So when she saw the middle-aged scout duck his head and beeline inside the coffee shop after the energetic, costumed crowd dispersed to Lettie’s studio, she’d seen her chance to make things right. The surprised look on Cade’s face now, as they crowded around Trent’s meant-for-two table by the window at Chug a Mug, made all her fast-talking a few minutes ago worth it. And okay, yeah, maybe she’d name-dropped herself to get the guy’s attention. But it worked, and here they were.
“Thanks for agreeing to see us, Mr. Lawson.” Rosalyn clutched her cup of herbal tea between both hands. She had to keep her voice steady despite the nerves flushing her body as she made eye contact with Cade—the closest she’d been to him since he dropped her off at her car after their trip to New Orleans last weekend. “Cade, you sure got here fast.”
Honestly, she’d wondered if he’d even see her text or if he’d maybe blocked her number. The scent of his cologne wafted over her, mixing with the aroma of freshly ground beans as Miley whipped something in a blender behind the front counter.
He returned her gaze, and man, she wanted to touch the stubble on his face, smooth the frown lines around his brow. Be snuggled back in his arms under a rain-soaked awning. But wanting that had led to herdoingthat, and look what that had gotten them? Disaster.
One day she’d stop making bad decisions.
But now—now, the air was ripe with cocoa and fresh baked scones and…hope? The midday sun streamed through the coffee shop windows, glinting off the hanging brass light fixtures overhead. Down the street, a dog barked, and children shouted as they went about their summer day. Everything felt peaceful again on Village Lane—just in time to try to change Trent’s mind.
She had to remember this meeting was about Magnolia Bay—not her and Cade.
“Thanks for ordering me a coffee.” Cade shot her an appreciative smile before twisting to face Mr. Lawson. “And I’m so glad Rosalyn caught you. I think we have some explaining to do.”
“It’s Trent, please. And no, I apologize for my abrupt dismissal earlier. This young lady convinced me I had the wrong idea.” Trent flashed white teeth as he tugged the front of his blazer into place. “We didn’t get to officially meet in the melee. I understand you’re the one who requested I come?”
“I did, yes.” Cade shook the man’s tanned hand. “Welcome to Magnolia Bay. I’m the town director and was involved in a movie that was shot here several years ago. I had the idea to see if you guys wanted to come back.” He blasted them with a grin Rosalyn knew the camera would love. “Maybe take advantage of those Louisiana tax breaks.”
“Ha. Good pitch.” Trent leaned back and patted the sunglasses that hung in his shirt collar, as if suddenly remembering where they were. He grinned. “I thought I came to scout a location, but Rosalyn here assured me the people of this townarethe location.”
“Is that so?” Cade’s eyes darted to Rosalyn and she offered a quick smile. He looked away, his expression pleasant but his eyes neutral. She hated not being able to tell what he was thinking. Had she done the right thing in rushing after Trent, talking up the town? Cade didn’t seem to want much help with anything lately, but she couldn’t pass the chance when she saw it. If she could use her bit of fame to help Cade…help the Bay…she had to.
Even if that did increase her risk of Blaine knowing she was performing. She ran her finger around the edge of the teacup.
The sun drifted behind some clouds, casting a shadow over their table. Rosalyn cleared her throat. “I told Mr. Lawson—Trent—that Magnolia Bay is pretty special. And that I think we got off to a…confusing start.” She darted another glance at Cade. Would he hear what she meant? “Maybe accidentally misled you.”
Cade nodded. “I agree—on both fronts.”
Her stomach dropped. He’d missed her subtext.
But then he paused, his gaze tangling with hers. “Sometimes you just need more information before reacting. Time to process.”
Her shoulders relaxed and she released a slow breath. Maybe they could move forward, after all. “I agree on that too.”
Trent looked between the two of them, his brow pinched. “Um, right. Great. So we’re all in agreement…”
Oops. She’d almost forgotten what they wereactuallytalking about. Rosalyn raised her eyebrows at the scout, found her smile. “So does that mean you’ll give Magnolia Bay another shot?”
Trent hesitated. “I have to say, in my decade of scouting, I’ve never seen anything like…that.” He gestured toward the window, where the impromptu talent show had gone on. “I was intrigued.”
“That’s one word for it, I’m sure.” Cade offered a little laugh. “I’ve got to echo Rosalyn and assure you Magnolia Bay is a very special town. That’s why I was so adamant about getting someone out here. We have a lot to offer, especially in the summer, and tourist season has officially begun. It’s a great time to get something going.”
“Obviously there’s a lot to consider when scouting for a set.” Trent tapped the side of his cup with one finger, his wide-banded ring thumping against the lid. “Proximity to highways, the cultural connotations of the area, and so forth. But one thing I personally consider is the people. That’s the pool they fish from for extras, so there’s that factor, for one.”
“Ididdo a mean Crowd Scene Guy Number Three in that last flick.” Cade saluted Trent with his coffee.
Rosalyn snorted. “I’ve really got to see that movie at some point.” She took a sip of tea.
“See?” Cade grinned at Trent and pointed at Rosalyn. “I’m raising the ratings as we speak. Magnolia Bay is definitely the place to shoot.”
Trent chuckled. “Oh, I can see, trust me.” He wagged a finger between them. “How long have you two been together?”
Rosalyn sprayed her tea.
Cade’s eyes widened. “No.”
She gulped, coughed. “We’re friends.”
