3
JULIETTE
I had only beenin Golden Falls two days, but I was already itching for human interaction. Sitting on the back porch and gazing up at the starlit sky had calmed something in me. It made me realize I was up for the challenge of figuring out what was next. Not everything was fixed—ithadonly been two days, and Iwasstill upset—but I also felt more energized and excited than I had in a long time.
I was eager to meet people in town and learn about the best spots to eat, shop, and spend time at. As much as I enjoyed my alone time, I preferred to be around others. Specifically, people who knew nothing aboutParadise Love.
I’d always enjoyed meeting new people and striking up a conversation. I loved connecting with people and seeing excitement on their faces when they talked about their passions. What I struggled with was long-term connections and meeting people who wanted to prioritize friendship even when life got busy. I had friends in Chicago who were willing to grab lunch or coffee when it worked for them. But when I reached out last month once I returned from filming? No one had time to meet up.
I wasn’t sure about the type of friendships I’d make in Golden Falls. The chances were high they would be short-term, too, but I was hopeful, especially when Lily reached out about stopping by this afternoon.
I’d been looking forward to it all day, although my day so far was tough to beat. I had a lazy morning consisting of a long, hot shower, an iced coffee, and breakfast outside on the deck. I went into town to get groceries, and then I spent most of the morning reading.
Now, I was happy to be back in the air conditioned cabin.
A knock at the door signaled Lily’s arrival. My bare feet padded against the hardwood floor as I quickly crossed the living room to the front door.
When I opened the door, I was met by a petite blonde woman, who looked to be around the same age as me, maybe a couple of years younger. She was smiling from ear to ear as she rocked back and forth on her heels. Her blue eyes were bright, and her blonde hair was pulled into a low, messy bun with a few wavy strands framing her face. It was like being greeted by a burst of sunshine.Andshe was holding a pink bakery box. We were going to get along great.
“You must be Lily!” I exclaimed and motioned for her to come inside. “It’s so nice to meet you and put a face to the name.”
When I booked my stay at the cabin, Lily texted me immediately to see if I needed anything ahead of my arrival. We’d been texting on and off since then. Seeing her now felt familiar, even if it was our first time meeting in person.
“I feel the same way. I’m so happy to have you here, Jules!” She smiled, gently bouncing on the balls of her white sneakers. I could feel the excitement vibrating off of her. “Oh! And I brought you these.” She handed me the bakery box, and I lifted the lid to peek inside. My mouth watered immediately. “There’s twolemon raspberry muffins and two slices of cherry coffee cake. Figured this would be a good way to lure you to visit my café next time you’re downtown. Your first coffee or tea is on the house.”
Even though Lily’s words were simple, they comforted me immediately—like a warm hug. As much as I wanted this change of scenery, it was still overwhelming being in a new place and not knowing anyone. The way Lily’s friendliness from text translated to in person made me feel even better about my decision to come here.
“I’ll definitely stop by this week. It’ll be the first place I go to when I drive into town next.”
As we moved from the front entrance to the kitchen, Lily took in the space.
“Also,” I said slowly, “I hope you don’t mind, but I moved some stuff around. Just to open up the space a little.”
“No, I don’t mind at all. I love how you’ve rearranged the furniture. You didn’t change much, but it already feels so different in here.”
“Sometimes that’s all it takes. It can also be easier for someone new to come in and see different potential for the space. Part of the reason why I love being an interior designer.” Or the reason why Ilovedbeing a designer. I was so lost in the motion of grabbing two small plates for the treats Lily brought that I didn’t realize my slip up until the words left my mouth. Trying to steer the conversation I said, “And you must’ve read my mind, because I’ve been craving something sweet.”
Lily’s smile brightened even more. “I hope you like them. The muffins and coffee cake are both favorites around here. The muffins are a family recipe that started with my mom’s grandma and has been passed down generations. I had to set all this aside in the morning, because otherwise I knew it would sell out by the time I closed up.” Lily sat at the kitchen table and thanked me as I set down plates and forks. “I guess when we were textingI never asked what you did. Do you like interior design? What brings you to Golden Falls, then? Vacation?”
I sat next to Lily at the table, reaching for a fork and immediately grabbing one of the muffins. I could tell Lily’s questions were out of genuine curiosity, and when I took a beat to respond, she added, “That was also a lot of questions. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
Those words allowed me to let my guard down. The opportunity to choose what I wanted to share rather than people already knowing information about my life from a tabloid article was refreshing. I’d been holding a lot in, and I knew it’d feel good to let it out, share it with someone I didn’t know. But I also didn’t want to ruin a potential friendship before it started.
“It’s kind of a long story,” I warned her.
She lifted a shoulder and reached for the slice of coffee cake. She looked up at me, her expression softening and putting me even more at ease. “I have time.”
So, I gave Lily the rundown of what happened. Why I signed up forParadise Loveand how my experience was not what I expected. I told her about the whole ordeal with Tony: our time on the show, how I fell hard and fast, what he said after we won, and feeling like it was all for nothing. I shared how overwhelming the social media and tabloid attention was—plus my career struggles—and how I needed a break from it all, bringing me to Golden Falls.
By the time I finished, we’d eaten our lemon raspberry muffins and coffee cake, moved over to the couch, and each had a glass of wine. The whole time, Lily listened intently and validated my feelings. She reiterated how I wasn’t overreacting and reminded me I wasn’t alone.
It felt good to trust someone. It wasn’t a secret that I let people in easily, but my gut was telling me I had nothing toworry about with Lily. While my gut had been wrong before, I had to trust myself, too.
“That’s why you looked so familiar,” Lily admitted. “I had the first few episodes on in the background while I’d get ready to open the café in the mornings, but I never finished the season. Certainly don’t plan to now.” Lily shook her head. “I’m definitely skipping future seasons, too. The producers had to have known Tony wasn’t there for love, right? And they let him on anyway? Ugh, the whole thing sucks. I’m so sorry, Jules.” She reached over to give my hand a squeeze.
“Yeah, it really does suck, but I know it’ll pass. Just need to give it some time.” I let out a breath. I’d keep repeating those words until they were true. “I saw this all going differently. I thought I’d fall in love and be less stressed about the future knowing I had someone by my side through it all.”
Lily tilted her head to the side as she thought. “I get that. I do think having the right person by your side makes life less scary. But having the wrong person? That makes everythingmorestressful. It sucks that everyone had to watch your vulnerable moments play out, but you only gave him a few months, not a few years. And now you know even more of what you don’t want in a partner.”
