3. Piper
Chapter 3
Piper
I t was early morning; the sun had just risen in the sky, but I was already up, feeding my two cats in the kitchen. Nimbus and Smog were meowing desperately for food as they wound themselves through my legs. I swear they acted like I was starving them to death every morning.
The aroma of fresh coffee lingered in the air, and bright sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains. It was gorgeous, cheery as hell, and I wished I didn’t have to see Richard today. But the one person I really didn’t want to see was Dana. If he brought her here, I’d lose my damn mind on both of them and find a way to dognap Cody.
They stared up at me, rubbing against my calves as I scooped food into their bowls. I knew they were happy he was gone. They’d started using their litter boxes again now that his shoes were no longer here to poop in. The amount of hissing and kitty cat jump scares had also lowered to zero. It was nothing but purring, sweet little head butts, and cuddles now that Richard was out of here and back at his place.
“Don’t worry. He is not coming back to stay. Ever.” I reiterated before padding through my dining room and into the parlor to wait for Paige, glancing at the grandfather clock along the way. She should be here any minute.
I was dressed to un impress. When we broke up, Richard seemed shocked that I let him go without a fight. I guess he’d expected me to beg him to stay or something else ridiculous and pathetic. I needed to make myself as unappealing as possible so that he knew I absolutely did not give one solitary shit about him or anything he had to say to me. So it was all about the caftan, fluffy slippers, and ratty bathrobe combo. I added a pea-green face mask and a non-attractive ponytail for good measure. Ponytails could be cute, but the look I was going for was Founding Father—think George Washington on the dollar bill. A quick glance in the foyer’s mirror told me I’d succeeded.
The doorbell rang, and I continued shuffling to the door, slippers scuffing against the freshly refinished wooden floors as I walked.
Paige stood on the porch with a face full of determination laced with sympathy—no thanks to the pity, I was fine. Totally freakin’ fine.
“How are the kids?” I asked, hoping to avoid a conversation about my recent life choices.
She breezed past me, taking in my appearance with a knowing smirk. “They’re good. Any more coffee?”
“In the kitchen, help yourself. I’ll be on the porch. Wait,” I called to her. “I’m sorry to drag you out here. You can’t stand Richard, and I know you’re busy?—”
She held up a hand to quiet me. “I knew the risk before I accepted the mission—it’s all good. I can handle him. In fact, I want to handle him. I don’t understand why you have such a hard time accepting my help. Okay, I’m lying. I totally get it. But it’s me. I’m always here for anything, whether you think it’s ridiculous or not.”
“I love you.”
“Love you back. But first, I need some coffee, and then we can discuss your outfit. I like it. You’re in your self-care era. Or are you in your old-lady era? Who are you today? Blanche or Rose?” She studied my face. “No, you look grumpy. Today is a Dorothy day for sure, or possibly Sophia. It’s too early to tell. Did you steal that caftan from Grandma?”
Despite my grouchy mood, I burst out laughing. “Nah, we went shopping together. I have a bunch more upstairs.”
“Nice.” She held her hand out for a high five, then went to the kitchen to fix herself a mug of coffee.
I went to the porch, battling the impulse to hiss and rush back inside, when I was suddenly enveloped in early morning sunlight. Oregon’s reputation for being overcast and rainy was legit, but today, for once, the sky was clear. Could this be a sign of good things ahead? Doubtful. I frowned at the street before settling onto the porch swing.
Paige joined me and got straight to the point. She wore jeans and a deep purple Twilight Tavern branded T-shirt. Renaming the bar felt personal to her, almost like restarting her life. It was inspiring. The way she bounced back, albeit fueled by plenty of anger, was what I wanted to do. I was tired of moping around and feeling sorry for myself. I wanted to be like her. Being perpetually pissed off and trigger-happy with rage always simmering beneath the surface was way better than being sad and pathetic any day.
“So, Dick still wants to be happy happy friends with you, huh? How convenient after all the shit he started between you and Dana. I’m not happy with her either, by the way.” She rolled her eyes over the rim of her mug and blew on the hot coffee.
I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of his recent attempts to ‘make it up to me’ and forgive Dana. “Yeah, he hasn’t given up. But I won’t go down that road. Both of them are cut off. No communication aside from what is necessary for the bakery.” I set my cup on the table next to me and then pointed to myself with both thumbs. “All my roads are closed for reconstruction. I need a do-over like you.”
Paige nodded, her understanding clear. “Yes, you do. Both of us will never put up with any more shit from any man ever again. Cheating is a deal breaker, especially after what Dad put Mom through for all those years. You’ve come so far. We both have. We deserve better, and we’re going to get it.”
“You’re so right, and I’m so done. But, um, about Ren? Are you sure you don’t want to be the one to go with him to his charity dinners or whatever? You should be interested in him. I mean, he’s really nice. Honestly, he seems too good to be true. Wait, is he? Is that why you aren’t going for it?” I felt an odd pinch in my chest at the thought of Paige and Ren together, but I shook it off.
She laughed, shaking her head. “I will never set you up again after being completely wrong about Richard; do not worry about that. Plus, I’m not interested in dating anyone now or maybe even ever again, fake or not. He was my divorce attorney, Piper, and you, more than anybody, know how nuts I’ve been since Eli took off. Let’s just say Ren knows way too much about my marriage.” She closed her eyes, shaking her head from side to side. “God, he’s seen me at my absolute worst. There was ranting, quite a bit of raving, and so many tears—just way too many freakin’ tears. There was snot involved, running mascara, and a couple of mental breakdowns. I ruined at least two of his shirts. It was ugly, Piper. We can only ever be friends. I can’t even think of going there with him. Plus, he’s hot, but I’m just not attracted to him. He’s in my permanent friend zone.”
“That makes sense.” I fumbled in the basket next to my chair and unearthed my knitting, which so far was nothing but a ball of yarn, two needles, zero skills, and some wishful thinking. “I get it. Okay.”
“Now, what’s with all this old lady shit?” She pointed to the porch’s overhang. “Is that a hummingbird feeder? And are you knitting?”
“Maybe I want to find things that bring me joy. Relationships have never brought me anything but trouble. And what do hummingbirds do but be cute and drink sugar water? Total joy.”
She grinned. “Well, more power to you. It’s actually adorable. Remember when Grandma tried teaching us to knit all those years ago? I could never quite get the hang of it.”
Recalling the memory, I laughed. “Yeah, she always said you were too impatient, which totally makes sense, by the way. I’m trying to slow down and pay attention to what I truly need. And to be honest, I don’t think it’s a man. I have this house—and once I can figure out how to get rid of Dana, my bakery, the hummingbirds, good coffee, and my pets. Last night, I saw raccoons, Piper. Over there by the apple tree. They were so cute, like weird little fucked up cats. I love it here. I love it even more now that Richard moved out.” I sighed, tossing the knitting aside. “I’m not sure if the knitting will stick, though. I might need an easier hobby. Maybe I’ll finally start writing that cookbook I always talk about. What do you think about that?”
“Do it. Your baked goods kick ass. But knitting or not, I think you’re onto something. And you never should have let him stay here in the first place. You didn’t even want him to.”
“I know. I caved. But at least I made him keep his old place and say it was a trial run. Give me that, please.”
“You got it. We’ve both been doing the best we can.”
“It’s like we went from being girls to girlfriends without anything in between.” She set her coffee down and stretched, tipping her head back so the sun could shine on her face. “This is a gorgeous morning, and this porch is amazing. I’m so glad you bought this place.”
“Thanks. Yeah, I’m beginning to think my life was ruined when men started finding me attractive. I’ve never not had a boyfriend. What is up with that?”
“It’s time for a man break.” She dropped her head down and focused on me. “But let’s talk about something else for now. It’s too early to be having this many feelings. Deep thoughts are for bedtime, to keep you up at night. Or maybe I can come back later for lunch, and we can get into it. My brain is not fully online yet.”
I laughed. Paige was not a morning person. “Well, I’m taking time for myself. I want to dilly-dally. I want to reflect on nonsense. I’m going to romanticize my life now, Paige, and I think you should, too. Like, touch grass, become one with nature, the moon and the stars, or whatever—all that woo woo stuff Grandma and Mom always talk about. I come first from now on because I can’t keep pouring from an empty cup.”
“I totally agree with all of that. I’m in. Let’s romanticize having coffee together whenever we can. I like this.”
“Deal. And I think we should start going for walks again like we used to do with Mom.”
“You’ve got yourself a walking buddy.”
“And yes, to front porch coffee mornings, too.”
“Agree. You make the best coffee. I’ll bring breakfast next time.”
We continued chatting as the scent of blooming roses blended with the coffee, creating a comforting atmosphere that eased my mind. I relaxed into the morning with Paige in my new favorite place to be.
Owning this house was a dream, just like opening my bakery. When we were kids, my mother would take me and Paige for walks every evening after dinner, and this old Victorian at the end of Loganberry Lane had always fascinated me. It was beautiful, grand, and regal, and it had captured my imagination ever since I first saw it.
Unfortunately, the street now had two rows of dull tract houses on either side instead of the vineyard that originally belonged to the previous owners. Still, I could overlook the bland beige eyesores as long as I finally got to live in my dream house.
As we sipped our coffee and the conversation shifted to gossip and chit-chat, my worries faded as they always did whenever I was with her.
Just then, a text notification interrupted our moment. I glanced at my phone to see it was from Richard.
He had a work emergency and couldn’t drop off Cody as planned. All the worries came crashing back along with a surge of anxious adrenaline. My stomach sank, and I once more worried that this was my life now. I couldn’t give Cody up; I loved him too much to do that. But I couldn’t keep Richard in my life this way either.
And hello? He was a CPA. What kind of emergency could he possibly have?
“Well, Richard isn’t coming today,” I announced.
“What an ass. I should get going then. As usual, I have a bunch of shit to do and not enough time to do it.”
“I’m glad you stopped by.”
“Of course.” She set her mug on the table next to my rocking chair. “Thanks for the coffee. It’s going to be okay, Piper. We haven’t even delved into all the ways we can get Cody back, okay? Like I’ve been saying, the only way to deal with Dick is nefariously. I can’t believe I was so wrong about him.”
She made it halfway to her car before turning around with a tilt of her head. “If you want to plan a dognapping, I’m down. I’m always available for shenanigans and other assorted petty crimes. You know that.” Every family had that one member who was always willing to throw hands and start some shit. In mine, it was Paige.
“I know you are, but I’m still kind of hoping things will miraculously work out. I don’t want to be nefarious. I don’t have the mental fortitude for that. I’m a lover, not a fighter.” I wasn’t worried about Cody. Richard took good care of him. I just wanted us to stick to our agreement. It was for the best.
“Ahh, you still have hope, that’s cute. I give it a week.” She flicked two fingers out in a mock salute. “Later. Call me when you’re ready to step it up.”
Watching her leave, my thoughts turned back to Ren. Last night had been interesting. He seemed to be an anomaly in the world of men. Paige adored him. And ever since he got her through her divorce, Violet sang his praises whenever his name came up, and I now thought he was the sexiest thing since sliced bread. He was fun to talk to and even more fun to look at. And I had a fake date with him coming up, too. Was it a wise choice to agree to that? Probably not, but I couldn’t resist.
My face mask itched as it baked onto my skin in the sunlight. I should have gone inside and washed it off, but sadly, I lacked the motivation to move. I hadn’t been sleeping well lately. Too many changes, both good and bad, were keeping me up at night.
I kicked my feet up on the porch railing and watched the neighborhood while sipping the last of my now-cold coffee. I didn’t remember a single one of my neighbors, yet I could greet all the dogs by name. The house closest to mine had finally sold, and the moving truck that had been there for the past few days was gone. Hopefully, the new neighbors had a cute dog. Otherwise, I would forget they existed as soon as we met.
I closed my eyes and let the rare sunny day ambiance wash over me. If I allowed myself, I could go to sleep right here. Maybe I should.
Footsteps pounded on the sidewalk coming from the side of my house, startling me out of my daydreaming, and I sat up to look.
Loganberry Lane curved around my house and joined Sycamore Street, the main drag of Honeybrook Hollow. Most of the town’s businesses lined it on either side, including my bakery. I could walk to work through my backyard if I wanted to.
“Hey, Piper.” Ren’s low, gravelly voice carried down the street as he jogged towards me.
His athletic frame created a striking silhouette as he approached. His dark hair was tousled from the run, and sunlight glinted off the beads of sweat on his forehead, accentuating his strong brow and beautiful blue eyes. A playful grin adorned his face, radiating charm and warmth, and that sexy aura of kindness I knew was just waiting to come out. He raised a hand to wave at me. Why did he have to be so damn hot?
“Fancy seeing you here,” I called out, trying to mask the excitement I shouldn’t be feeling.
“I couldn’t resist a run. I can’t believe the sun is out.” He slowed down as he approached, tipping his head back to let it shine on his face just as Paige had done before.
“It’s shaping up to be a gorgeous day. But seriously, what are you doing here? Do you have a meeting with Paige or something?”
“No.” He gestured to the house next door. “That’s my place.” He squinted, taking me in as he headed up my walkway. “Aren’t you a vision of relaxation.”
Crap. I slapped my hands against my cheeks and cringed. The face mask! Dressing to un impress had backfired on me.
Or maybe it was a good thing.
Now wasn’t the time to feel attracted to Ren or any other guy. I was better off being alone, taking time for myself exactly like I’d just told Paige.
And what the hecking heck? Ren was my new neighbor? Was he giving up his big city life of work and whatever else he did there? To live here? Next to me? In tiny little Honeybrook Hollow? Why? Gah!
Men were not hobbies, and sex was not love. I wanted the real thing or nothing at all. This was my new motto, and I would not throw it away just because Ren and his hotness were taking up way too much space in my brain.
“Comfort above all else, right?” I joked, feeling a bit self-conscious but still mostly happy to see him, damn it. “So that Jeep that replaced the moving van in the driveway is yours?”
“Yep.”
“Well, howdy neighbor.” I grinned at him. “Welcome to Loganberry Lane. Come sit down. Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Okay, sure. Thank you. I was going to text when I got home, but here you are. We should talk about our date, make some plans, stuff like that.”
He hopped onto the porch and sat across from me on the cute wicker couch I’d bought shortly after moving in. “But no thanks to the coffee.” He took a sip from the water bottle he was holding. “I’m good. So this is your house, huh?”
“Yep, I moved in a couple of months ago. I’ve always loved it, so I bought it when it went up for sale.” I picked up my yarn to distract myself from his gorgeous face and body—god, he was too sexy for his own good.
“Are the neighbors nice?” he asked. “I haven’t met anyone yet.”
“I haven’t gotten to know any of them. I love all their dogs, though.”
He chuckled, as if he thought I was cute. Then he smiled and gestured to the house next door to mine. “I live in such a boring beige box compared to your place. This is something else.”
“I love it here. I needed this. Peace, solitude?—”
“Creaky wooden floors, ghosts…” he teased.
“Well, my cats stare off into the distance in this place way more than at my old apartment. But nothing has gone bump in the night. Not yet, anyway.”
“You’re a brave woman, Piper.”
“I try to be.” I peeked at him over my knitting. “Having the cats helps. They’re good company, even though one of them has developed the new hobby of staring at my bedroom ceiling and whining at me.”
He chuckled softly. “I’ve heard that cats can be pretty perceptive. How about your dog? Is he here? Is everything okay with that situation?”
“No, he’s not here,” I heaved a beleaguered sigh. “Richard had a work thing, but Cody is the worst guard dog ever. He’s a golden retriever and falls in love with everyone he meets. He’d probably love it if there were ghosts here. The more beings available to give him attention, the merrier.”
“I can’t wait to meet him. I’ve always wanted a golden retriever like Lassie.”
“That’s a collie, silly.”
“Oh, Benji?”
“He’s a mixed breed.”
“Shit, Beethoven?”
“St. Bernard. You’re really bad at this.”
“What, making conversation?” I looked up from my knitting to see him trying to smile at me. His mouth was quirked higher on one side.
“Haha, you’re cute.”
“Ahhh, cute . Just what every forty-two-year-old man wants to be,” he joked.
“There’s nothing wrong with being cute,” I insisted. “In fact, you should want to be cute. It’s better than being an arrogant asshole like most of you are.”
“Attorneys?” He leaned in closer. “Some of us do try to maintain a small sense of charm.” His voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. “Or is it men in general?”
“Men in general,” I confessed while inwardly excluding him from the running list of arrogant assholes I’d met in my life.
“I won’t even begin to argue with your opinion of men. In my line of work, I see the worst.”
“I bet you do,” I mumbled. “I can’t believe I’m having an entire conversation with you in my ratty bathrobe and a face mask. Whatever must you think of me?”
“Your nightgown underneath reminds me of something from the Golden Girls.” Was he trying to make me feel better?
“Oh god.” I was mortified. “Thank you, it’s a caftan.” The face mask served me well and hid my flaming cheeks. “I dressed like this to show Richard I don’t give a crap about him or what he thinks of me. Don’t tell anyone.”
“No worries. I can keep a secret.”
“You’re an attorney. You must have loads of secrets.”
“That I do. Here’s one, pass me your knitting.” I handed it to him and watched in awe as he finished the row I was working on.
“Wow, your skills are impressive.”
“My mom taught me. It’s relaxing.”
“Not for me. I’m considering another hobby.”
He set the knitting aside and leaned back on the couch, crossing his long legs at the ankle. I allowed myself a quick peek at him. The muscles in his torso were accentuated by the fitted T-shirt that clung tightly around his pecs and biceps. It took all I had to keep my eyes from wandering over his body to look my fill. I managed one discreet up and down, but it was hard not to keep staring. “Want to hear another one?”
“Huh?” I muttered, distracted, as I felt an urge to know everything about him. “Oh, I mean, sure. I love secrets.”
“I like talking to you, Piper.”
I let out a nervous laugh as I reeled in my desire to flirt my ass off. “Thanks, they used to put my desk in the hallway back in school.” Cracking jokes was my preferred way of handling unexpected compliments, so I went with that. “Fair warning—I can definitely talk, and sometimes I just can’t stop.”
“That’s not the drawback you seem to think it is.”
For a moment, neither one of us spoke. Silence stretched between us, not quite awkward, but not not awkward either. I was intrigued.
He leaned back and pulled his phone from his pocket. I jumped when my text notification went off.
“Now you have my number. I’ll text you tonight, to make plans and go over the ground rules. I’ve got to get going now.”
“Oh, okay.” A soft laugh escaped me. “Well, not if I text you first.” I was such a goober, not if I text you first. Like I would ever have the nerve to text a man first. Fake or not, I was not one to make the first move.
“Until next time,” he said, standing up and looking at me like he liked what he saw, even though I was more than an entire mess right now.
“Yeah, next time.” I echoed softly as I watched him walk to his house, my heart still racing.
I snatched my phone from the table next to my rocking chair to save his number.
Hot Neighbor , I entered before hugging it to my chest.