“It’s bad because I don’t think he really means any of it. He’s back in town, dealing with his dad’s death and his new daughter, and he’s got all this nostalgia going about what used to be. It’s making him say and do things he never would, otherwise. And it’s scary because . . .” I pressed my lips together. “I might start to believe in him again.”
“Oh, angel.” Alex pulled me into his arms. “When did you stop believing that good things can work out for you?”
I sniffled against his chest. “Probably around the time I found out I was pregnant, and the guy I was crazy in love with was gone for good. You remember those days, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I do. I know what it was like for you then. But you’re not the same person you were nine years ago, sweetie pie. Did you ever stop and think maybe Flynn isn’t, either? You might give him a chance and find out.”
“I’m not sure I can. What if I can’t handle it when he leaves again?”
“Let’s take it one bungee jump at a time, okay? Who says he’s leaving? And even if he did, who says you don’t have more options now than you did back then?”
I pushed away from Alex and wiped at my face. “I don’t see any new ones. Feels pretty much the same.” I sucked in a deep breath. “So I hear you’re going out with Flynn tonight. Did you get tired of boring old me?”
“Not at all.” He flicked my nose. “Flynn’s been texting with me the last few weeks. I got the feeling he was a little lonely, feeling a little at loose ends. So when I found out I was going to be passing through, I suggested a boys’ night out. It just happened to work.” He slanted a look at me. “Want to join us? The three musketeers ride again?”
“Thanks, but no. I’m not looking to be a third wheel.”
Alex frowned. “You wouldn’t be. We never—”
“Excuse me.”
I turned, surprised by the soft voice behind me. The girl who stood twisting her hands together had almost white-blonde hair and huge blue eyes. She was petite; her head barely reached my shoulder, and I wasn’t tall by anyone’s standard. She bit her lip as she glanced from Alex to me.
“Can I help you?” I softened the words with a smile.
“I’m sorry to interrupt. The girl over there told me to talk to you.” She licked her lips. “I’m Rilla Grant. I live a couple miles down the road from here.”
“Grant?” Alex nodded. “Is your dad Emmett Grant? I think I’ve met him.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Alex Nelson. My mom and dad farm next door.”
“Nice to meet you.” Rilla seemed flustered by Alex’s hand. Her face turned red, and I noticed that her fingers shook a little as she clasped it.
“I’m Ali Reynolds. Stand owner and person in charge. Are you looking for something specific?” I was curious; at first glance, I wouldn’t have thought she was even as old as Cassie, but once I saw her eyes, I realized she was probably closer to Meghan’s age.
She took a deep breath. “I’m starting up a business. I just got my degree in advertising and public relations, and I’d like to begin raising the visibility of the commerce in this area. Mostly what I’d do is online, social media type of promotion, at first at least, but I hope to eventually expand to print and broadcast.” She finished what was obviously a well-rehearsed speech and met my gaze with what appeared to be a great deal of effort.
“And you think you could do something for us? The stand, I mean?” Sam and I’d never really done any kind of advertising other than word of mouth. There were a few old wooden signs in either direction of the highway, but beyond that, we’d relied on the power of the passing motorist.
“I’d like to try.” Rilla smiled, and I was struck by how pretty she was. It was odd; I couldn’t remember ever seeing her before. If she lived nearby, I was pretty sure I’d have known her at least by sight. Burton wasn’t so large a town that I couldn’t identify the entire population, even if I couldn’t name them all.
“Do you have a card? Or some information? My brother and I own the farm and the stand together. I couldn’t make any decision without running it by him.”
Alex pushed away from the table he’d been leaning against. “Not that this high-level business talk isn’t fascinating, but I’m going to head home, check in with the parentals and get ready for big fun tonight.” He glanced at me, one brow raised. “You sure you don’t want to come with?”
Oh, hell yeah, I did.But I shook my head. “Another time, Alex. But thanks.”
He grimaced. “Whatever. I’m not going to beg you. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me. Nice to meet you, Rilla.” He kissed my cheek, waved to Cassie and headed to his car.
Rilla handed me a folder. “This has my contact information and some statistics for what I think I could do to help you. I’d appreciate it if you’d take a look, and if you like what you see, or if you have questions, give me a call.”
“I’ll definitely do that.” I smiled at her. “Are you working for anyone else in the area?”
She glanced away. “Um, actually, you’re the first person I’ve approached. I was hoping if I could start with a few clients, or even just one, I could start to get some referrals.”
“That’s smart. Especially in a small community like this.” I tapped the folder against my leg. “Let me talk to Sam, and I’ll get back to you next week. Does that work?”
Rilla smiled again, but this time it was genuine and brilliant. “Yes, that would be terrific. Fine, I mean. Thank you so, so much.” She turned to leave and then stopped, coming back and extending her hand. “Sorry. I almost forgot. Thank you for talking with me, and I hope we can work together in the future.”
More canned speech, but I couldn’t help liking this girl, as full of nerves and jitters as she was. I hoped her information was decent; Sam and I didn’t really have an advertising budget, but maybe it was time to rethink that.
