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The cold was starting to seriously seep into his bones, and he had no choice but to go up and knock on the door. Ashlynn had simply walked right in, but he figured she knew the homeowners and he didn’t.
The tuxedoed person who opened the door smiled and welcomed him and pointed him in the direction of the bar and where most of the guests were. With a word of thanks, Reid immediately walked that way and thankfully spotted Leo.
“Hey! You made it!” They shook hands and his friend looked at him oddly. “Dude, you’re freezing. Didn’t you wear a coat?”
“Um…I did, but I temporarily lent it to Ashlynn Donovan and she took off with it.”
Leo frowned. “You lent your coat…?”
“Long story. I’m sure I’ll get it back later when it’s time to go.”
“Sorry I had to bail on you earlier. Avery’s father asked me to come early and help with a few things—which was a moot point because the caterers had everything under control. Honestly, I think he did it just to make sure I wouldn’t be late and upset his daughter.” He laughed before taking a sip of his champagne.
Reid had joined Leo and Avery for dinner the previous night and while he didn’t really know Avery well, it was obvious the two of them were head over heels in love and he seriously felt like a third wheel.
“How did it go at the fire station? Did you get to talk to anyone?”
The bartender handed Reid a beer and he thanked him before answering Leo. “I did. I spoke to their captain and told him how I used to live here and that I submitted my application. He seemed like a really nice guy—older, widower—and he gave me a tour of the station.”
“Isn’t it just a garage and like…two rooms?”
Reid chuckled. “Basically. It’s much smaller than where I am now, but he said they’re building a larger station because of the influx of homes and businesses, so…” He shrugged. “It all sounds promising and like it’s going to be happening really fast. Whoever this investor is who’s doing the resort, he’s making things happen and wants to be sure all bases are covered so the town and the resort have all the services and facilities they’ll need.”
“I heard it was some billionaire guy out of North Carolina,” Leo said. “Not that it matters. As long as it’s bringing business here to Sweetbriar, I’m thrilled. And you heard Avery last night, she’s hoping they’ll build a mall or at least bring in some of the bigger retail stores.”
“I don’t know. Part of what I always loved about this town was how small it was. I had moved around so much and lived in a lot of big cities, but this always felt more like home. I hope they don’t change things too much.”
“Change is good, my friend.” Then he glanced around the room and waved to someone. “Are you going to be okay to mingle? My mother is waving me over.”
“Go. This is your big night and I’ll be fine,” he assured him. But as soon as Leo walked away, Reid realized that he didn’t recognize anyone there.
Then he spotted Ashlynn standing by the fireplace talking to another woman who—if memory served—was actually her twin sister. They were fraternal twins, but there were enough similarities that you knew they were related.
“I really should apologize,” he quietly murmured to himself. “And find out where my coat is for later.” And with a steadying breath, he made his way across the room.
Her eyes narrowed when she spotted him, but Reid wasn’t going to be deterred.
When he stopped beside her, he politely smiled. “Ashlynn,” he said with a slight bow of his head, and then looked at the other woman. “Hi, I’m Reid Baylor.” Then he held out his hand to her.
She was pretty and obviously a little on the shy side because she blushed as she shook his hand. “Chloe Donovan. You and I had Spanish together in tenth grade.”
Recognition finally hit. “That’s right! Senora Ramirez!” he said with a small laugh. “She was tough.”
Chloe nodded in agreement, holding her glass of wine in both hands. “She really was. That was the first class I almost failed.”
“I barely squeaked by with a D. And the weird thing is I did really well with it in college. Go figure.”
“She wasn’t a great teacher.” Then she looked at her sister. “Remember how you transferred out of her class after the first week?”
Ashlynn shot Chloe an annoyed look. “Yes, I remember. And remember how disappointed mom was?”
“Oh. Right. Sorry.” Chloe gave them both an apologetic smile. “So, Reid, where do you live now?”
“I’m currently up in Roanoke, but I might be moving back here to Sweetbriar soon.”
“Really?”
“What?!” Ashlynn said with open hostility. “Why?”
