“Leigh!”
I looked up to find Blake standing outside the art gallery, her pink hair catching the light, a wide smile on her face as she waved at me.
“I was hoping I’d see you around town!” She walked toward me, her energy bright and welcoming. “Getting some good shots?”
“Yeah.” I stood, slinging my camera strap over my shoulder. “Just exploring. Getting a feel for the place.”
“It’s a good town for it. Lots of character if you know where to look.” She studied me for a moment, her artist’s eye assessing. “Have you eaten? Delaney and I were about to grab lunch. If I’m not disturbing anything,” she added pointing at the phone still in my hand.
I hesitated. Part of me wanted to keep hiding behind my camera, to stay in the safe space where I didn’t have to think or feel or process.
But another part of me, the part that had watched these women welcome me on Sunday like I wasn’t a stranger, wanted to say yes.
“No, not at all. Just catching up with my cousin back home.”
I quickly fired off a last text to Wren and her response came through immediately.
Leigh:I’ve got to go, but I’ll call you later tonight, okay?
Wren:Go ride that small town hunk!
I laughed and shook my head at her. Wren was definitely the devil on my shoulder when I needed one. Instead of going with her suggestion I shoved my phone in my pocket and turned back to Blake.
“If you’re sure you don’t mind me joining you guys.”
“Of course not! This way we can gossip about the boys,” Blake said, linking her arm through mine before I could overthink it. “Plus, the café has the best sandwiches in town. Margie makes this turkey club that’s basically life-changing.”
I let Blake lead me down the street, toward a small café with cheerful yellow awnings and outdoor seating.
Delaney was already there, sitting at a corner booth inside, and her face lit up when she saw us.
“You found her!” She stood to hug me, and I was still getting used to how physical this family was. How easily they touched, how naturally they offered affection. “I’m so glad you could join us.”
“Blake didn’t really give me a choice,” I said, but I was smiling.
“That’s Blake’s superpower,” Delaney said. “Benevolent kidnapping.”
We settled into the booth, me on one side, them on the other, and for a moment I felt like I was being set up. Like this was an ambush disguised as lunch.
But then Blake started talking about a new artist she was featuring at the gallery, and Delaney chimed in with questions, and the conversation flowed so naturally that I started to relax.
A server came by. A friendly woman in her fifties who clearly knew both Blake and Delaney well.
“The usual?” she asked them.
“Please, Nancy,” Delaney said. “And whatever Leigh wants.”
I ordered the turkey club Blake had mentioned, and Nancy bustled off with promises that it would change my life.
“So,” Delaney said, turning her attention to me. “How are you settling in? Is Jasper’s house comfortable?”
“It’s great. Really.” I picked at the edge of my napkin. “Everyone’s been so welcoming. It’s kind of overwhelming, actually.”
“Good overwhelming or bad overwhelming?” Blake asked.
“Both?” I laughed a little. “I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, you know? Like everyone’s being nice now, but eventually they’ll realize I’m this complication they didn’t ask for.”
“You’re not a complication,” Delaney said firmly. “You’re family. There’s a difference.”
