I approached the counter, tilting my head to look at the cookies in the glass cases. Wait, that wasn’t what I was here for. I was here to talk with her about the cabin rental—not get lured with sweet treats. That was the problem with Lily. Well, problem was too strong of a word. But I could never stay mad or befrustrated with her for long. Between her kindness and big heart, it was impossible.
“Sure, yeah, I’ll take whatever you have left.” I tapped my fingers on the counter as Lily grabbed a pair of tongs to place the treats in a pink bakery box.
She glanced down at my fingers and then back up at me. “What’s on your mind?”
I wasn’t exactly sure how to ease into what I wanted to ask, so I blurted, “You rented the cabin to a reality TV star?”
Lily froze for a moment, and her shoulders stiffened ever so slightly before she continued going through the motions of packing up the pastries, avoiding my gaze. “Where’d you hear that she was on a reality show?” Lily’s voice was casual as she skirted around my question, but I knew when my sister was avoiding telling the truth.
“From Ruby. Something about Paradise…” I waved my hand, unable to remember the exact name of the show.
Lily swore under her breath as she folded the top of the box to a close. “I figured people around here would find out eventually, but not this quickly. Did Ruby tell anyone else?”
“Cooper was there, but I doubt he cares.” Cooper also didn’t participate in small town gossip—that much. “But Louise was there, too. That seemed to be the first she’d heard of it.”
Lily’s eyebrows raised. “Ruby was aware of town gossip before Louise? That’s unheard of.” She let out a small laugh. “But with Louise knowing, it’s only a matter of days before it gets out to the whole town. Shoot, I need to tell Jules. I don’t want her to think I shared any of this.”
“So youdidknow?” I crossed my arms over my chest. I’m sure there were plenty of people Lily could’ve rented the cabin to, even multiple people throughout the summer instead of a short-term rental.
“Don’t get all”—Lily pointed the tongs in my direction—“grumpy. It’s not a crime to go on a reality TV show.” She glared at me before continuing. “I didn’t know about what happened when I rented the place to Jules, but even if I did, why should it matter? She needed a place for the summer, and the cabin was available. I hadn’t accepted any of the short-term rentals yet, so it all worked out.”
“Because she’s bringing unnecessary attention and drama to our town. That’s why it matters, Lily. The summer is busy enough. I don’t need my staff or patrons gossiping about Paradise whatever.”
Lily rolled her eyes. “Oh my god, Wes. People are always going to be gossiping about some small town drama. It’s Golden Falls.” Lily set the two pastry boxes on the counter. “You’re being unfair. You haven’t even met Jules yet. Why don’t you go next door and introduce yourself like a normal neighbor? You’ll see she’s super nice.”
I held my tongue, not correcting my sister that I technically had met Juliette (twice) and was next door already. Except it wasn’t to introduce myself. Lily’s other words—about what happenedandshe needed a place for the summer—confirmed my suspicions that this was another city girl looking to get away from her problems. That was not someone I had interest in getting to know. That was someone who was either looking for trouble or running away from it.
“Thanks for the cookies,” I said to my sister as I grabbed the box.
“You’re overreacting! I’m not giving you any more cookies or pastries until you say hi to Jules,” Lily called out as I walked out the door. “And be nice to her!”
9
JULIETTE
Lily
Apparently word is getting out about Paradise Love. I wanted you to hear it from me! Didn’t want you to be caught off guard.
Me
Ugh, it was bound to happen eventually.
Thanks for letting me know. You’re too thoughtful.
Lily
If there’s anyone you want me to fight…you know where to find me.
Me
Hahaha I appreciate it. :)
You knowthe feeling when you’re on vacation and everything is better than it is at home? The food. The people. The weather. But then you’re not sure if it’s because you have the vacation high or if things areactuallybetter?
That’s how Golden Falls has felt so far.
I was letting myself slow down and really enjoy my surroundings. I was going into town almost every day, spending time with Lily, cooking dinner for myself, and spending evenings reading on the back porch. If I wanted to tan topless, I did. And if I wanted to irritate a man who had no business telling me what to do, I did that, too.
