Chapter 22 Julian
JULIAN
My tires screech a tad when I pull into the parking lot on Everhope’s Main Street.
Savannah stares at me from the sidewalk next to a newspaper dispenser as she holds two cups of to-go coffee.
She has that wry smile that shields her amusement.
The moment that I park and get out of my car, I feel a flicker inside my chest.
This is all new to me—if I’m honest, it’s slightly nerve-wracking because of that.
Never in a million years did I imagine I’d end up in a small town because of a woman ten years younger than me, a woman who was supposed to be nothing more than my personal assistant.
Except it’s blatantly obvious she’s more than that.
And what unsettles me most isn’t just her—it’s me.
I can feel a piece of my wall cracking, breaking away, and I’m fully aware of it as it happens.
“Really? Had to bring the expensive sports car?” she greets me and hands me a coffee. Savannah left first thing this morning, and I drove out after one meeting I had at the office.
I accept the coffee and step closer to lean in for a kiss, but she steps back and tuts at me. “Strategy. Nobody knows we’re together. Let’s keep it low-key for the next hour until my aunt knows.”
Feigning a scowl, I accept her plan. “I shall obey. This time only, though,” I say and take a sip of my coffee. “Damn, good coffee.” We begin to walk side by side.
“Mmm.” She takes a sip from her own drink. “It’s from Foxy Rox.” She indicates with her head farther up to a coffeehouse on the left. “A must for visiting Everhope.”
Main Street is pristine, classic, and brings calm. Time already feels different here. No bustle, only people walking leisurely and the sound of the occasional bell over a door. I’m already overwhelmed with the friendly smiles and the sound of people greeting strangers.
“Quaint.”
Savannah gives me side-eye. “Is that good or bad?”
“Good.”
“Well, I’m happy you found your way here.”
I chuckle lightly. “The GPS didn’t need to do much. Pure cornfields once I left the suburbs. I only nearly made a wrong turn when there was a detour once I crossed the Lake Spark county line.”
“It’s duck season. We stop traffic in all directions when a family of ducks decides to sit in the middle of the road.” It should scare me that she isn’t joking, but the fact is simple and light.
We continue our stroll, and I notice a man walking out of a store, carrying a box, with a little girl holding his hand, and people almost swarm him.
“Poor guy. That’s our mayor. He used to be the sheriff.
Everyone bothers him for something. Never fear, it isn’t the city, no crazy under-the-table deals.
Mostly, it’s about town support for farming initiatives or cultural activities.
Well, that was until now…” Savannah pauses, and her lips pinch for a second.
“Anyway, he actually ended up remarrying his ex-wife, Rosie, when she got pregnant. That’s their little girl.
If you’re into yoga, Rosie teaches a Saturday class at the gazebo in the park if the weather permits. ”
“I think you know my answer on that one.”
She laughs. “I do.” She tips her nose up. “I guess that’s the new donut shop. Apparently, they have bagels at lunch. Foxy Rox is not happy about that. Loyalty is being tested in this town. Maybe tomorrow we can try them.”
“If you feel like we won’t have a target on our backs,” I joke.
“Nah. They need me for the summer festival.”
I continue drinking my coffee as I take in my surroundings. “Why is that?”
She touches my arm, and we stop our stroll, forcing me to look at her. There’s a humorous smile fighting to break out in full force on her face. “Promise you won’t tease me about something?”
“By the sounds of this? No can do.” She shoots me a warning scowl. “Fine,” I agree.
She looks away bashfully and swings her gaze back. “I kind of have to be at the festival. Remember how I said I was Miss Everhope once?”
“Yeah. I enjoy picturing you with a crown. Never knew it could lead to certain scenarios in my head.” I lift my shoulder. That comment earns me a playful shove from Savannah.
“Well, this year I’ve been chosen to help choose the pie competition winner. I found out today.”
I don’t say anything, nor blink. First, I’m trying to figure out what exactly that entails. Secondly, I’m not sure if I should laugh. I stand there complexed, and she can see it, which causes her to grin.
“It’s been ten years since I was crowned Miss Everhope, and it’s tradition that one returns to help taste pie, wear the crown, and give the trophy to the winner.”
“Math right now is reminding me that ten years ago you were in high school, and that makes me feel slightly old. I forget about our age difference.”
She lifts her shoulders, then drops them. “Because your heart is young and cold.”
“Hasn’t bothered us. Anyways, I didn’t really have the whole queen with tiara as the plot twist of our conversation. But it’s cute.”
She brings her hand to her hip. “Cute?”
Maybe I didn’t use the right word.
“Yeah. What am I supposed to say? I already feel like I’m in a different world here.”
We begin to move again. “Because it is. I mean, have you even been on your phone in the last ten minutes?”
“No.”
“Exactly. I’ve heard your phone vibrate three times, and you didn’t even notice. You’ve escaped and got quiet in your head.”
Huh, I guess she’s right. I didn’t notice. Nor have I even thought of anything work-related. “So it seems.”
“Listen, about my Aunt Bea. She is graceful and sweet and accepts that times are what they are today. But as I’ve mentioned, I booked you a room at the inn in town. Her house is lovely, and she redid the basement to make it a guest area. I… haven’t exactly… told her.” Her voice drawls out.
I stop us instantly because I wasn’t expecting this. “Why not?” For some reason, I’m slightly offended, and I can’t pinpoint exactly the reason.
“Because you’re my boss. The one I might not have had many nice things to say about over the course of time since I started working at your company.”
“Thanks for that reminder.” I toss my empty cup into the garbage bin behind me.
She smirks softly. “We’re new. I’m not sure how to present the change to her. I mean, she has met guys before you—”
I gawk at her. “No need to finish that sentence.”
She can’t stop smiling. “Okay, well, let me work it into the conversation.”
“Am I really sleeping alone tonight?”
The palm of her hand covers my hand on her shoulder.
A connection that is calming. “Nah, she’ll be fine and also understands that space is a good idea.
I don’t think I could even get in the mood while in the house.
Besides, I’ve never actually stayed at the Schoolhouse Inn.
It’s the old schoolhouse that was completely refurbished and is now an award-winning bed-and-breakfast. It brings in tourists. ”
“Brings in charming men, too.” I flash my eyes at her.
She makes a sound as her head tips to one side. “Charming is a stretch,” she teases. She steps back and offers me her hand after she throws her coffee cup away. “Come on, let’s walk by the Riverbell.”
“Sounds good.”
Our journey to the river is easy. Occasional hellos, little facts, tidbits of gossip, and that feeling nagging me that everything here grabs you to leave the city behind and turn off for a while.
Main Street turns from flat to slightly downhill toward the river and park.
We end our walk when we reach the small pier that is big enough only for two small speedboats and the big two-deck steamboat that appears classic.
The kind that reminds you of the Mississippi River.
I see people sitting at tables on the upper deck while waiters, dressed casually, hurry inside the boat, carrying trays of food.
Savannah splays her hands out. “This is the Riverbell.”
“Wow. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it’s impressive.” I take a few steps to the right to get a better view. “You don’t want to head onboard?”
“Not now. They’re busy, and I really want to go see my aunt.
But this is the place that hopefully will always remain.
A landmark, really. I’ve been to so many parties and weddings on this thing.
Everyone loves it. The menu is a staple at lunch, simple comfort food.
The chicken salad sandwich is to die for.
I would hate to see it all disappear. But corporations have influence, especially if it brings in money that could lower property taxes out here.
It’s a great town with excellent schools.
That comes at a price, though: high property taxes, and people get influenced easily, those who vote on the city council. ”
“All because someone sees tourist potential.”
She nods somberly. “I mean, we get tourists here. But it’s the kind who appreciate quaint towns and want to feel like a local.
Not tourists who want souvenirs and casinos.
It’s not only tourism, though; the disruption from new construction can really mess with the river's natural currents and dams.”
The way she sighs heavily makes me want to scoop her up in my arms, and I do. I pull her to me, kiss the top of her head, and let her nuzzle her head into my chest. Wrapping my arms tightly around her, I wish they could protect her from powerless choices.
“It’ll be okay.”
She mumbles something, but I don’t hear.
When she creates space between her face and my body, I see it written all over her.
She’s disheartened. “Enough wallowing. I haven’t even spoken to my aunt, and I still need to give you the grand tour.
” Her attempt to smile is weak, but I appreciate the effort.
“Yeah. I hear I have an exam at the schoolhouse later.” I add a bit of swelter to it, hoping it raises her mood.
“Sounds kind of dirty.”
I crack a grin. “I was going for that.”