Chapter 24 #2
“Not this year,” Lily said firmly, already pulling a pen from her purse and scribbling on the back of her program. “Let’s meet this week. Talk staging, promotion, maybe even a sneak peek performance downtown to build buzz. People need to know Willowbrook has this kind of talent.”
Ms. Darley looked genuinely charmed. “I’ll call you Monday. We’ll make a plan.”
Lily clutched the scribbled program like a contract, eyes shining. I couldn’t help the thought that crossed my mind then. When Lily Harper put her mind to something, the world didn’t stand much chance of saying no.
The crowd spilled out of Memorial Hall, still buzzing, programs waving, kids bouncing with leftover stage energy.
Maggie was already hollering about Scoops, and before I knew it, we were swept along with half the town, everyone crammed into the little ice cream shop that smelled like sugar and waffle cones.
Lily looked like she’d found her natural habitat—leaning over the counter, laughing with Rachel about the best flavors, insisting cookie dough reigned supreme while Maggie argued for mint chip.
She hugged Kayla again, fussed over Sarah’s hair, and even charmed old Mr. Bodin into offering her a bite of his hot fudge sundae.
“Crash course going alright?” Nate’s voice cut in at my side. He, Ben, and Matt had drifted over, cones in hand.
I kept my eyes on Lily as she made the kid behind the counter blush so hard he nearly dropped his spoon. “She survived fishing. Chickens too. Even swept out Walt’s barn without quitting.”
Matt chuckled. “Impressive. Never thought she’d make it past the chickens.”
“She’s tougher than she looks,” I admitted, still not looking away. She had her hands moving as she talked, animated, alive in a way that pulled everyone in her orbit closer.
“Uh-huh,” Ben said, taking a slow lick of his cone. “And you’re not watching her at all.”
That finally made me turn, giving him a flat look. “Knock it off.”
Nate smirked. “Relax. We’re just saying—it’s been a long time since we’ve seen you smile that much.”
“Or at all,” Matt added under his breath.
I shook my head, cutting them off with a low mutter. “There’s nothing to say. We work at the same place, we both want Summerfest to succeed… and then she’s leaving.”
But then Nate’s smirk eased, and he nudged my shoulder. “All kidding aside, man… It’s good to see you. Out. Laughing. Might as well have as much fun with her as you can before she leaves.”
“Yeah,” Matt added, softer this time. “You know we care about you. Just checking how you’re really doing?”
For a second, I didn’t have an answer. Their words hit harder than I expected, sliding past my guard before I could brush them off. Finally, I cleared my throat. “I’m fine. Doing okay.”
And the thing was—I meant it. Better than okay, maybe. I wasn’t about to unpack why, not here, not with them watching me like hawks. But when my gaze returned to Lily, still glowing under the soda-shop lights, I couldn’t help wondering if she had something to do with it.
By the time Lily finally tore herself away from Scoops, it felt like half the town had gotten a hug, a laugh, or a promise to “catch up soon.” She paused at every table, fussed over Kayla one last time, and made Rachel and Maggie swear they’ll get manicures next week.
When she finally fell into step beside me, Main Street had quieted, families drifting home and headlights winking away down Main Street.
She slipped her arm through mine, friendly as ever, still jabbering a mile a minute about the musical—the costumes, the songs, the way Ian had nailed Sandy’s bark.
I fumbled for my keys, taking longer than I should’ve, because all I could think about was how natural her arm felt in mine.
The drive back was easy, headlights cutting through the dark stretch of road. She hummed under her breath, some tune from the show, tapping her fingers against her knee like she couldn’t quite shake the energy of it. I didn’t say much, mostly because I didn’t trust myself to.
When we pulled into her drive, she twisted toward me, that same spark still in her eyes. “Today was… a lot. But in the best way.”
I nodded once, gripping the wheel, my pulse quickening. “Um… glad you think so.”
But all I could think about was how close she was, the warmth radiating from her, and the way her smile made my heart race. I swallowed hard, the urge to lean in, to close that gap and taste her lips, nearly overwhelming.
She lingered a second, like she might say more, then slipped out of the cab, giving me a little wave over her shoulder. I watched until her porch light flicked on and she disappeared inside, the faint sound of her laughter trailing behind.
I didn’t start the truck right away. Just sat there, staring at the porch. My thumb drifted to the groove in the steering wheel, worn smooth. “Well,” I said softly. “Today was something, Dad.” I huffed a laugh, shaking my head.
Silence settled, heavy and familiar, and I let myself keep talking.
“Today was… good, Dad. Better than I’ve felt in a long time.
The store, the bills, the weight of everything—it’s still there.
But for the first time in a while, I’m not just carrying it.
I’m seeing things I’d forgotten. Laughing again.
Watching her light up tonight—hell, it made me feel something I didn’t even know I’d lost.”
I took a deep breath, a weight lifting slightly off my shoulders. “I’ve been thinking a lot, and maybe it’s time to stop just being. Time to start living again.” I could almost hear him chuckling at my revelation.
Through the open window, I heard a faint thump of music kick on inside, then Lily stepped back out, kitten in her arms. She twirled once on the porch like she couldn’t keep the joy in, laughing at herself before giving me a wave.
I couldn’t help the low chuckle that slipped out. Stunned wasn’t a feeling I was used to. But watching Lily Harper dance with a kitten on her porch? That about did it.
Only then did I put the truck back in gear, the empty seat beside me a little too obvious, the image of her smile slow to fade.