Chapter 5
Nolan hopped in his car and headed down to Main Street. He’d been craving a McConnell burger since he crossed the Throgs Neck Bridge, and after a morning of helping the movers unload the truck, he was starving.
He hadn’t ventured out since he arrived, mainly because he wasn’t ready for the million questions he was sure he’d get from every person he encountered. It was one of the downfalls of small-town life; everybody wanted to know his business, even if he didn’t want them to. He went over a generic response in his head for all the possible inquiries that would be thrown his way and parallel parked in an unexpected open spot on Main Street —a n easy task made even easier by his Porsche. Though, if he’d known he’d be out of a job, he wouldn’t have splurged on the purchase.
He put the car in park and jumped out. His gaze traveled down Main Street, taking in the familiar town of his childhood. He never actually imagined leaving this place. He thought he’d bring his future kids to one of the many parades that graced this very street, but after his love life imploded and the opportunity arose to farther his career, he took the much-needed out.
Now that he was back, the thought of having kids one day who didn’t know the taste of a slice of pie from Pie in the Sky or spending hours in the children’s book section of the Book Nook while Jean Kelly steered them toward a book that was sure to become a favorite seemed wrong.
Seattle was a great city, and he loved it there, but it wasn’t Morgan’s Bay and never would be. This damn town held a piece of his heart, and he hadn’t realized how much until now.
Shaking himself out of memory lane, he headed into McConnell’s Pub. Once inside, a sense of belonging slammed into him. The embossed tin ceiling and brick wall that was original to the building and sat behind the polished and fully stocked wood bar was like coming home all over again.
Before he could slide onto one of the high-back stools with black leather seats, he heard his name echo across the pub. He turned his attention to the table filled with many familiar faces.
Jean Kelly, the owner of the Book Nook, jumped up from her seat along with Lilian, the owner of Lilian’s closet. Nolan had spent many hours in that tiny vintage clothing shop with Isla. Maria, owner of Sheer Heaven, gave a wave as he greeted the two older women.
“I didn’t know you were back in town.” Jean pushed her black frame glasses up the bridge of her nose. Her salt and pepper hair was brushed into an off-centered part, and her straw wide-brimmed fedora hung from her chair. “I just spoke with your mother a couple weeks ago, and she didn’t say anything.” Jean kept an eye on the house for his parents since they lived out of state and Mrs. Garrick had gotten sick.
“It was a more recent development.” He hugged the woman who introduced him to Clifford the Big Red Dog and, when he was older, Goosebump books.
“Well, this town is happy you’re home. Now tell me. Have you happened to see a beautiful blonde yet?”
Lilian smacked Jean’s arm, her pink hair swaying with the motion. “Leave the boy alone. That is none of your business.”
“Isla is the one who made it the whole county’s business.”
“Tri-state,” Lilian corrected her. “The entire tri-state. That radio station is heard from here to Connecticut.”
Nolan groaned on the inside but kept his expression neutral. “To answer your question, yes, I have. I moved into the rental, so you don’t have to keep an eye on it for the time being.”
“Then I’m definitely surprised your mother didn’t tell me.”
“She did mention she tried to call you but kept getting your voicemail.”
“Oh darn.” Jean swatted the air. “She was probably calling my cell. I lost the blasted thing for over a week.”
“Ask her where she found it,” Lillian said.
Jean sighed loudly. “My refrigerator. I must have placed it down when I went to grab something and didn’t even realize. Was under the egg carton the entire time. But enough about me and my failing memory. How was it seeing Isla again?”
“It was fine.”
Jean’s eyebrow arched. “Just fine?”
“Holy shit!” a familiar voice boomed from behind them. “If it isn’t Parker!” Connor came out of the kitchen, and Nolan held his hand out. Connor slapped it and pulled him in for a hug. “I heard you might be wandering around these parts.”
“How didn’t I know?” Jean asked.
“I have my sources.” Connor winked and patted Nolan on the back. “Ladies, let’s ease him into his return and not pester him with too many questions.” When Jean narrowed her gaze Connor added, “I’ll send over another pitcher of margaritas.” Jean’s mouth curved upward, and she and Lillian rejoined Maria at the table.
As they got to the bar, Nolan glanced at Connor. “Thanks for the save.”
“Anytime, buddy. I saw the claws were starting to come out. Once they hooked you, I don’t think even an offer of margaritas would’ve been able to pull you away.”
Nolan nodded a thanks at his longtime friend and slid onto the barstool.
“What can I get you?” Connor asked, coming around the bar to stand in front of him.
“A burger. I’ve been dreaming about one since I crossed the state line.”
“They don’t have burgers out there in Seattle?”
“Not a McConnell’s burger. There’s something about them.”
“Probably the sixty-year-old grill.” Connor laughed. “I always say once that grill goes so does my business.”
“Then let’s hope that never happens.”
“So, what the hell are you doing back here? Olivia said you moved into your parents’ rental.”
“Gossip really does travel fast in this town.”
Connor shrugged. “Liv does work here now, and I see her every day, so it hasn’t travelled that fast.”
“Liv is a waitress?” Last he knew, she was living with her rich boyfriend in a penthouse over Manhattan. She worked for him, too.
“She is for now, until something better comes along. She’s figuring it out.”
Nolan understood that sentiment probably better than anyone. He guessed he wasn’t the only one life threw a curveball at.
“I guess you can say I’m figuring some things out, too.”
“We have to get in a few games of basketball while you’re here.”
“Definitely.” Nolan had been on the varsity basketball team with Connor all of high school. They made a good team on the court, and off the court Connor had always been someone Nolan could rely on.
“Oh! I want you to meet my newest bartender. Connor waved over a guy who looked to be around their age. Dark stubble lined his face and matched his hair. “Shane, this is one of my oldest friends, Nolan.”
“Nice to finally meet you. Shane extended his hand, and Nolan accepted.
“You too.”
“It’s nice to have a face to the stories.”
“How many stories is Connor telling you?” Nolan asked.
“Oh, not Connor. Liv.”
“Shane is also Olivia’s boyfriend.” Connor connected the dots.
“Got it. Well, I hope you don’t hate me by association.”
Shane held his hands up. “Us guys have to stick together. Besides, you’re not the bad guy in the scenario.”
“Thank you.” Nolan knew he wasn’t, but the fact that he left and didn’t try to work things out with Isla sometimes made him wonder if he was.
“But if Liv asks, I never said that, and I’ll defend it to my death.”
Nolan laughed. “I will accept and be grateful for the silent support.”
The door opened, and Milo came in, greeting everyone as he made his way to the bar. He plopped on a stool next to Nolan and smiled at everyone. “What’d I miss?”
“Nolan’s burger order. I’m about to put it in. You want your usual?” Connor asked Milo.
“It’s that damn predictability. Why not?” Milo sighed, and Connor walked away laughing.
Nolan threw a questioning look his way.
“A few weeks ago, they told me I was predictable.”
“Because you are.” Nolan had known Milo a long time and the guy, while able to pull a hilariously witty line out of seemingly nowhere, still had an air of predictability.
“You wound me,” Milo joked, grabbing his chest.
“Let’s see.” Nolan held up his hand and started counting off his fingers. “You’ve been ordering the same cheeseburger with extra pickles and no onion since fifth grade.”
“It’s how I like it.”
“You moved into a house across the street from the water.”
“How is that predictable?”
“Because for ten years you said you were going to move into a house by the water.”
“Not so much predictable as following my dreams.”
Nolan tapped his ring finger. “Then there’s Harper.”
“You’re going to drag my girl into it?”
Nolan smirked. “She’s the most predictable thing about you.”
“If that’s the case, then I don’t mind it anymore. She’s the best thing about me.”
Nolan nudged his elbow against Milo’s. “You’re happy. I can see it in the shit-eating grin you’ve been sporting, and I’m happy for you.”
Milo grabbed his chest. “Went right for the heartstrings on that one. I can feel them pulling.”
Nolan laughed, and for the first time since he quit his job, he felt like everything was going to be all right. Because even if it wasn’t, he was home and surrounded by friends who would help him weather whatever storm came his way.