Chapter 36
SHELBY
Shelby felt a pang of regret watching Pete and Lacy traipse through the field together. She’d been surprised when Lacy had cornered her after dessert and confessed that she was having the night of her life with Pete and didn’t want it to end.
“Are you open to arranging another date for us?” she’d asked Shelby, clasping her hands together like a schoolgirl.
“He’s so great. I’ve usually gone for the gym bros.
I’ve never spent this much time with a guy like Pete.
He’s a real throwback. I feel like I’m in an episode of Gilmore Girls.
I really don’t want this to end, and I know you mentioned wanting to capture Fall Harvest Fest. I’m at your service.
I’d gladly spend the day with Pete tomorrow, and the bonfire tomorrow night should be iconic. ”
“Uh, sure. I should confirm with Pete,” Shelby said, checking in his direction.
“No need. Already did. He’s all in.” Lacy flashed her a dazzling smile.
“Let’s plan to meet at the park for the pumpkin-weighing contest. I’ll coordinate outfits and timing with Pete.
Oh, and by the way, I went ahead and made Voyager a collaborator on my posts tonight, so feel free to accept those whenever you have time.
My followers are swooning over him. It’s not often you find a real gentleman who is also so handsome and witty.
I can’t thank you enough for connecting us.
This could be the start of something serious. ”
Shelby felt nauseous.
She should be pleased. Her social strategy was working. This was good. This was what she wanted. Then why did she feel like she’d been punched in the gut?
She blew out a breath and grabbed her things. Jim was still hanging around, too. She hurried over to him. “So, how was the rest of the night?”
“Fine. Good.” He sounded flustered as he scanned the dark grounds like he was lost.
“Where’s Miranda?” She looked behind them. The moon had risen, casting flickering shadows of light across the fields, table, and dance floor.
“Elise and Pete are giving her a ride home,” Jim said with a touch of heaviness in his tone.
“Not Pete, he left with Lacy.” Shelby pointed toward the entrance.
“Really? Did they hit it off?”
“It sounds like it. She wants to be involved tomorrow. I haven’t had a chance to post anything or check out her social, but she said her followers are loving him.”
“I bet they are,” Jim said, his voice thick with emotion. “The Brown family is something special, aren’t they? Pete takes after his mom, so I’m not at all surprised to hear that he’s quickly garnering a similar following. Good work.”
“Yeah.” Shelby hoped she sounded normal. “I’ll queue up some posts tonight. I want to hit the beach first thing in the morning to get some B-roll. Pete said it’s never crowded as long as you go early. What about you? Where did you leave things with Miranda?”
He clasped his hands together and sighed. “We didn’t, exactly.”
“What does that mean?” She scowled, picking up on his energy. Had he done something to offend Miranda?
“Nothing.” Jim tried to sound breezy, but Shelby immediately sensed that something was wrong.
“Did something happen?”
“What? Who? Me?” Jim picked up his gift basket. “Nope. I’ll head to the Green Grocer first thing and map out a plan for day two. Our time in Half Moon Bay is flying by. We’ll be back in Seattle before you know it.”
“Right.” Shelby nodded. If Jim had said that when they first arrived, she probably would have been relieved, but now, being in Half Moon Bay, her pulse had slowed down, her body felt lighter, and some of the tension she’d been holding for the last few months had floated away.
The sea air was doing her good. Suddenly, the thought of returning to soggy Seattle and the problems waiting for her at home didn’t sound very appealing.