Me
Slight change of plans. Want to meet for shopping before dinner?
“Okay, so therearesome benefits to you dating my brother,” Lily teased as we walked through The Main Stitch. It was Lily’s favorite clothing store in town and what made it extra satisfying was how the clothes were organized by color.
“I wouldn’t say we’redating. We’re going on a date.” I ran my hand along the row of red clothes, the soft fabric brushing my fingers as the metal hangers chimed.
“Oh, please.” Lily gave me a look. “Wes doesn’t go on dates. And he definitely doesn’t get flowers for women, invite them to watch fireworks, and dance with them. He’s always too busy working, so the fact that he’s asked you out on a dateandis missing work is big news in Golden Falls. I bet there’s going to be rumors that he kidnapped you so you wouldn’t leave.”
“Lily.” I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “Where do you get these ideas from?”
“Small town gossip is both the best and the worst.” She grinned. “You hear stories about yourself you never would’ve expected, but luckily, no one believes them anyway. Gotta stay entertained somehow, especially when things slow down after the summer.”
I paused, turning to face her. “You’d tell me if you were mad or upset, right?” Lily hadn’t done or said anything to make me think she was upset, but the question nagged at me anyway. I didn’t want her to think I didn’t value the friendship we’d built.
Lily tore her attention away from the clothes. Her face always looked kind and gentle, but when she saw my expression, her eyes softened even more. “Of course, I’d tell you. I’m not mad or upset. I promise. I’m just a little anxious about it, is all. You both have big hearts, and I would hate for either of you to get hurt.”
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt,” I said honestly. I had put a lot of work into focusing on myself this summer and on my career. I wanted to keep that momentum.
“I think you two need to talk and figure out what you’re both looking for in the time you have left in Golden Falls.”
That was a great suggestion, but talking would mean bringing it up. And I didn’t feel ready to have that conversation yet.
“Yeah, maybe,” I mumbled. “You don’t think this is just a summer fling for him, do you?” I thought back to what he told me about his relationship with Gretchen. While I knew deep down this was different, I couldn’t help but compare what was happening between us to what Wesley had told me. He had fallen for someone who was passing through once before. The last thing I wanted to do was break his heart and bring up all those emotions.
“I have no idea if it’s a summer fling, which is exactly why you need to talk to him.” Lily gave me a pointed look.
I guess she was right.
Lily and I continued to make our way through the store, slowly looking over each section and picking out what we wanted to try on. After a marathon of putting on and taking off various outfits, we made our purchases—with Wesley’s card.
I settled on a red cotton sundress with thin straps and a gathered bust. The dress flared out at the hips, hitting below the knee. It also had pockets! I couldn’t wait to wear it on my date. Lily picked out jeans, two tees, and a pair of sunglasses.
Even with the sun starting to set, the temperature and humidity were still high. Both of us were sweating walking through downtown.
Lily fanned herself with her hand. “So, for dinner tonight, should we order our own entrées or split a bunch of appetizers?”
We looked at each other and at the same time said, “Split a bunch of appetizers.”
37
WESLEY
My conversationwith Cooper earlier this week helped ease some of my nerves, and I was grateful for his help. I was feeling ready for my date tonight.
A foreign excitement coursed through my veins as I drove up the gravel driveway to the cabin. I hadn’t put this much thought into a date before, and I’d gotten so used to my routine in Golden Falls. I didn’t date much in college or after. College usually consisted of a night out with a girl I never saw again. The last couple of years were more of the same. If Gretchen and I went on a date, it was always out of town and quick. Always a secret, and she was also always on her phone. The more I thought about our time together, the more I realized she was likely always texting her husband, even when we first met.
This date with Juliette would be different from all of that—in the best way. We didn’t have to hide, and we could do this all summer if we wanted to. Ifshewanted to because, hell, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I needed more dates with her. She was incredible and unlike any other woman. I’d never felt this way about someone.
I was constantly thinking about the next time I would get to be in her orbit. She had a pull on me, and I didn’t want to fight it anymore.
I pulled up to the cabin in my truck and hopped out, making sure to grab the bouquet of flowers I’d gotten for her. I made my way up the porch steps.
I hoped this would be the best date Juliette had ever been on, but the voice in the back of my mind loved to prey on my insecurities, on what I couldn’t give her. On what this town didn’t offer that the city did. And not just any city—Chicago. She likely went on a bunch of extravagant dates in the past to shows, restaurants, exclusive events.
I didn’t know if I could compete with that. But I would sure as hell try. Sometimes being stubborn paid off.
I knew I could give her a night that showed how much she was coming to mean to me.
