“Did this place exist when you were young?”Kelly inquires.
I try to remember.“No, the diner is a recent addition.It used to be the old post office.”
So much has changed here.It doesn’t feel like the Sweetgum Valley I once knew.But surprisingly, not everything here triggers memories of my past life like I’d thought it would.
Our drinks arrive just in time, preventing me from delving too deeply into my memories.If I let them surface, they will consume me and I won’t be able to push them back down again.The past is best left where it belongs, so I can focus on shaping my future.
I take a long sip of my coffee and let out a contented sigh as its warmth travels down my throat.This is some seriously good coffee.
“We have some emails to go through.”Kelly pulls out her iPad and we work as we nibble on buttery pastries.I’m on my second cup of coffee when I hear the door jingle and look up.
Chase strides confidently up to the counter and speaks quietly to the waitress.She responds with a smile, and her hand briefly touches his arm in a gesture that I find irritatingly intimate.As she turns to the coffee machine, Chase’s gaze follows her before turning toward me.
Our gazes meet and lock.My heart races as he continues to look at me, furrowing his strong brows.The stubble on his square jaw catches my attention, along with the way his Adam’s apple moves under the collar of his khaki jacket.
“That’s the guitar player from last night.”Kelly says it more like a statement that a question, and I turn and see the lustful gaze on my assistant’s face.“He’s cute.Do you know him?”
“I used to,” I say, placing my hand on my scarf and recognizing the familiar shape of my pendant under my fingers.Looking up at Chase through my lowered lashes, I hope he will avert his gaze, yet I also want to keep staring into those hypnotic blue eyes.
The waitress finishes preparing his takeaway coffee and hands it to him.He gives me one last glance before exiting the diner.
With him gone, the diner suddenly feels empty.Where does he live?What is he doing now?These questions have been plaguing me all night.Is he with someone?Is he happy?
After finishing my coffee, I turn to Kelly and ask, “What’s next on our agenda?”
A smile spreads across Kelly’s face.“Shopping time!”
* * *
A sizable amountof money has been forwarded for me to spend in the town, so Kelly and I take advantage by spending the next hour browsing the trendy women’s clothing store next to the diner.Max, as watchful as I’d expect, waits outside for us.I try on various new jeans and tops, adding them to our ever-growing pile of items we can’t leave without.The store’s unique blend of country and sparkling fashion has caught my eye and the attentive shop assistant helps me find sizes and make suggestions as I try on almost everything in sight.
“Wow, you should definitely wear that on Saturday,” Kelly exclaims as I stare at myself in the full-length mirror.The white dress has just enough diamantes to be showy but not tacky.The outfit is loose and easy to move in.
“I think it needs something.”I purse my lips and look around the shop.“That belt,” I point to a hanger.“The brown one.”
The assistant rushes to grab the accessory and hands it to me, its buckle a striking turquoise color.I fasten it around my waist and smooth out any wrinkles.Kelly gives a nod of approval.I gather my long hair off my back and let it cascade in soft curls over my shoulders..
“I can’t wait to see the show,” the assistant, who couldn’t be more than twenty-one, says.“I got my ticket just as soon as they went on sale.”
I smile at her.“Thank you.I appreciate your support.”
“You’re just so loved around here.We’re so proud to be the hometown of Bayleigh Gilmore.”
I return the smile, the weight of being an icon in this town on my shoulders.After changing back into my regular clothes Kelly pays for my purchases and we continue walking down the street.I can’t help but look into the windows of the shops, noticing how different their interiors appear compared to how they looked when I lived in this town.
I pause abruptly when I recognize the ornately carved chaise at the entry to a gallery.“This is that art gallery I saw from the car.Let’s go in there.”I open the glass door and step inside, Kelly obediently following.
The scents of wood and polish fill the shop, and I take a deep breath to savor them.My eyes wander around the room, taking in all the unique crafts and artwork on display.The walls are adorned with paintings and drawings, but it’s the wooden pieces that capture my attention.From tables and chairs to chessboards and cutlery, each one is proudly showcased.As I run my fingers over the back of a love seat, I am struck by the smoothness of the wood beneath my touch.
“Look at the craftsmanship,” I remark, admiring the intricate details of the design.A tree of life, its roots stretching out in every direction, has been artfully carved into the center of the seat.Suddenly, a thought crosses my mind: me sitting in this chair, humming a tune and jotting down lyrics in a notebook.But where did that come from?I haven’t written any music since I left.
“Can I help with anything?”a man’s voice asks from behind me and I gulp.No way.
“Oh, it’s you!Is this your store?”Kelly asks as I slowly spin around to see Chase standing behind the till.
He gives a small shake of his head and then turns to Kelly to clarify.“I have partial ownership in the gallery, along with all the other artists.We take turns managing it and working here.”
Kelly lets out a playful giggle.“Lucky us!Which pieces are yours?”
