As challenging as it was, I pushed thoughts of Juliette out of my mind and got to work.
We were getting into a groove at Lake Ridge, and I was proud of my staff for how they were handling the various adjustments and ideas I was throwing their way. Eliza was catching on quickly and was a favorite among both the staff and the customers, both locals and tourists.
It was also nice to keep an eye on her, because I knew Cooper worried about her. As much as he and Eliza bickered, the two of them were close. They had to be after losing their parents so young. Cooper had been fourteen and Eliza had been six when their parents were killed in a car accident during a snowstorm by a distracted driver. Thinking about what happened and how it impacted my best friend gutted me—but it also made me proud of the man he turned into.
I was getting ready to make the drive home, and after hopping in my truck and getting my phone connected to Bluetooth, I tapped Cooper’s name in my contacts. Similarly to how I worked, Cooper had irregular hours as a park ranger. Some days were typical nine to five, while others started and ended later.
“Hey, man. What’s up?” he answered quickly, but I could tell by his voice he was exhausted.
“Long day?”
“You wouldn’t believe it. I had a couple of tougher guided hikes today, but that wasn’t even what got me. It was the summer camp kids. They’re balls of energy, and I wasn’t prepared for it. I think I answered about a million questionstoday, which is great but exhausting. You remember when we went to those camps?”
I laughed as the memories quickly came back. “I’ll never forget it. We were the ones causing trouble back then and likely giving people headaches.”
Cooper laughed in agreement. “Well, you seem to be in a good mood tonight. Wouldn’t have anything to do with your pretty neighbor who you conveniently drove home last night?”
I didn’t bother to hide my smile since we were talking over the phone. “It might have something to do with her, yeah. She stayed over, and we spent time together before I had to stop by Lake Ridge. She’s…” I shook my head. “She’s something else. Funny, witty, kind. She’s exactly what this town needs.”
“Exactly what you need, too?”
“I think she might be.”
“Damn.” Cooper let out a long sigh. I could tell there was something on his mind. “I knew you had a thing for her—pretty sure the whole town has been trying to set you two up, me included—but I thought it would be something temporary. That you wouldn’t go and catch feelings for her.”
I didn’t want to admit it, but it was true. Juliette and Iweretemporary. She was leaving.
Cooper continued, “Or is it more than a onetime thing? For youandfor her?”
I didn’t even need to think about it. Of course, it was more. But did she see it that way, too?
“I mean, we didn’t talk about it. But it didn’t feel likejusta onetime thing.” It felt like more, but was I getting ahead of myself? “I’m taking her out on a date later this week, which is partially why I’m calling. I feel so out of practice. I have some ideas where to take her, but nothing feels right.”
“I’m happy for you, man, I really am,” Cooper said, and I could sense abutcoming. “But I want you to be careful. You’vebeen down this road once before. I don’t want you to put your trust in the wrong person.”Againwas the word Cooper didn’t say.
“But this is?—”
“Different? Maybe in some ways, yeah. I mean, I hear it in your voice. I saw it on your face when you were dancing with her last night. But the one thing that isn’t different is she’s leaving. She’s not staying in Golden Falls, Wes.”
Yes, Juliettewasleaving. But we still had some time until summer ended. I wasn’t naive enough to think I could change her mind—I didn’t want to be rejected by someone again, reminded that I wasn’t enough—but I also knew that how I felt this morning was something I had never experienced before. There was something pushing me to see what this could be. I was getting pieces of myself back when I was around Juliette. If it didn’t turn into anything, then at least I tried.
“You’re right. She is leaving, but she’s here for another month and a half. I’d rather enjoy this time than stay away from her all summer. Because right now, sheishere.”
“I didn’t realize getting you to dance with her would be the turning point,” he said with a low chuckle. “Be careful, okay? I remember what happened last time—maybe better than you do. You went dark on us after things with Gretchen ended, and I don’t want you to go through that again.
“But,” Cooper continued on an exhale, “you’ve changed for the better this summer. I can’t remember the last time you had that much fun at Lake Ridge or on the boat. I imagine that has something to do with Jules. And I like her for you—I really do—I’m hesitant about it because I know how you are when you’re passionate about something. Or someone.”
Cooper always wanted the best for me, and I knew that. I couldn’t fault him for being concerned.
His voice turned more lighthearted. “You better make this the best first date she’s ever been on, and with my help, you know it will be. Now, what ideas did you have?”
I rattled on what I had in mind and continued brainstorming with Cooper. I truly wanted to make this the best first date for her. If things went my way, this would be the first of many dates with Juliette.
35
JULIETTE
“So,here’s the vision board I put together for the yoga studio,” I said to Eliza. I had my laptop set up on the coffee table in front of us as I pulled up the board. We were at Purrfect Blend in the cat room, sitting on the new loveseat I picked out earlier in the summer. Lily said it had been a hit—both among customers and the cats.
