13. Chapter 13
The meeting I saw between Wyatt and Liam yesterday seemed way more intense than the usual breakfast shared between father and sons. I’m only a little ashamed to admit that I stood with my ear to the door listening.
A pang of hurt for Liam ran through me as I listened to the conversation about how his father has a secret mortgage out on the inn and he might lose the inn because of it. That has to feel like a knife right in his back.
I almost broke my self imposed rule of not talking to Liam to comfort him. But I stood strong when Wyatt came and defended him. Now that he knows too, the Keaton siblings will rally around Liam. I’m glad that he’ll have support. I get the feeling that if Wyatt didn’t walk in, Liam would have struggled in silence.
It’s been over a day of following my own rule, and I hate it already. But after Liam’s display of alpha male claiming me as his own, I know I need to stick to it. I have spent too much time in my life being used by my mother and Larry as a pawn in the political game. I will not let Liam use me in his love game. If he wants me, he wants me all the time, not just when someone else is showing interest. And he needs to show me that before I cave.
Since Emma didn’t come home this weekend, Liam has been in and around the inn more than usual.
He’s been so busy this morning checking people in and out that I doubt he’s eaten a thing all morning. I plate a fresh muffin from the oven for him. Just because I’m not talking to him doesn’t mean I can’t feed him. Or so I tell myself.
I walk out just as Alexander walks in the front door. Shit. Liam is going to think I timed this to see Alexander, but he’s looking at me now, and I can’t go hide in the kitchen at this point.
I ignore Alex and walk behind the front desk, placing the plate with a fresh cranberry orange muffin on it next to his guest book.
“What’s this for?” he asks me with a ghost of a smile on his face.
“They just came out of the oven. I usually bring one to Emma.” I shrug like it’s fine, I do this all the time no matter who is out here.
“Sure. Is it a coincidence that it’s one of my favorites too?” He winks .
Ugh. I didn’t even think about that. I must have made them subconsciously after thinking about him everyday, all day. This is going to be harder than I thought to stay mad at him.
“Hello, Violet. It’s lovely to see you again this week.” Alexander grins at me as he places his bags by his feet to check in.
Liam actually growls under his breath at the interaction.
This reignites my anger for him. Maybe staying strong won’t be that hard.
I stare at Liam as I speak to Alexander. “I just pulled a batch of orange cranberry muffins out of the oven. When you check in, make sure you come in to see me and grab one.”
I wink at Alexander just to piss off Liam for good measure. Except now I’m going to be stuck in a conversation with Alexander. Which doesn’t exactly make me happy. He’s very self-centered and only wants to talk about himself and all the businesses he’s dismantled over the years for his company, claiming he helped these Mom and Pop shops out by taking over and giving them a big chunk of money.
I have half a mind to find the company he’s looking at nearby and tell them to run away and find a different avenue for help.
Alexander unfortunately latched onto my invitation and spent a solid hour in the kitchen talking to me about his weekend in New York and all the important people he met and hung out with.
I remember when I was little my Gran would tell me that if I rolled my eyes too much, they would get stuck like that. I tested that theory today with how much Alexander was talking about himself and his high-up friends .
I can’t wait to tell her when I see her for lunch today that all those years I believed her, she was wrong.
We are meeting at Emerald Roasters with Esther to do some Valentine’s Day planning and then we’re going to meet Hunter to check over the bakery’s progress.
As much as I love working at the inn, I know Gran misses being in the bakery, even if she is happy to sleep past five in the morning.
Plus Liam could kick me out at any minute. If he wanted to deal with Emma’s wrath. Emma might be the tiniest Keaton, but she has every one of those boys under her control.
I finish drying the last dish from this morning and place it in the cupboard. Putting my apron on the hook and walking out to find Liam, I let him know that I’m leaving for lunch.
“Hi,” he states simply when he sees me.
“Hey, I’m going to meet Gran and Esther to do some planning and get lunch, then we’re going to look at the bakery with Hunter.”
He looks at his calendar, “Did I miss putting a planning meeting on my calendar?”
“No. This is kind of informal. I’m teaching them how to use technology to put together a video of love stories from Balsam Cliffs. Emma has been collecting them on social media for me too.”
He reaches up and rubs his neck, “Oh right. I remember seeing those come in. That’s a great idea.”
“Thanks. It was inspired by Franklin and Esther’s story. They were friends when they were little and fell in love.” I shift on my feet, realizing their love story is familiar and kicking myself for saying this to Liam when I’m supposed to be angry with him.
“Sounds like the best kind of love story.” He gives a half smile. “Well, have fun at lunch. I’ll probably be in the barn when you get back. No one else should be checking in or out but I’ll put the sign up with my number so no one bothers you in the kitchen.
“Right. Thanks.” The urge to go to him, hug him, lean into his arms, it’s strong. But instead of caving I turn and walk to the door where I gear up for a walk in the winter winds.
The fresh powdery snow is beautiful, at this point, though, it’s just cold and wet, no one likes it anymore. We’re ready for spring.
I trudge along to the coffee shop, happy for the blast of heat on my face when I enter. Gran sits in the back with Esther, the two of them cackling at something. Or someone.
Draping my jacket over the back of the chair I ask them, “What is so funny?”
“We were just talking about when you and Liam were little, and you’d come in here and try to order coffee, but you were only six, so I’d give you hot chocolate and you two would sit here like you were little grown ups with your Brown Bear, Brown Bear books and you’d swap when you finished like an old married couple.”
I smile at the memory. We did think we were so grown up when we’d get our hot chocolate. For years we really believed it was coffee until Mrs. Keaton set us straight at the inn when we tried to pour ourselves actual coffee, insisting we drank it all the time here.
That could be us now, but only if he realizes it and wants it too.
My smile must falter because Esther remarks, “Oh dear, trouble in paradise still? We all thought for sure you two would still be heads over heels for each other.”
“I guess it’s not that easy when you’ve been separated for ten years and grew up in those years. Life took us down different paths.” I smile sadly.
“Oh hush, you’re here now. Your paths are already crossed. Just give it some time. You know your Grandfather was a lot like Liam. He couldn’t get out of his own way when it came to me.” She rubs her wedding ring that she hasn’t stopped wearing.
“Oh gosh no. That man was a fool for you Margaret. An absolute fool. Right down to almost punching my Franklin for carrying your umbrella to the car for you. Can you imagine?”
“Really? Granddad did that?” He was so gentle with Gran, I can’t see him ever even thinking about hurting a soul.
“He was a hothead when he was young. He had a jealousy streak darker than my emerald. I used to tell him that all the time. That the green eyed monster would be his downfall one day. And that’s how I ended up with this necklace.” She holds out the gorgeous emerald pendant.
“I can’t see you letting him get away with a jealous streak, Gran. You’re as independent as I am. How did you not get aggravated by it?” I lean in, eager to hear her advice without telling her I need the advice.
“Why, am I hearing that our dear Liam Keaton might have a jealous streak in him after all?” Esther leans in, ready for the gossip .
“He might. There’s a guest at the inn, Alexander, he’s a businessman from New York. Totally stuck up and self centered. Talked for an hour this morning about all the important people he rubbed elbows with this weekend. As if I even care. I wanted to blurt out right then and there who my stepfather was, but I thought that would just encourage him to want to keep my company. Anyway, Liam doesn’t particularly enjoy the attention he’s giving me, but Liam doesn’t actually want to give me any of his attention unless it’s to put on a show in front of Alexander.” I roll my eyes again and see the twinkle in my Gran’s.
Both women start laughing, “That was your granddad through and through, love. He just strung me along until one day I let him think that Franklin was interested and he tried to kiss me on the street! Poor Franklin was just a few feet away. I slapped him, and told him right then and there I was not his playtoy and he either wanted me or he didn’t but he needed to make a choice.”
“Oh, I’ve never seen Franklin so embarrassed in all my life. He didn’t know whether to stay or run away.” Esther laughs.
“Well what happened?” I push Gran to finish.
“He came to his senses, is what. He took that umbrella from Franklin and told him he could go home because his services wouldn’t be needed again. Then he pulled me in his arms and kissed me right here in front of everyone walking down the street.” She stares off with a dreamy look in her eyes.
I wish Granddad was still here to be with her. It’s not fair that he’s gone.
“So you’re telling me there’s hope?” I ask them .
“Always hope, my girl.” Esther takes my hands in hers, and Gran adds her hands on top.
“Can I ask you two something about small town life?” This question has been rattling around in my brain since I heard about the inn and Mr. Keaton.
They both nod.
“If someone were to have a home that was about to be foreclosed on, wouldn’t the current owner get notified? Or just the holder with the loan?”
“Well, I’d like to think Jerry would tell the current owner as well, but the person with the loan against the home might not have gone to Jerry. Especially if that someone was embarrassed about needing the funds in the first place.”
“Okay, I definitely didn’t think about the loan being out of town.” I chew my bottom lip in thought.
“Honey, is Liam in trouble?” Both Gran and Esther look at me concerned for him.
“Umm.” I scrunch my nose. I shouldn’t be telling them something I was eavesdropping on in the first place. “Well. I shouldn’t say anything because technically it was just something I overheard. Please don’t say anything to anyone.”
“Of course not, but you let them know we’re here to help if we need to. I know how Liam feels about asking for help, stubborn as the day is long, that boy.”
I agree with Esther.
Liam is the most stubborn man I’ve ever met, and the most prideful. He doesn’t want anyone to see his flaws.
“They will be okay. Emma is really happy with the bookings for the inn. We’ve set up special Valentine’s Day extras, and a lot of people are booking them. I think we might do other packages throughout the year as well.”
I know I came back for the bakery, but I’m loving being at the inn with Emma, helping her come up with ideas and special packages for the guests. I love that my cooking is something special to her, that she wants to showcase it to entice guests to book something extra special for their partner or family.
I get a message from Emma with another video, and we launch into full video production mode. Franklin brings us a tray of assorted sandwiches and pastries.
This is just what I needed, a little break from the inn. And being able to just be. To be myself and not worry how someone is going to take it, or how it makes them look to the public.
“Look what Emma just sent.” Flipping my phone around, they watch the love story just sent in.
“Oh I just love love!” Esther gushes.
Pulling up my laptop, I make a solid attempt at trying to teach these two how to use the video editing software. I give up instead and let them play with it while I use my phone to upload the videos. Maybe they’ll be self-taught.
Once all the videos are uploaded the two are cackling with themselves and the filters. Somehow they ended up getting the camera open, and the filters. The video now has a solid thirty photos of these two acting like it’s their personal photo booth.
And it sparks an idea that friendship is love too that should be added. Or maybe a separate Galentine’s day at the coffee shop? Gran and I could bake all the goodies, we could play rom-coms and drink wine .
Nope. Focus, Violet. Shaking my head I turn back to the two stooges who need to learn how to edit videos.
After we finish the video, Gran and I head over to the bakery to see the progress Hunter has made with his crew.
All the drywall is back up and the flooring is just about finished.
“Oh Hunter, you’re such a good boy for squeezing us in.” Gran pats Hunter’s shoulder, even though she has to reach up to do it.
Hunter laughs at her statement, “You’re lucky. I kind of like Violet at the inn even if it means I need to add a few miles to my routine.”
He pats his non-existent stomach, only hitting the abs you can tell he has even under a tee. “I don’t know if we’ll let her go. You might have to open a second location.”
That sparks an idea.
What if we added catering? I could run the catering and contracts while Gran ran the day to day at the bakery? I’ll have to talk to Gran about that later. Then I’d get to stay at the inn, helping Emma…and Liam if he ever pulls his head out of his ass. The best part? I’ll get to share my food on my terms with all kinds of guests.
“While you guys are here, can you pick a paint color? I’ve had my assistant grab some muted lavender swatches like you asked but there are five options. So I’ve painted a strip of each on the wall in the kitchen.” We follow him out to the kitchen.
At the same time Gran and I both blurt out, “Middle one.”
It’s a gorgeous muted lavender color with a gray undertone so the purple is subtle and not in your face.
“Okay. Number three it is.” He takes a photo of the container and sends it to who I’m assuming is his assistant to order the amount needed.
Gran and I go back out into the main part of the bakery. “What do you think about putting the coolers here,” I walk to the edge of the bakery, “and then we can get a really nice custom made table. Whoever the inn gets their furniture from would be amazing. I think it would be the perfect spot for a unique piece.”
I pull out my phone to show Gran the furniture I’ve fallen in love with at the inn. She agrees so I send Emma a message asking for the name of the designer.
Gran stays behind to go over a few things with Hunter and I head back to the inn before it gets dark.
I have a completely open evening with no work ahead of me and I’m thrilled. Since it’s not a weekend the fire won’t be lit but I can cozy up in bed with the electric fireplace in my room.
With the sun down, the wind is colder on my cheeks for the walk back. But the view of the sky is something that still seems unreal to me. The stars are so clear and bright out here. It almost makes the frosty walk worth it.
The only thing better than the stars is the blast of heat that makes my frozen skin prickle and burn when I walk into the inn. I hear the familiar crackling coming from the living room and excitement courses through me that there might be a roaring fire.
I skip to the living room to find flames licking at the top of the fireplace. Which means it was just built. I look around for Liam but I don’t see him. Then a small white square on my favorite chair catches my attention .
I pick up and unfold the paper to find a note for me.
V,
Knew you’d want to warm up.
I promise to earn it.
XO,
L
Um, swoon !
He took a play right out of the romance books I read. I run up the stairs to grab my blanket and my book.
Once I’m settled in my chair and have rain sounds playing through the speaker, I send Liam a photo.
Me: Thank you. I love it. photo of my book and the fire
Liam: I promise I’m listening, Vi. This is just the start.
Leaving tonight on a good note, I tuck my phone away, settling in and opening my book. I want to believe him.
After only two chapters in, Alexander comes down the stairs, interrupting me. I sigh inwardly. The fireplace at Liam’s would be more enjoyable. On his couch, snuggled up under his shoulder…yeah, much better.
“I knew I’d find you down here. I’m surprised the fire is going this late.”
He takes the seat across from me with his laptop, still in his suit.
I place my bookmark in my book and close it, “I was just reading for a bit before bed. I might grab a snack. ”
He looks after me watching me walk away but goes back to his laptop screen after a second. “Grab me one too?”
What could someone possibly be doing on their laptop all day and night?
“Yeah, sure.” I’m not really sure if he wanted an answer because I’m not sure that it wasn’t a demand instead of a question.
In the kitchen, I dig in the freezer for the Fudgsicles I hid in the back away from the guests in a frozen broccoli bag. I grab a cupcake for Alexander. I’m not sharing my popsicles. I baked a dozen cupcakes yesterday for the guests to have for dessert.
He doesn’t even look up at me to take the dessert, he just points to the coffee table between us, like I’m his underpaid waitress. This time I roll my eyes so far back they actually hurt.
Where is Emma when you need her?
Surprisingly, Alexander closes his laptop and trades it for the cupcake. I watch him take a bite of the strawberry with chocolate buttercream frosting confection.
I get a rush of dopamine when I see people enjoying my food. Only this man, he has zero emotion while he’s eating. I frown at that. Are they not good? I ate three myself so I know damn well they are.
“What?” he asks me around a mouth full of food hidden behind his hand.
“Are they not good?” I stare at him, searching his face for any enjoyment.
“They are.” Nothing.
“Oh. Okay.” I pick my book back up, clearly not getting what I wanted from him .
“Your phone is going off.” He nods to the coffee table, and I lean forward to grab it.
Liam: This cupcake is fucking amazing. Will you make four dozen more for me?
Me: Keep building me fires, big bad wolf, and I’ll feed you whatever you want.
Liam: Whatever I want? winking emoji
A slow smile spreads across my lips as I remember the night with Liam.
“So, what is there to do around here? I have some free time tomorrow and thought I’d explore the area.”
“Free time? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without your laptop or phone. Are you sure you can do it?” I raise my brow at him.
His laugh is a high pitched, squealing type of laugh, and I just picture a pig when he really and truly laughs.
“Well I think I can manage a few hours if you come with me.” He winks, like I’m going to immediately fall under his charm.
“Well, you could snowshoe, or cross country ski. The inn has equipment for you to borrow. There is a cute little bookshop and coffee shop in town, they’re next to the bakery my Gran owns. But that’s not open again with the damage from the burst pipe. There’s ice skating a few towns over.” I tap my lip thinking of more. But it’s mostly outdoor recreation that I don’t see Mr. New-York-Prada-suit doing.
“If I say snowshoeing will you say ‘yes’ and show me the ropes? I bet you know all the best spots.” He leans forward, resting his arms on his knees, staring at me waiting for a response.
“I just have so much to do. I won’t have any time.” I shrug my shoulders and give a small smile, hoping he gives up.
“Come on. Help a guy relax.” He adds a wink this time for added effect. But his innuendo on the word relax just grosses me out.
When I don’t answer he continues. “It’ll be two hours max. You can spare a couple hours for an inn guest, right?”
Damn. I suck under pressure. “Uh…yeah…sure. We can go after lunch.”
But I will absolutely not be showing him the best spots. Those are the spots that hold all the memories for Liam and I.
I will have to remember to go out on my own another time, I have never been able to visit all our spots on this property after a fresh snowfall.
“Sounds great, do I get a famous picnic lunch too?” He stands, and hopefully he’ll be leaving after this.
“Sure. Just make sure you book it through the website because the inn charges extra for those.” I don’t want him thinking I’m doing this because it’s a date, since that seems to be what he’s angling for.
Ick. Everything about this guy gives me an ick.
He says goodnight and I’m left again with my fireplace and book. Peace has been restored.
I just woke up and I’m already dreading this afternoon. Just the thought of spending my time showing Alexander around Balsam Cliffs makes my skin crawl. Other than him being a self centered ass, I can’t really put my finger on why I don’t trust him. And I swear I’ve met him before in New York, but I can’t figure out how and it’s driving me nuts.
Unfortunately, I am tasked with asking Liam for snowshoeing gear and telling him where we are going. He is not going to take it the right way, he will probably jump to conclusions and go all alpha. Then I’ll get mad at him. And the cycle will never end. Even though he was sweet last night and started my fire for me.
I put on my winter gear while my cinnamon rolls cool so I can add the second round of cream cheese frosting. That’s the trick to a good cinnamon roll according to Gran. You put on a thin layer while they’re hot so it can get melty and drip down between the layers. Then when they cool you add another layer. I’m not one to argue with her proven methods.
I trudge out to the barn where Liam has been holed up. When I walk inside though, I don’t see him.
So I yell out, “Liam, are you in here?”
He walks out from the back of the barn. “Hey, what are you doing out here in the cold?”
I fidget nervously, there’s something about seeing Liam in a tight gray tee with his flannel thrown over it. His lumberjack look does something to my body.
“Violet? Is everything okay?” He walks closer to me, holding my arms next to my body as he rakes his eyes over every inch of me, scanning for something wrong .
My brain starts to function again, “Uh, yeah. Yeah everything is fine.” I shake my head to clear the thoughts of Liam, my thoughts that want far more than just his eyes on my body.
“Ooookaaaay.” He drags out the word, confused and waiting for me to answer. I never bother him in the barn, knowing he’s busy.
“Right. I’m here because Alexander would like to go snowshoeing so we need some gear,” I spit it out quickly.
“We?” He steps closer.
“Yes. He asked me to show him around, show him all the best spots. But I won’t show him all of them I promise. The best spots are our spots.” He’s been getting closer and closer while I talk. I don’t know why I felt the need to clarify about our spots, but I did.
He reaches out and pulls me into his arms and whispers into my ear, “You can show him our spots. But while you do, I want you to think about what I might do to you the next time we’re there.” A shiver runs down my spine. “Your body gives you away, beautiful. You want it to be me, not him.”
I glare at him, my traitorous body giving me away, “Seriously?”
“Need me to show you? You sound like you could use some more convincing.” He runs the back of his hand down my cheek and then lifts the bottom of my jacket with his other, slipping his hand into my pants.
“It seems like your body already knows. But I’d be happy to give you a repeat performance before you go out. Just to make sure.” He grins like a cheshire cat down at me.
My brain is short circuiting with his fingers drawing circles around my clit. I melt into his body .
“That’s it, beautiful. Be a good girl and show me that you want me too. I’ll earn every second, every moan. ”
Fuck. I never knew I wanted to be a good girl, but here I am listening to his every word and lapping it up.
I moan, pushing into his palm. He pushes me back against the barn wall. His mouth crashes to mine, taking me and I give myself over willingly.
His long, rough fingers alternate between circling my clit and plunging deep inside, grazing the magic spot that sets me off.
“Liam,” I plead for him to give me my release.
“You want to come, beautiful?” he whispers in a rough, strangled voice.
“Please.”
He works my body the same way he works a piece of wood into something beautiful. Bringing me to the edge of an orgasm that I didn’t know I needed this morning.
“Come for me,” he whispers, and I obey.
He holds me close, kissing me until the tremors stop and my bones are weak in his arms.
“You’re beautiful when you come.” He kisses me on my forehead, and removes his hand.
Fuck, I even like when he kisses me to lessen the blow of losing his hand on me. I’m done for. I’ve never had another man, but I’m pretty sure not one would ever compare.
“I have to tell you something,” I whisper into his chest.
He picks me up by my ass and walks me over to the workbench in the barn, he places me on top and then stands between my legs, not letting our bodies separate .
“What’s that?” He nuzzles into my neck, kissing the spots I like. I can feel his erection on my leg.
“I have to admit that I’m a virgin. I mean I’ve fooled around, but I’ve never…you know.” He stops kissing me, and let’s out a growl.
“If you don’t want me to claim you as mine, you probably shouldn’t tell me that I’m going to be the only man who’s ever been inside you.” His mouth slams into mine with a ferocity he didn’t have before.
“Say you’re mine.” He growls again.
I stare at him, my brain catching up post orgasm. “Earn me.”
“Trust me, beautiful, I fucking will.”
He leaves me, going to the back of the barn. The sudden loss of his body on mine feels wrong.
He looks back at me over his shoulder. “You coming?”
I nod and run after him.
In the back of the barn is a gorgeous table made of reclaimed barn wood.
“This is gorgeous, did you get it from the same designer who does the rest of the furniture?” I run my hands over the smoothed wood.
“Sure did.”
“I asked Emma for their information. We want to get a custom table for the bakery.”
“Oh yeah, did she give it to you?” His lips lift on one side into a smirk, the humor floating in the air like I’ve said something funny.
“Not yet, she said that she’d give them my number to reach out.”
“I see. I hope they do. ”
He hands me two pairs of snowshoes and poles. “When you’re with him today, I want you to remember how my hands feel on your body. And I want you to pick one of our spots for your next orgasm.”
“What?” I choke out.
“You heard me, I’m going to make you come again. This time with my mouth. And you’re going to pick where it happens. After all, I get to eat you all up, remember?”
I clench my thighs together.
“Have fun snowshoeing.” He kisses my cheek and slaps my ass, sending me on my way out of the barn.
I walk back to the inn thoroughly confused and turned on at the same time. I had no idea my quiet big bad wolf was such a… well, a big bad wolf in the bedroom. Or barn.
I drop the gear by the fireplace, and go back to the kitchen. Now I’m really dreading my afternoon with Alexander. I’d much rather spend an afternoon with Liam. Maybe splayed out on that gorgeous barnwood table.
All too soon, Alexander shows up in the kitchen, still on his phone.
“...got it. Yeah. Changing strategy now.” He winks at me, as if I’m impressed by him making this business call, “Sure thing boss. I hear you loud and clear. Yup. Talk tomorrow.”
He hangs up. “Sorry. Got a tough situation. Had to work it out.”
“No problem, the gear is by the door.” I point to the kitchen door, “I just have to finish up cleaning dishes real quick.”
“I’ll help.” He rolls up his sleeves and plunges his hands into the sink full of dirty dishes .
I step aside, watching him wash the large pot I used earlier. There is something different about him now. He’s in jeans and a long sleeve tee. He’s more muscular than I thought he would be. And this outfit makes him seem more relatable than that damn suit.
I shake my head. What is going on today?
Grabbing the dish towel next to the sink, I start drying and putting dishes away while we chat. Surprisingly, Alexander isn’t talking a mile a minute about himself. He’s actually showing interest in me, the inn, and my time in New York.
In no time at all, we are headed outside and I’m laughing at Alexander trying to figure out snowshoes. It looks like an easy winter sport, but it’s actually pretty difficult.
“Okay, okay, I got this! I’m doing good now!” He’s proud of himself for not almost falling in the last few minutes.
“You’re doing good. We’re almost at one of my favorite spots. The cliffs that overlook the ocean. It’s truly breathtaking at sunrise. If you get up early, I recommend it,” I pause at the fence at the edge of the cliffs.
“Wow. This is stunning.”
We stand in silence for a moment, just admiring the view.
“Tell me what else there is to do around here. Are there a lot of places to live?” He asks as we start walking further along.
“The area really is just for outdoors people. You need to like the country and small towns. And be willing to drive for anything outside of the small grocery store and Rebels.” I laugh half-heartedly, he definitely wouldn’t enjoy it here.
“I haven’t noticed many apartment complexes, it seems more like just a bunch of older homes.” He pushes the conversation about living options .
“You planning on moving here?” I laugh.
“I just mean, you’re from New York City too. You must miss having things close by. And I can’t imagine being happy living in a room at the inn.” I narrow my eyes, why the hell would he think I’m not happy at the inn?
I’m happier at the inn than I ever was in New York City.
“Isn’t that the appeal though? If I wanted New York, I’d still be there. And I love the inn, plus staying there makes the commute easy. Most people here are from here, it’s not really a destination to move into. Plus Rebels is better than any restaurant in New York City.” I take the loop on the right that will bring us back to the inn along the edge of the Peterson orchard.
“I guess. But don’t you ever wish you could just go five minutes down the road and have a movie theater, a big bulk grocery store instead of driving an hour plus?”
“Nope.” I pop the P. “Small town life is where it’s at. I’ll take the hour drive over the traffic and crowds any day. And all the residents of Balsam Cliffs would agree.”
Something I say offends him because he spends the rest of the walk not talking, and pouting. It was almost like a light switch was flipped on his personality from the beginning of the afternoon to the end.
Luckily when we get back he goes right to his room and Emma is at the front desk.
At least I will have someone around as a buffer between us for the next day until he checks out for the weekend and goes back to New York.