Chapter 24 #2
I turn my attention toward Kyle’s table and notice everyone getting up to leave.
Including Gabriel. Apparently, he was in Kyle’s booth, and I couldn’t see him from the entrance.
Of course, he looks hot in his fitted black button-up and sneakers.
Suddenly, I’m very self-conscious of how close I am to Oliver.
We’re practically arm in arm. Gabe offers the briefest of smiles as he walks past us.
“I’m late.” He taps his camera. I recall he’s taking photos of the dance tonight as he rushes out of Mike’s door.
Kyle offers me a fist bump. “You missed our high school paper reunion. We were brainstorming some breaking news–worthy headlines.” His grin is all teeth.
I notice the twins brimming with excitement.
Billie rubs her hands together nervously, while Jaisha’s stare is laser-focused on Oliver.
I sigh. People often get that way when the dashing Oliver Darby is around.
“Sorry to miss the fun,” I say, meaning it. “I was with—”
“Oliver Darby.” The twins finish my sentence for me.
Of course they’re eager to meet Oliver. As I look around the diner, I’m greeted with more smiles and waves, except for our agents now posted at the two exits.
The twins gush over Oliver—he’s taller in person.
He’s nicer in person. Etc. Etc. We’ve both heard it all before.
Oliver grins. “Thanks very much, you’re too kind. You girls are taller and nicer in person too,” he teases. The girls sigh at the good old Oliver Darby charm. My bestie knows how to please.
Meanwhile, an apologetic look crosses Kyle’s face. “We have to take off. Our friend’s band is about to perform.”
“Oh, no worries. We’re just getting dessert to go,” I say. “See you at the dance.”
Kyle nods. “Sweet. And maybe do us a favor and save a dance for our boy Gabe. He’s been grumpy all night.”
“And save me a dance too.” Jaisha winks at Oliver. I watch as the group heads out. I’m grateful Oliver doesn’t say anything about Kyle’s comment, but I feel his eyes on me.
“Abby Special,” Pat hollers. I’m grateful for the distraction. I head to the counter, where Pat has two large drinks in a takeaway tray and a white bag waiting for me.
I arch a brow. “An Abby Special?”
He laughs. “Yeah, it’s a Pike Special, but ‘to-go,’ just like you.”
I feign shock. “If this is your way of telling me to slow down, I get the picture.”
“Not at all, my dear,” says a man in a restaurant uniform. The name “Mike” is embroidered on his shirt. This must be the Mike from Mike’s Biscuits. He grins as he joins Pat. “We see you and know you’re going places. Just don’t forget about us in Mystic Hollow.”
My chest tightens with joy. “I’ll never forget you.” After Oliver insists on a huge tip, I wave the bag in his face as we exit.
His nose wrinkles. “Grease.”
I scoff. “You mean heaven.”
The town square looks like a postcard. Strings of white lights twinkle from the lampposts and the trees.
Vendors sell fresh buttery popcorn from bright red carts, next to colorful stands with sugary clouds of cotton candy, boba tea, and other mouthwatering treats.
A band performs on the gazebo’s stage, facing the bubbling fountain and dance floor where a vibrant crowd sways to the beats.
I spot the flower displays I helped design with Mrs. Rey around the gazebo, and they look spectacular.
We decided to display just a few examples at tonight’s dance to promote the jubilee.
The florist is nearby, and I give her a thumbs-up.
It’s just flowers, but it feels amazing contributing to tonight’s dance. Like a little piece of me belongs here.
My heart warms at the scene before me. The dance floor has been laid on the ground, where a bunch of folks watch the performance. Several dance. “Isn’t this adorable,” I gush.
Oliver nods in approval. “Perfect. I’m glad we’re here. I was going to tell you—”
“Abby! Oliver!” a familiar voice shouts, interrupting Oliver.
Elle beckons us onto the dance floor with Tita Karra and Ruby.
I can’t help my large grin. I was so worried I ruined Elle’s summer, but from the looks of it she’s having the time of her life.
“Come join us,” she shrieks. Oliver waves back, pleased to see them.
Meanwhile, I hold up our dessert bag, letting her know we’re going to eat first.
Oliver and I sit down on a bench. “Elle looks well,” he says, and genuinely means it.
“She’s having the best of times.” I show him how to dip the fries in his chocolate shake. He wrinkles his nose.
“You look like you’ve adapted to this place too.” He holds up his fry. “Not sure this is my thing, to be honest.”
“What? It’s sweet and savory,” I say. He dips his fry and studies the drip of ice cream like it’s a chemistry experiment. I demonstrate again and close my eyes to savor the magic: salty crisp fry meets rich, sweet chocolate.
A loud click and flash of light startles me.
“Didn’t think you all would make it,” a voice nearby says. I sigh. I don’t need to look to know it’s Gabriel with his camera. I swallow my fry, feeling sheepish being caught acting so silly. “I wanted to show Oliver the ‘Abby Special’ and the town,” I say.
“Nice.” Gabriel arches a thick brow as he looks at Oliver. “Maybe it would be good for you to get to know the local businesses since you’re part of the community now.” But the tone in Gabriel’s voice suggests Oliver isn’t part of the community at all.
And Oliver knows it. His jaw hardens as he assesses Gabriel.
“Actually, my uncle’s resort is making progress getting to know the community.
” He stands up so he’s eye to eye with him.
“A number of businesses have decided to help him with his Fourth of July festival. In fact, we just heard from the mayor that the Commander is going to be hosting the Fourth of July fireworks display this year.”
I practically jump to my feet. “What?”
Oliver doesn’t look at me as he stares at Gabriel. “The Commander is going to host the Fourth of July fireworks. Mayor Lee and the management at Grand Meadows all agreed we’d be the better location.”
My insides are roiling. The inn was banking on hosting the fireworks.
Ruby had a meeting with the mayor this afternoon, but we never did hear how it went.
And from the look on Gabriel’s face, it appears he didn’t hear the news either.
Our silence is interrupted as a waltz begins to play.
My chest tightens thinking about the last time Gabriel and I danced together.
His hands intertwined with mine, heat radiating from his body and gaze.
But now, there’s only cold when I look at him. “I’m sorry, Gabriel—”
“It’s the waltz,” Gabriel says, interrupting me. “Here’s your chance to finally dance under the stars.”
“Gabriel, please—” I stop mid-sentence. Our eyes meet and the betrayal in Gabriel’s gaze is palpable—that expression the one he wore when we first met.
Two people from completely different worlds.
And now my date, Oliver Darby, just announced his family has practically ruined the inn by taking the fireworks show from them.
“Practice time is over,” Gabriel says, his tone final.
Oliver frowns but offers me his hand. “For once, an excellent idea.” I ignore Oliver and shiver despite the summer heat. Gabe and I have been referring to our time together and our kisses as “practice” for my real boyfriend. He’s always believed I would end up with Oliver.
I look at my old friend, grinning down at me. Have I believed that too?
Gabriel steps aside, sweeping an arm toward the dance floor.
“After you, Pineapple Princess,” he murmurs, low enough that only I can hear as Oliver leads me to the dance floor.
The crowd parts like we’re royalty as murmurs and cheers from partygoers fill the night air.
This is it. Our entrance. Our moment. My and Oliver’s adoring public, but all I can think about is a certain photographer hanging in the background and the betrayal in his eyes.
The music stops and there’s a commotion on the stage. Mayor Lee has the microphone. A bright smile on his face. “Sorry to interrupt, everyone, but I want to formally acknowledge our very special guests this evening.”
If everyone wasn’t already paying attention to us, they are now.
“We’re honored to have the First Daughters with us.
There’s Eleanor.” My sister waves with both hands, a huge grin plastered on her face, as the crowd claps.
Mayor Lee chuckles and then points toward me.
“And of course, Abigail Cary-Alzona with Vice President Darby’s son, Oliver.
Let’s welcome our guests to Mystic Hollow! ”
Oliver dips his head in acknowledgment at the round of applause. I force a grin and do the same. Abigail Cary-Alzona First Daughter mode. Smile on the outside, cringe on the inside.
Mayor Lee continues, “And speaking of the Darby family, I’m pleased to share they will be hosting this year’s regional fireworks show.” My chest tightens as the mayor confirms what Oliver had shared moments ago. It’s real. The inn lost the fireworks show.
The crowd erupts into cheers, except for a few people: Marge, who stands near the gazebo looking decidedly displeased, my family, and Gabriel and his mom.
The mayor looks up at the sky with a very pleased smile. “As a token of their new role, the Darby family has arranged for a surprise demonstration. Everyone, can you help me count down from ten?”
Oliver squeezes my hand. “Check this out, Abby. We arranged a nice touch for tonight’s activities.”
As the crowd reaches “one,” a huge glare shoots up into the sky, followed by two others.
Loud pops followed by bursts of light. My jaw drops.
Oliver’s family has arranged fireworks for tonight’s dance.
Leave it to the Darbys to make an impression with a bang.
Oliver grins. “This is just a small taste of what the Fourth fireworks show will look like.”
Music begins to play, and the mayor invites everyone to the dance floor as the fireworks burst above. Oliver spins me around.
Among the crowd of happy onlookers, I catch my sister looking very disappointed. And Gabriel is nowhere to be seen.
It’s a struggle to dance with Oliver. Not only because I’m sick to my stomach about the devastating news he delivered to Gabriel in the most ostentatious way possible, but because I can’t focus on the dance moves like I usually do.
Oliver counts the steps aloud so I can hear, trying to get me to focus.
He’s not Gabriel. Dancing with Oliver doesn’t feel natural.
And the fireworks above are not helping with my footwork.
This is the scene I had envisioned in my head for years, isn’t it? Fireworks and dancing. A warm summer evening, laughter, and the smell of jasmine and citronella candles. This should be the most romantic moment of my life, but by the time the song is over I find myself rushing off the dance floor.
Oliver is close behind. “Abby, are you okay?” I look over his shoulder to confirm no one is nearby, then as an extra precaution pull him behind a tree out of view. Excitement and confusion cross his face. “What are you—”
“Why did you gloat to Gabriel about the fireworks?” I interrupt him, practically stabbing a finger into his chest.
“Abby, you’ll wrinkle my shirt.” He laughs nervously.
His shirt? Is that what he’s worried about? I throw up my arms. “You knew Gabe’s family was trying to host the fireworks display. His inn needed that boost to help keep their family business afloat.”
Oliver arches a brow before speaking. “I didn’t know anything about his family business.
Honest. Our only intention is to help the community by sponsoring the fireworks.
” As he talks about the facilities at the Commander, I’m reminded how skilled Oliver is at talking with people.
Charming, strategic—the kind of boy who was born to shake hands and win votes.
The kind of boy I’m supposed to end up with.
“Abby, if Gabriel’s family hosted, they’d have to pour in huge amounts of resources. Fireworks are expensive. This is a win-win for everyone,” he says, ending his speech.
“This is a win-win for everyone?” I mimic Oliver’s clipped voice.
He makes a face. “Seriously, Abby? Did you just try to impersonate me?”
I groan, doing my best to compose myself. “I just wanted you to hear how ridiculous this situation is. The owners of Grand Meadows were going to foot the bill,” I say through gritted teeth. “Gabe’s family wasn’t going to pay for the show. This is a win for you and a loss for Gabriel.”
“You mean a loss for his business. Besides, do you really blame Grand Meadows for going with us? They’re a small business too.
” My silence is my answer. Of course Grand Meadows would prefer to not foot the bill.
Going with Oliver’s family means they don’t have to spend another dime.
That’s why Grand Meadows chose his family’s resort.
But the anger in me is still bubbling. I ask Shaw to get the car. My agent, who’s been a respectful distance away from me the entire night, suddenly becomes visible.
“Abby,” Oliver calls after me. “Let’s talk.”
But I’m done talking. I need to find Gabriel and we need to figure out a plan. Now.
I am not giving up on the jubilee.