If Hal sensed any awkwardness, he didn’t show it. He was acting like this was normal, like I showed up every other weekend.
I also couldn’t remember the last time someone in my family called me Gabe. Liam called me Gabe all the time, but at work and to my parents, I was Gabriel. It sounded more professional, according to my father.
“This”—I cleared my throat—“this is all I brought. Just the one bag. Figured I wouldn’t need much. I don’t mind bringing it up.” I extended my hand to take my bag back, but Hal waved me off.
“Well, it’ll do for now. Come on. Let’s get you inside.” He gestured, leading me toward the front door. “Careful coming up these steps here.” He waved his hand as we walked. “They get slippery after a snowfall, and we should get a good dusting of snow by the end of the month.”
“That’s…good to know,” I said slowly, although I didn’t think it would really matter for me. I’d be gone by then.
Hal pushed open the front door, leading me into his home. Wood paneling lined the walls, making the home feel like a rustic cabin. White curtains and wood molding lined the windows. There were photos everywhere, but not in a cluttered way. It was a house that actually felt like a home. My brows furrowed when my eyes caught on a series of frames with photos from my childhood and various events throughout the years, including my high school and college graduations that I didn’t realize my grandparents had been at.
“Might be your first time visiting, but you’d be surprised at how many of your photos are around here.” Hal set my bag down and slipped off his coat and shoes.
I unlaced my shoes and toed them off before stepping onto the plush, beige carpet as I took in his words. I cleared my throat before speaking. “Uh, thank you for letting me stay here. I—I really appreciate it…” My words trailed off. I was unsure what I should call him. Hal? Grandpa? Something that should be simple…wasn’t.
The corner of Hal’s mouth lifted into an amused smile, as if he’d read my mind. “Call me whatever you want. Hal is fine. It is my name, isn’t it?” Hal waited a beat, watching me curiously before walking farther into the house. “Got a bedroom for you right here, and there’s a bathroom that connects to it. My room is down the hall. Then we have the kitchen.” Hal waved his hand in the direction. “You’re a smart guy. You’ll figure it out. Plus, it’s not a big house. Doubt you’ll get lost.”
I peeked my head into the room, which was simple but had everything I might need: bed, nightstand, lamp, dresser, and desk. “Works for me.” I dropped my bag at the foot of the bed, turning back to Hal. Our meeting was tomorrow in the late afternoon, and I was itching to find out more about why he’d invited me here. What was it about this building that got him thinking to include me? “About the meeting, the building?—”
“—is something you’ll find out about tomorrow,” Hal finished for me. “Lily’s been asking about it, too, but I haven’t told her anything, either. Don’t you worry. It’ll start to make sense when we meet at the hardware store. Take some time getting settled since you’re likely tired from the drive. Make yourself at home. You’ll be here for a while.”
My brows furrowed. “A while?”
Hal had that amused, cryptic smile again but no response. He simply turned around. “I have a meeting in town this afternoon but wanted to be in to greet you. I’ll be back in a few hours. Holler if you need anything.”
I parted my lips to speak, but nothing came out. What just happened? And what was going on? “Uh, okay, sounds good,” I said under my breath. I stood dumbfounded for a moment before letting out a sigh and gently closing the door to the bedroom.
I wasn’t sure what Hal meant byyou’ll be here a while, other than the obvious. But I couldn’t see that being the case. There had to be more to it.
I took a few minutes to unpack, mainly taking my dress shirts out and hanging them in the closet. I wasn’t kidding when I said I packed light. I had enough for a weekend trip and that was it. If I really was going to be here for longer than that, I’d have to go back to Milwaukee for more stuff and ask Liam to watch Beans for longer.
“Already off to a strange start,” I muttered, sitting at the desk and pulling out my laptop. Conveniently, I spotted a yellow sticky note Hal left with what appeared to be the internet network and password.
There was one piece of this puzzle that particularly stood out to me. Lily had been asking questions, too. Did she have plans of her own for the building? That seemed likely. I still hadn’t gotten a chance to look up Lily and her café, but now felt like a good time to do that. For research purposes, of course.
Once my laptop turned on and I connected to the internet, I pulled up the search engine and typed inLily Richards Golden Falls. I scanned the first page of results, which included a couple of news articles from theGolden Falls Gazetteabout Lily’s plans for the café and then one highlighting opening day. I clicked on the latter.
Purrfect Blend Cat Café opens in Golden Falls
Golden Falls local Lily Richards creates a cozy space for customers to enjoy coffee and pastries with cats while also boosting adoptions.
I didn’t get the chance to read the article after skimming the headline, because the photo captured my full attention.
A woman with long, wavy blonde hair stood behind the counter smiling. She had striking blue eyes and full lips with freckles dusting her cheeks and nose. Her smile was pure sunshine, lighting up her whole face. I ran my hand over my freshly-shaven jaw.Thiswas Lily Richards? She was…effortlessly radiant. There was a softness to her presence, yet a clear strength, too. Like she knew exactly who she was and what she wanted.
My jaw clenched, and I slammed my laptop shut, the sound bouncing off the walls. I quickly pulled my hand away as if the laptop—or the light emanating from Lily—had burned me.
It didn’t matter if Lily Richards was beautiful. This was just business.
5
GABRIEL
Sleepingin an unfamiliar place coupled with the looming meeting was enough to keep me from getting a good night’s sleep. By the time my alarm rang at six in the morning, I was already wide awake. I normally didn’t get much sleep to begin with—around five hours on a good day—but what I got wasn’t enough even for me.
Coffee. I needed coffee and fast.
I hopped in the shower and quickly got ready for the day, pulling on a pair of gray slacks with a belt and light-blue button up. I made my way into the kitchen, expecting to see Hal but instead being greeted by a note on the counter. Hal’s handwriting was messy, and it looked like some of the ink had smudged, but I was still able to make the writing out.
