Chapter Fifteen
If you had the chance to live inside of a romance novel, would you take it?
I’m sure most of you would, considering you’re loyal romance readers. As you all know, I’m off doing a super special project for @HeartwarmingRomance and I wish I could tell you all about it. And it has me thinking… what if one of my favorite small-town romances could actually come to life?
What #romancebook would you want to live in? Let me know in the comments!
*
Operation Small Town, Day 25
“Lucy, I’m so sorry, babe,” Elle says softly on the other end of FaceTime. She lays her chin in her hand and tilts her head at me. If I was in a better mood, I’d crack a joke about the stereotypical pity head-nod she’s giving me, but I let the moment pass. “But it sounds like she’s going to be okay.”
I spoke to Josie on the phone briefly this morning. Her voice was weak but she was complaining about the “sorry excuse for breakfast” they fed her, which gave me a bit of hope that she must be feeling better. My mom is headed to London tonight.
“I know. I can’t wait for her to get here,” I say, plopping down on the couch. I raise my fingers to my mouth, gnawing on the edge of my thumb. “Counting down the days.”
“Soon!” Elle says. “So, would it be insensitive of me to change the subject now?” Elle asks. I love how blunt she is. It’s why we get along so well. There’s no bullshit between us.
“Not as insensitive as me making out with my cute neighbor on the same day I found out Josie was in the hospital,” I say quickly.
See? We both get right to the point.
“You what ?!” Elle screeches. “And you waited until now to tell me?”
“Elle, Josie is in the hospital!”
“I think I speak for Josie when I say this is bigger news,” she says confidently. She’s right. Josie would get a kick out of this.
I recap the events of last night with her, leaving out some of the more intimate details—the ones I keep playing over in my mind on loop. She listens diligently, waiting for her moment to speak.
“You know what,” Elle starts, dragging out the words like she is hatching a plan.
“What?” I grunt, not moving my head to look at her.
“Anne’s plan is kind of coming true.” I jump up, flipping myself onto my stomach and practically smacking myself in the face trying to brush the hair from my eyes.
“No, it is not,” I say, firmly.
“You’re falling for your very own small-town hero, you’re believing in love again, you’re even embracing a bit of nature, it’s everything Anne talked about!” She practically cheers the last words, the smile on her face growing with every passing second.
“Stop being excited about this,” I say angrily. “That is not what is happening. These are people’s lives I’m messing with.”
I let out an exasperated sigh. I’m angry at myself for letting this happen. I’m angry at Anne for putting me in this situation. I’m angry at Liam for being so wonderful. And I might be the angriest at Elle for being so damn happy about it.
“Lucy,” she says, trying to snap me out of my silence.
“I just feel so icky about the whole thing, Elle,” I say, looking down. “I didn’t expect to feel this way, but the more time I spend with the people here, the more I’m realizing that if they ever actually found out why I’m here—”
“Your concerns are completely valid,” she says in her perfect editor voice. “And since you’re so worried about it, then you did the right thing not going any farther last night. You don’t want to hurt him, I understand.”
I knead my thumbs into my temples and try to let her words sink in. In a few weeks, I’ll leave Hudson Hollow and never see these people again. I try to ignore the sharpness in my chest that follows that thought.
“So, are you going to tell him the truth?” Elle asks in a soft voice.
“That I’m not actually here on vacation? I don’t think I can.”
“Maybe he won’t even care,” Elle offers.
“He’ll care, Elle. When I first met him, he basically said that any out-of-towners that come to Hudson Hollow just try to exploit the town.”
“Awkward. That’s a bit on the nose,” she says.
“Ugh! See? I can’t tell him. And what happened last night…” My voice trails off. “It was a mistake. I’m in too deep.” I can’t admit to Elle how wonderful it felt to be held by Liam. Oh my God, when was the last time I was held by a man? “Me coming here, Liam being interested in me… It’s all too much. I’m here to do a job. I need to finish that job and come home. I have my career to think about. I’ve worked so hard for this. One kiss isn’t going to change that.”
“Ah, Cynical Lucy is back, I see,” Elle responds.
“Not cynical. Realistic,” I reply curtly.
“I’m sorry that you’re going through this,” Elle says, her lips forming into a pout. “But I think you have to admit, this town has been a bit of a spiritual awakening for you.”
“Speaking of spiritual awakenings,” I start, hoping to change the conversation. “I really do think I’m getting some good material for Ruby’s new series. I’ve even written out some scenes myself. I know they probably won’t be used, but I’ve really enjoyed writing them.”
“I knew the universe had sent you there for a reason. Hudson Hollow is literally infusing its energy into you. It’s making you the best version of yourself. Even if you are cynical, at least you’re a cynical writer , Lucy. I almost don’t want you to come home.”
“If the word goddess comes out of your mouth I am going to hang up. I’m not kidding,” I say, pointing at her.
Elle squeals with excitement. “I am so happy for you, Lucy. So many good things are coming your way, I can feel it.”
“Is my aura visible through FaceTime?” I ask jokingly.
“Don’t mock me, but yes, it most definitely is.” She sticks her tongue out at me and flips her perfectly curled hair back over her head.
“Now shut up and help me pick an outfit for this stupid toddler party I’ve been invited to.”
*
When I step into Nora’s backyard, the sheer scale of the celebration stops me in my tacks. Dozens of pink and white balloons cascade along the fencing, while and a grand tent dominates the patio. Oh, and there’s a bouncy castle.
“Lucy!” I try to wipe the shocked look off my face when I see Nora coming toward me. She’s wearing a pink maxi dress with wedge heels that she can barely walk in. I suddenly feel underdressed in my jean shorts and floral tank top. But then again, this isn’t a freaking wedding. And someone should definitely tell Nora that.
“So glad you made it!” Nora says, throwing her arms around me. I’m caught off guard and momentarily just stand there with my hands limp at my sides. When my body finally gets the memo that, apparently, we’re doing the hugging acquaintances thing, I awkwardly pat her back.
“Happy to be here,” I say, relieved when she finally pulls away. “This is for Cammy,” I add, handing her the gift I managed to pick up yesterday.
“Thank you! You didn’t have to do that,” she says with a modest smile.
“Where is the little birthday girl?” I ask, scanning the crowd for her.
“She’s napping,” Nora smiles, shrugging.
“Oh,” I say with a small chuckle, thinking about Emma’s first birthday party on Friends . Elle would get the reference if she was here.
“Well, go get yourself something to eat. Liam’s made quite a spread,” Nora says, waving to greet another guest. My head perks up at the mention of Liam’s name. I turn my attention to the buffet table where I spot him. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t own anything besides jeans and T-shirts because the only other thing I’ve seen him in is his bathing suit. Not that either option looks bad on him, or that anything ever could.
“Hey you,” I say, walking up beside him. I resist the urge to place my hand on him, my mind flicking back to the way I felt with my legs wrapped around his waist. I’m not really sure how to approach things with him today. I’m going for casual; we definitely didn’t have a life-changing make-out session twenty-four hours ago vibe. I think it will go well.
“Hey,” he says, smiling. “This setup is crazy right?’ he asks, gesturing to our surroundings with tongs.
“Insane.” I raise my eyebrows. When I look around, I notice Liam’s other half is missing. “Where’s Blue?”
“He’s at home. I didn’t want him scaring any of the little kiddies,” he says, unpacking Tupperware from his many boxes.
“He is the complete opposite of scary,” I whine, disappointed that my furry friend won’t be here to keep me company.
“Yes, well, the soccer moms over there have a different opinion,” he says, nodding to the group of women on the patio.
“Rude,” I say bitterly. Our arms brush as Liam reaches for another bag, the contact makes me jump. I half expect him to bring up our unfinished conversation from the other day, but I’m relieved when he presents me a glass instead.
“It might not be your thing, but this sangria is a fan favorite,” he says, passing me the fruit-filled red liquid. “Try a sip.”
“Thanks.”
He tips his beer toward my glass. “Cheers,” he says, taking a long, slow sip. I follow his lead.
We stand awkwardly, staring at each other for a few moments in silence. The tension between us is palpable, electric. It’s almost unbearable.
“I have to head back out to the truck. Be right back,” Liam murmurs, placing his beer on the table.
I watch him walk away and giggle when I see him steal a kid’s hat. He whips it around his back and puts it on another kid’s head before laughing and running out of sight.
“Well, you could definitely do worse,” someone mumbles behind me. I turn and find May standing a few feet behind me with her arms crossed. She purses her wrinkled lips and nods her head toward Liam.
“Oh no, there’s nothing—” I start to say, but Jill turns around from her conversation with someone to poke her head next to May’s, following her gaze to Liam.
“Worse than what?” she asks.
“Than your brother,” May answers in a serious tone.
“May,” I scold in a muffled voice. I pinch her arm.
“It’s common knowledge already, sweetie. Roll with the small-town punches,” May responds in a matter-of-fact tone.
“It’s true,” a deep voice agrees. I turn around and see Brett over my shoulder. Where did he come from? What’s with this town?!
“Brett, what—?” I start, getting whiplash from discovering all of the people circled around me.
“See?” May adds, smirking at me before walking away. I let out a loud sigh as I watch her switch from the calm demeanor she just had with me to loudly embrace someone on the deck.
“You kind of walked right into that one,” Brett says, winking at me.
“Yeah, I know,” I mumble, taking another sip of my sangria. “Hey, Brett, is your wife here?” I ask, looking around him.
“Nah, she’s working. She’s a nurse at the hospital in Catskill,” Brett explains with a shrug. “Have you had some food, Lucy?” he asks, gently nudging my shoulder.
“Why don’t you go grab us some snacks like the gentleman you are?” Jill intercedes, scrunching her nose at Brett.
“Girl thinks just because she babysat me, she can tell me what to do,” Brett says, shaking his head.
Jill rolls her eyes playfully. “Liam just went to grab more sliders for the grill, so I think you should get over there.” She winks.
“I am going to get something to eat, but because I want to, not because you told me to,” Brett teases, smirking at Jill.
“Whatever you have to tell yourself,” she deadpans. I can’t help but smile at their banter.
Jill takes a long sip of her beer before turning to face me. “Liam told me you guys have been spending a lot of time together,” Jill says, just as Liam rounds the corner with a large box in his hands. He smiles at me and I try to casually smile back, hoping not to draw Jill’s attention to it.
“We’re really just friends,” I say, trying to believe it myself. I did tell Liam at The Point that me being here is only temporary, but after last night, I feel like I need to repeat it.
Jill eyes me knowingly. “Look, I don’t want to sound too ‘big sister’ here, but I just hope you’ll be careful with Liam. I know you’re here on vacation—which is great—but you’ll be leaving soon, and Liam will still be here—”
“I understand,” I say, interrupting her. I turn to face her, so she can see the seriousness in my eyes. “I know Liam has been through a lot recently.”
Jill doesn’t respond right away. She looks past me, at Liam, who has Robbie in his arms and is spinning him around.
“He has been through a lot,” Jill says, keeping her gaze on him. “You know, I’m older than him, but most of the time, it’s him taking care of me .”
“I guess sometimes it works out that way,” I say, stifling a laugh when Liam puts Robbie down and he falls to the ground immediately from dizziness.
“I wish I could do more for him,” Jill says, her eyes not meeting mine. “But he’s probably told you that I’ve had my own struggles the last few years.”
“Yes, and I am really sorry for everything you’ve been through,” I say, touching her arm.
“It’s not like things were great between us. He just couldn’t have chosen a worse time. I can’t even say I was heartbroken. I was just angry. I wasn’t sad for myself, honestly, I was sad for them,” she says, sighing. “They deserve so much more than that, than him.”
Liam is now busy spinning another kid around. Just watching them is making me dizzy. “Liam really made the transition as seamless as it could be for them,” Jill adds. She smiles at the scene of her brother surrounded by toddlers all begging to be spun around. “All while he was taking care of my mom, trying to keep my dad from drowning in grief, and running a business. It was very overwhelming for him.”
“I can only imagine,” I mumble, taking the last sip from my drink.
“But ever since you arrived, I’ve seen him smile more than I have in a long time,” she says, eyeing me knowingly. A pang of emotion seizes my chest. I’m not sure how to describe it—guilt, like I’ve been caught doing something wrong? Or the guilt that I’ve made an impact on this man who I’m lying to? Maybe both. Definitely both.
“My mom had these flowers on our windowsill when we were growing up,” Jill starts. I shift to face her again, seeing that her gaze is somewhere in the distance. I try to hide the confusion on my face, because I’m not sure where she is going with this.
“I don’t know what they were called, but they had really long, straight stems and gentle, purple petals on the flower. She wasn’t a gardener by any stretch of the imagination. She tried to plant herbs every year, but they never lasted for more than a few weeks.” A soft laugh escapes her lips. I can tell she’s picturing the scene in her mind, her mom bent over in the garden, maybe on a hot day like today. Her eyes don’t look sad at all. Her lips perk up at the corners, and I smile along with her.
“But these awkward-looking, lanky things held on for years ,” she continues. “They were so resilient. No matter how much she tried to kill them, unintentionally, of course, they hung on. I mean, she kept them in the corner of the living room where literally no light could get to them. But they reached for it anyway. It kind of creeped me out sometimes, how I would look at them and they were in one position, and then a few hours later they were leaning to reach for the sliver of sun on the wall behind them.
“Liam reminds me of those flowers sometimes. He internalizes a lot, but he feels this responsibility, to me, to my dad, to this town, that he shouldn’t. He lets anything and everything get thrown on his plate and he still tries to make the best of it. When I tell you how distraught he was last year, when our mom—And I mean we all were, but he… he was with her a lot near the end.” She pauses for a moment, her smile growing wider as she watches Liam. “And yet here he is. Reaching for the sun.”
I feel a ball in my throat as we both gaze at Liam. My words come out in a crackled croak, and I try to hide my face from Jill.
“No, he is the sun.”