Falling Like Leaves (Bramble Falls, #1)(48)

“Bitch, I didn’t come all this way to watch you sew.”

I turn around so fast, the chair almost topples over.

“Fernie!” I scream. She laughs as I jump up and tackle her in a hug. “What are you doing here?”

“You didn’t make it to New York, so I figured I’d come to you,” she says. She looks around my room—at Mom’s art hanging on the wall, at my makeshift curtains, at my single dresser and clothing rack, at the old TV and DVD player—and turns back to me, her face stamped with apprehension. “We have to save you from this place.”

I chuckle. “It’s not as awful as I thought it’d be.”

“They’ve brainwashed you,” she says. “We need an extraction plan.”

I laugh but she doesn’t crack. I shake my head at her concern. “How’d you know where to find me?”

“I texted your mom last night. She gave me the address.” She sits on the edge of the bed. “I’m on my way to Rhode Island, so I figured I’d stop by and spend the day with you.”

“What’s in Rhode Island?”

She finally grins. “I’m doing a collab with Spider Spices. They were going to send me some of their products to make videos at home, but then they emailed yesterday to see if I’d want to come try dishes featuring their spices at some restaurant they own in Rhode Island. Obviously I wasn’t going to pass up this chance, but honestly, I’m pretty fucking stressed. It’s a massive opportunity. I really need it to go well.”

“Wow, that sounds huge,” I say. Part of me is envious of my friend. Big things are happening for her, and collaborating with such a popular brand could open a lot of doors for her future. But… for the first time probably ever, a bigger part of me is relieved I’m not in that position. It’s been nice knowing my biggest worry lately is whether I’m going to get riddles written in time or whether the Caffeinated Cat will be open when I’m in need of a harvest spice latte.

Things that don’t involve me stressing about my whole future being on the line.

“It is. I’m really excited.” She nods at my sewing table. “What are you working on over there? I didn’t realize you were back to sewing again.”

“A little.” I point to a minidress I made the other night. “My mom didn’t let me bring much, so I’ve been piecing together some cute outfits from donated clothes.”

Fern’s eyes bulge as she takes in the black-and-white plaid mini pinafore dress. “That is so freaking cute! I’m so glad you’re making stuff again. We should promote your clothes in my videos!”

“You review food, Fern,” I remind her.

“I could talk food and fashion.”

I wave her off. “It’s a nice thought, but there would be no point. It’s just a hobby.” I stand and link our arms. “Anyway, we should head out. We don’t want to be late.”

She looks at me, confused, as I tug her toward the stairs. “Late for what?”

“A scavenger hunt.” I grin. “But first, we need provisions.”

Less than fifteen minutes later, we walk into the Caffeinated Cat, and Fern nearly keels over the second Marty approaches.

“Holy shit. What do they feed their cats here?” she asks. “Why is that thing the size of a taxi?”

I laugh and bend down to pet my favorite oversized cat. “He’s a Maine coon.”

“I have no idea what that means,” she says, brushing the cat fur off her black pants. “Can we please just order coffee and get out of here?”

“I had no idea you hated cats so much,” I say, leading her to the counter.

“I only hate them in person. Love watching TikTok videos of them,” she says. “Which is how I know they’re unpredictable assholes with fast reflexes who seem to enjoy messing with people.”

“Hmm. That’s pretty accurate.”

When we reach the counter, I’m surprised to see Cooper working.

“Hey. Thought we were people-watching today?” I say, trying to mask my disappointment.

“Don’t worry, Mitchell, I’m off in thirty.” He glances behind me, where Fern is standing, and his eyes widen. She’s freaking stunning, so I’m not surprised. And I refuse to be jealous of my friend. “Cooper, this is my friend—”

“Fern Berry,” he says, cutting me off. Then he looks at me, his jaw still nearly on the floor. “You’re friends with Fern Berry?”

Fern smiles at him, flirtation painted all over her perfect face. “Nice to meet you, Cooper. Ellis is my bestie.”

“Nice to meet you.” He turns back to me. “Why wouldn’t you tell me that?”

I draw my eyebrows together, puzzled. “Why would I tell you that? How was I supposed to know you’d care? Or that you’d even know who she is?”

“Fair. Okay, well, what can I get for you guys? It’s on me,” he says.

What is happening right now? “You’re not paying for our stuff, Cooper.”

“She’s Fern Berry, Ellis. I’m paying. And I already know what you want, so, Fern, what can I get for you?”

Fern looks at me. “I like him.”

I try not to roll my eyes while she gives Cooper her order; then we head to the other end of the counter to wait for our drinks.