Welcome to Lover’s Lake
Thirty-Four
WELCOME TO LOVER’S LAKE
Liv
Rachel: I’m still reeling from our win over Joanie’s team last night.
Viv: I told ya I wouldn’t let you all down.
Me: Except Rachel came in clutch with The Nanny. I really think that might have won it for us.
Viv: K, but I carried the team.
Rachel: You did, babe, you definitely did. Liv told you that dress would work. ;)
Me: Never doubted you for a second.
“Morning!” Holly sings. “Our social media account is doing really well. We’re getting engagement and website clicks!
I’m so excited!” Holly is practically bouncing up and down as she shares the news.
Viv, Holly, and I sat together the other morning and got her accounts set up, planned her content calendar, and mapped out her intention behind each post. She brought great ideas and had tons of questions.
With how eager she was to learn and listen, I have a feeling these social media accounts are going to do really well.
“That’s great!” Her enthusiasm is contagious. “Keep at it and it’ll turn into bookings soon!”
“I really appreciate you answering my questions and, like, helping me figure out the vibe. You’ll keep helping me, right? Even after you leave?” Holly asks.
“Girl, don’t even worry. We’ve got your back. You call or text us anytime, you know that.” Viv throws her arm around Holly’s shoulders.
“Thank goodness.” Holly places her hand on her heart, dropping her shoulders in relief.
“Hey, can we rent some bikes?” I ask, looking outside at the bike rack that houses a few mint and cream-colored cruisers.
“Yeah, absolutely.” Holly extracts herself from Viv’s embrace and pulls the bike rental book out. We sign a waiver, and in a few minutes we’re on our way out the door, reaching for the bike lock and releasing two bikes.
Viv’s phone pings with a text as she places her clutch in the bike basket.
“It’s Josh. They want to know if we want to take a boat ride and then have dinner at Luke’s place tonight.” She looks up at me, fingers waiting expectantly to type out a response.
My mind drifts back to last night, the hallway, the way his hands felt. Will that happen again tonight? Maybe more?
“Okay, you’re taking too long. I’m gonna say yes.” Viv’s fingers fly across the screen.
Butterflies erupt in my stomach. My skin prickles with anticipation, excitement, and an undercurrent of nerves.
“Ugh, I love this for you,” Viv says, with a note of wistfulness in her tone as she drops her phone into the bike basket.
“Love what?” I ask, not sure what she’s referring to.
“Not only is Luke a hottie, but he’s a nice guy, and you deserve that. Your ex was an ass. He didn’t deserve you, but Luke—he’s a good guy.”
“It’s just a little fling, Viv. It sounds like you’re ready to plan our wedding,” I joke.
“Yea I know, but I’m just glad you’re seeing that there are guys out there who like you for you, not for who you think you need to be.”
Josh organizes a group chat while Viv and I ride our bikes around town and along the bike paths bordering the lake.
When we stop for a quick picnic off to the side of the bike path, I notice a small sign that says “Welcome to Lover’s Lake.
” A brief paragraph underneath describes the lake as one of the most romantic in the region, featuring beautiful woods, hidden paths, and secret coves.
Apparently, more weddings have taken place on the shores of this lake than on most in the area, and the lore is that the lake unites lovers—a place where destined souls meet.
The sign and its contents run on a constant loop through my mind during the bike ride back to the house. Pop and Gram seemed like destined souls. Could I ever have that kind of love?
No. If someone wanted me for me, wouldn’t Mom have stayed, or at least come back for me? Wouldn’t my ex have remained faithful? If that’s not enough of an answer, then I don’t know what is.
We lock our bikes back up to the rack when Luke’s text lights up our phones—a reminder to bring a change of clothes in case we decide to go swimming.
The thought of Luke in a bathing suit, showing off all the sculpted muscles my hands only curiously roamed but my eyes have had little chance to explore, sends my mind reeling.
Momentary insecurity attempts to rear its ugly head, telling me that I won’t measure up.
It threatens to consume me until memories of our last few encounters, whispered words, and murmured promises surge forward.
No. I know he wants me as badly as I want him. Now I just need to figure out how to get him alone so we can finish what we started.