Chapter 18
Juliet
I require a couple stitches on my arm, and my foot is only a slight sprain, just like Archer diagnosed.
But I’m not thinking about him anymore.
Two days pass, and I spend my time quietly at home. But on Wednesday, I can finally walk around again—and only with a slight hobble. It’s good timing, seeing as how Dad has found a way for me to get a temporary job working on the festival with Rosie Harper.
“Now listen,” Dad says as we slowly walk toward the Once Upon an Inn Rosie purchased. “I get the feeling Miss Harper doesn’t like asking for help, so make this more about you needing something rather than her.”
“Got it.”
“And just...do whatever you can. The festival is a well-oiled machine. We have supervisors over major categories—activities, entertainment, vendors—so I know things will work out. But with Rosie as the festival director, I have a feeling we aren’t anywhere near the finish line.
So put all your business know-how to work.
Then you’ll have all this experience before you even graduate. ”
I hope my smile looks more convincing than it feels. I still haven’t talked to Dad about dropping out.
When I told him about falling off the horse, he responded more calmly than I thought he would have, though he did go off on just a tiny rampage about how unsafe the stables were.
I asked him if he’d tried to shut them down like Archer had hinted.
“I don’t try to shut anything down, Jules,” he said. “But as mayor, it’s my duty to make sure our community is safe. If there is an unsafe space claiming to be family-friendly, I’m going to do something about it.”
I didn’t tell him I learned more about Archer’s past, though. I didn’t see the point. Just like Dad doesn’t see the point in telling me he’s dating someone.
“You’re bringing this up again?” he said when I mentioned Sharon. “I told you, I don’t need to date anyone. And right now, I frankly don’t have the time.”
I’m going to let it go for now and do some sleuthing on my own. If he won’t tell me the truth, I’m sure I can get to the bottom of things myself.
“Jules?” Dad says, breaking through my thoughts as we reach the inn right next to Town Hall. “You sure you’re okay with this?”
“Absolutely. Don’t worry about Rosie or the festival. I’ll work that Monroe Magic and get it done.”
“Thank you, honey. What would I do without you?”
Date someone in secret, probably. Oh, wait. He’s already doing that.
I give him a quick hug, then walk into the inn.
I’m greeted instantly by dark wood, warm lighting, and the smell of freshly cut flowers.
A wooden staircase leads to the second floor, while the check-in area stands directly at my right—a wooden desk with a light countertop that holds a bell and bouquets of flowers.
Rosie comes out of the side room, her blonde hair pulled into a messy bun that looks more messy than bun-y, as she chews on the end of a pencil.
“Juliet,” she greets. “Your dad told me you were gonna stop by.”
“Hey, Rosie. The inn’s looking great.”
“Thanks. Just don’t go upstairs,” Rosie says with a laugh. “It’s been a huge undertaking. Much bigger than I thought it’d be.”
“I can’t even imagine. Is Dom able to help you much?”
Dominic Harper is Rosie’s twin and Autumn Ridge’s most skilled handyman. He’s helped Dad countless times with electrics and plumbing at our own house and even Dad’s office at Town Hall.
“He helps when he can.” She folds her arms and leans against the counter, motioning toward me. “So your dad tells me you’re taking a break from BU for a bit?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Big city life,” she says, shaking her head. “It wasn’t for me.”
I lower my voice as if Dad can hear me, even though he’s probably reached Town Hall by now. “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be, is it? I really prefer Autumn Ridge.”
“Same. Hence why I’m back here running the inn. Anyway, your dad mentioned you had something to ask me about in his phone call this morning?”
I straighten, leaning into that Monroe Magic I’d promised Dad. “Yeah, that’s right. I’m actually hoping I might be able to help you with the festival.”
Instantly, Rosie’s brows lift in surprise. “Oh, well, I signed up to lead the whole thing...”
“Oh, I know,” I say, pulling back with an impressed shake of my head. “My dad says you’re doing a great job. He has zero concerns that the festival will go off without a hitch. He’s even saying this is going to be the best Fall Festival Autumn Ridge has seen in years.”
She blinks, a panic setting into her expression, so I continue.
“But...” I lean in, looking over my shoulder as if we might be overheard, though we’re alone in the still vacated inn. “Can I be honest with you?”
“Of course.”
“My dad’s kinda driving me crazy. He keeps asking me what I’m doing with my life, how I’m gonna spend my break, if I’m gonna get a job during it. Blah, blah, blah.” I trail off, rolling my eyes. “I love him, but sometimes, a girl needs a break, you know?”
Rosie’s features soften. “Parents. They’re suffocating sometimes.”
“Right?” We share a knowing look before I launch into my next tactic.
“Anyway, I’m not looking for a permanent job or anything.
That’s why I thought of the Fall Festival.
It would be the perfect thing to satisfy my dad, and it would keep me occupied over a few weeks while I try to figure out what I want to do next. ”
Rosie nods, her expression turning thoughtful—the crack I need to finally wedge myself into the door. I love her determination to see the festival completed on her own, but no person alive could run something like this without help.
“So,” I say, pressing my hands flat together in a gesture of prayer, “what do you say?”
Rosie peers down at a stack of papers on the counter and chews the inside of her lip. “I guess I could find a couple things for you to do.”
Mission accomplished. “Excellent. Give me whatever your top priority is. I’ll see it gets done.”
She hesitates again, then extends the handwritten list to me. “If you see anything that sounds fun, I guess you’re welcome to do it.”
I accept the papers. “I’m sure all of it’s gonna sound more appealing than being harangued at home.”
But as I skim through the six pages, I’m no longer that confident. There are at least a hundred to-dos left in the week and a half before the festival.
Confirm street closure permits, check up with the daily refresh team for weather damage, create a load-in schedule, add visible trash cans and sanitation points.
It’s going to take a miracle to pull this off.
“The ones with stars next to them are the top priority,” Rosie continues, unnecessarily pointing them out.
There are more starred on her list than not, as many of the ones without stars have been crossed out and accomplished already.
Tension slips up my neck. “Mind if I take a photo of these so I can have a copy for myself?”
“Go for it.”
I’m already making my own mental list of the items, categorizing them into what needs to get done first as I snap quick photos.
“Anything on there you might wanna do?” she asks.
“Absolutely. I can’t wait to get started.
” I hand her back the pages and wiggle my phone.
“I’ll text you when I finish each item, yeah?
” She nods, and I lean forward. “Also, for the record, we all can’t wait to see what you do with the festival and inn.
I know I speak for half the town when I say we have full confidence in your abilities. ”
She scoffs. “I wouldn’t say half the town...”
Her eyes trail toward footsteps descending the stairs, and we focus on a bearded man coming into view with a t-shirt and jeans covered in paint.
He gives Rosie a lingering glance before walking toward me with an outstretched hand. “Morning. You’re the mayor’s daughter, right?”
“I am.” I take his hand and glance at Rosie, who’s giving the man a once-over with approving eyes. “Sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“Never officially. I’m Dean Alden.”
My brows raise. “Ah, you’re the one who’s inherited the apple orchard.”
“News travels fast.”
“With a dad for a mayor, it does. So are you here to revive the orchard or just to see it sold again?”
“Time will tell.”
“Well, good luck with whatever you choose to do.”
He gives me an appreciative nod, then sends another glance in Rosie’s direction. “I’ll be right back, Rosie. Just gotta get some more trim for the baseboards.”
“Gotcha,” she says with an eager smile. “I’ll be here when you get back.”
Their eyes linger a minute longer, but when they catch me staring, their gazes drop, and Dean leaves.
“Sorry, the list,” Rosie mumbles once we’re alone. “Any idea what you’ll do first?”
I stare down at my phone and flip through the photos. “A couple. I’ll keep you updated.”
“Great. As for payment...”
I shake my head. “Oh, please. I know this is voluntary. The payment I receive will be getting out from beneath my dad’s watchful eye.”
I hope Rosie will feel a bit of relief with my help, though I have a feeling she’ll be just as busy still—especially now she has to add clean towels to the mix.
We exchange numbers, then I leave the inn, still mulling over the list.
Create a printable schedule for the event.
Alert vendors of when to set up their booths.
Decide when vendors should set up their booths.
Coordinate pumpkin pick-up from Bugelbach’s opening day.
Check with each crafter that their tables and times are ready.
My phone buzzes in my hands, and a text slides down from the top screen.
Unknown Number
Is this Juliet?
Juliet
Yep! Rosie?
Unknown Number
Nope. Sorry to disappoint.
I tip my head to the side.
Juliet
Who is this, then?
Unknown Number
I’ll give you twenty guesses.
My heart stamps a harsh beat against my chest.
Archer.