Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
ADELE
Hamsters & pottery
Seated at a table, I finished off my sandwich, which was surprisingly tasty. The waiter came by to check on me.
“This was delicious,” I commented.
“Glad you enjoyed it.”
“Am I allowed to just check out the gallery while I’m here?” Though I’d been here with Cole and Asher, I hadn’t had time to peruse the gallery then.
“Oh, of course,” he said, gesturing toward the art gallery through an arched entry from the small café. “Go ahead.”
“Thank you. I’ll take care of the check whenever it’s ready.”
He promptly placed the check on the table, and I paid, making sure to leave a good tip. I’d done my share of waiting tables in college. After that, I looped my purse over my shoulder and meandered through the gallery.
I was studying a display of pottery that looked like it had watercolor paintings brushed over it—actual scenery on ceramic. It was beautiful. A woman, who looked like she might work here, stopped nearby.
“Do let me know if you have any questions or need anything,” she offered.
“This is just beautiful,” I breathed.
Her face lit up with a bright smile. “Thank you.”
“Oh, is this yours?” She nodded, her blonde hair swinging around her shoulders. “It’s gorgeous.”
“I’m Jasmine,” she said. “Jasmine Ward.”
“Adele. Adele Jacks,” I replied. We actually shook hands. It felt formal.
“What brings you to Willow Brook?” she asked.
“Well…” I paused. “I guess I have a job. But originally, I came because I’m planning to hike in Katmai. This is a good starting point to fly over from, and I’d never been to this area.”
“Are you originally from Alaska or from out of state?”
“Alaska born and bred. I grew up outside the Fairbanks area.” I paused again, considering my thoughts.
There was just something easy about her, so I ended up telling her more than I expected.
“I’ve always wanted to hike in every park in Alaska, and there are plenty.
Since I’m from the northern part of the state, I’ve already done the Arctic and what’s up there, so now I’m down here. ”
“Oh, I love that! So where are you working?”
“Um, Heartfire Falls. Maggie offered me a job helping to lead hikes and a place to stay.”
“The Silvers are a good family, and those Silver boys…” She waggled her brows.
My cheeks heated instantly.
“I’m happily married, but I have eyes,” she teased.
Just then, someone opened a side door and a gust of wind blew through the gallery. Jasmine cleared her throat a few times before slipping an asthma inhaler from her pocket. A moment later, she gave me an apologetic smile. “Asthma. Mine’s pretty bad.”
“Oh, I understand,” I said. “I don’t have asthma, but I have a heart condition, so I’m used to dealing with health stuff.”
“Oh—are you okay?” Her brow crinkled with her concerned gaze.
“Oh, yes,” I replied quickly, my thoughts skipping back to my last appointment. “All good. I had surgery when I was little. So it’s just part of my life.”
“Is that something you have to monitor while you’re on hikes? Asthma may not seem like a big deal, but I’d have to be careful if I did anything long-distance.”
“I have to be aware, just like anyone would. But I never hike alone for any longer trips.”
“Makes sense.” She paused as someone came walking in from the restaurant. “Lucy!” she called.
“Hey, hey,” the woman I presumed to be Lucy returned.
I followed Jasmine’s gaze to see a petite woman striding through the gallery. She wore denim overalls and looked effortlessly tomboyish. She came right over to Jasmine’s side.
“How’s the hamster?” Jasmine asked, without preamble.
I blinked at that.
Lucy rolled her eyes with affection. “Buttons is fine.”
Jasmine turned to me, gesturing between us.
“This is Adele Jacks. She’s taking a job out at Heartfire Falls to help lead hikes.
” Lucy looked over at me and smiled. “This is my sister-in-law,” Jasmine explained.
“Before she married my brother, he was the bane of my existence, but she’s turned him into the best version of himself, and they have a pet hamster. ”
I couldn’t help the laugh that slipped out.
Lucy smiled sheepishly. “Levi loves hamsters. Anyway, nice to meet you, and welcome to Willow Brook.”
“If you ever need a house built,” Jasmine added, “Lucy and Amelia are your crew. They run the best construction business in town.”
“I wouldn’t say that—” Lucy began.
“It’s the best,” Jasmine cut in. “Don’t downplay it. Anyway, what brings you here today?”
“I was just reminding you we have card night tomorrow. My place,” Lucy said.
“Is Levi going to be there?”
“Of course not. I guess they’re doing some kind of guys’ babysitting night or whatever.”
“A dads’ night,” Jasmine said, nodding. “Oh, okay. Well, I’ll be there.”
Lucy turned to me. “You should come.”
“I should?” I glanced between them, a little startled at the invitation.
“Yes,” Jasmine said firmly. “It’s a great way to meet people. You’re new to town. You need some friends.”
“Okay… Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”
“It’s always a mix-and-match night. Please come. Are you even moved in yet?” Jasmine pressed.
“I’m moving out to Heartfire Falls tomorrow.”
“Well, move in and then come. If you need a ride, you can ask Elsa, Chloe, or even Kendall. They all sometimes come,” Jasmine explained. “I’ll text them with a reminder.”
Lucy’s phone chirped, and she glanced at it. “Gotta roll,” she said, waving. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She slipped away just as a few customers wandered into the gallery.
Jasmine turned back to me, giving me a quick hug. “Welcome to Willow Brook. I expect to see you tomorrow.” She pulled her phone from her pocket. “In fact, give me your number.”
Before I knew it, I was exchanging numbers with—apparently—a brand-new friend.
Friends were something that made me a little nervous. Not because I didn’t want them, but because, growing up, I’d been so frequently in and out of the hospital. It felt like trying to build connections with a skipping record. Start. Stop. Start again.
There were times I’d spent weeks in the hospital while life carried on for everyone else. I’d come back to school, to friends who’d already moved on and made new memories without me. Maybe, just maybe, if I was actually going to stay here for a little bit, I could try again.
Maybe I could actually make some friends.
As soon as that thought entered my mind, another followed—Rowan. Before I thought about it, I was texting her.
Me: Willow Brook is a really great town. You could commute if you wanted.
Rowan: Maybe. My job keeps me pretty busy, but it’s nice that you’re going to be closer. I promise I’ll come to see you soon.
Me: Pinky swear.
Rowan: Pinky swear. Love you!