.” He lets go of my hands and makes a sweeping gesture around Freshly Ground. “I work for a living. You’re looking at my business. Well, mine once all the payments are made.”
    “No way. You own Freshly Ground?”Some of my normal bravado returns finally, and I’m able to smirk. “What happened to the guy who swore he’d never have a nine-to-five?”
    “He grew up.” He winks at me. “Not entirely, but I’ve made a few changes for the better, like I’m sure you have.” He leans back in his seat, slouching a bit. Despite the respectable clothes, the button down underneath his sweater, and his carefully styled hair, I can see a bit of the boy I left behind. “I mean, despite my outward appearance I’m still….”
    “Coop? Still the guy who streaked during homecoming our senior year?”
    I never thought I’d see a blush on Jake Cooper’s face, but there’s a faint stain of color spreading across his cheeks. “Yeah, part of me is still that guy.” Grinning, he rubs the back of his neck while the flush fades. “I’m glad you’re back.”
    “Me too,” I say, suddenly meaning it more than I would have earlier today.
    Someone hollers his name and he turns in his chair. Nodding to one of the guys across the coffeehouse, he faces me again. “I’ve got to go take care of some boss things. Will you be here for a while?” I tell him I will. “Okay, great. Tell Sasha at the counter I said anything you want is on the house. I’ll check in with you when I can, because I want to talk to you more.” Another dazzling smile and he’s gone.
    Almost physically winded, I reach into my bag for my cell and text Sloane.
     
    Coop is back in town and you didn’t tell me??!! I just ran into him at Freshly Ground, which apparently he owns?!
     
    She texts back barely a minute later.
     
    Shit, I’m so sorry. It totally slipped my mind the other night. Come over tonight and tell me about seeing him. And remember to breathe.
     
    Flipping to a new page in my notebook, I start writing without really thinking about what I’m doing. I let my blond hair fall over my face to hide the heat I can feel in my cheeks. I try not to think about Jake, but I wonder if our meeting impacted him even half as much as it did me. My handwriting isn’t as neat as it normally is because my hands are still shaky. I feel like he might as well have ambushed me with a wrecking ball made up of thoughts and memories I’ve avoided for years.
    Eventually, I get a scone and water from Sasha, figuring I don’t need any more caffeine. While I sip my water, I open the book I brought, but after an hour and five chapters, I give up. I stare out the window, people watching. There’s a group of little old ladies sitting on a bench across the street, keeping cool with the old-fashioned fans on sticks. I smile to myself as I realize how little some things have changed in Martinville.
    Slowly, I come down from whatever level of awkward I was orbiting earlier. Yes, seeing Jake threw me, but I can do this. I can be around him without getting lost in my memories and my own neurosis. I’m Sophie-Claire Wright. I’m a chameleon. Years of living in Nashville taught me how to be comfortable in any situation, or at least do a damn good job of pretending like I am.
    When Jake takes a seat at my table again, I’m almost prepared for the adrenaline rush. I smile at him, hoping it’s friendly but not flirtatious, because I am not going back down that road with him. I spent years waiting for him to see me as more than a friend. When he didn’t, it was enough disappointment for a lifetime. I’m not that teenage girl anymore. I can be just friends with Jake