The little girl is clearly Nora and she’s hamming it up for the camera. She struts around in her bird costume, performing nearly flawless line dance moves as “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn blasts in the background.
Present Day Nora loses herself in a fit of giggles and I fight for air, choking on my own laughter. She didn’t lie. It’s entertaining. Totally exceeding my expectations as promised. It doesn’t help that Goldie is coaching her behind the camera on how to make her moves better. When Sandy shows up toward the end, she sighs, rolls her eyes and shakes her head, unable to suppress a laugh of her own.
“Am I the best dancer ever, Grandma?” Little Nora asks, cheesing at the camera.
“The best ever, sweetheart.”
The girl beaming at the camera matches the one grinning back beside me. Before I can stop myself, I reach over and touch her arm, rubbing my thumb over her flesh in an affectionate move. Her lips part and eyebrows lift as her cheeks turn dark pink.
Electric currents seem to pulse through our physical connection. This jolts me back to reality. I jerk my hand back as a mixture of confusion and embarrassment burn hot through me.
“Sorry,” I mutter, voice tight and weird.
But I don’t think I am. Not even a little bit.
Fuuudge.
Chapter 17
Nora
Finally.
After a hefty deposit, a very meticulous postal worker, and an hour later, I finally have the utilities turned back on. Well, not technically. The various utilities will be sending people out to turn them on, but it’s in the works. Within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, it’s likely I’ll have AC again.
Since it’s already a thousand degrees outside and not even nine in the morning, I’m grateful that Elias let me borrow his truck to take care of business. His dad dropped by to take some measurements, so it was the perfect opportunity to slip away for a couple of hours.
I’m about to climb back into his truck when I get a whiff of what smells distinctly like cinnamon rolls. I’ve already had a hearty breakfast thanks to Elias, but after all the adulting I just did, I think I deserve a sweet treat. With a smile on my lips, I hurry across Wing Whirr Way over to Baked & Brewed. A couple is leaving as I approach and the man holds the door open for me.
What is it about Budgie Bay and the men holding open doors?
My own boyfriend doesn’t do that. He’s a New Yorker, so that’s likely the reason, but still. It’s kind of nice.
Once inside, the scent of delicious desserts and strong coffee meets my nose. I grin as I take in the adorable coffee shop. It has all the bustle and chaos like my favorite place back home but looks more like a charming cottage rather than a bland prison.
It kind of reminds me of the inn next door. Cheery yellow floral wallpaper lines the walls. Hand-painted budgie scenes in Victorian gold frames are scattered about. Cute, mismatched sconces and light fixtures give the place a homey, warm feel. There are plenty of regular tables but there are also cozy areas as well. Each piece of furniture is unique and clearly chosen at random. Somehow, though, it adds to the cottagecore vibes this place has going on.
I love it.
My shop in the city has gray walls, gray floors, gray tables, and an odd blue paint-splattered canvas over one wall. That’s it. No plants, no color, no fun.
Because I have to share this place with someone, I take a selfie, making sure to get as much in the picture as possible, and send it to Kayla. Her response is immediate.
Kayla: Tell me why I have a stupid deadline when I could be living my best life with my best friend in the best little Hallmark town ever.
Me: It’s pretty amazing. No lie. Get your butt here when you’re done and we’ll celebrate.
Kayla: Does this mean you’ll be there for a bit?
Me: I’m giving myself a month to button everything up. My enemy roommate is helping me. We’re not enemies anymore.
Kayla: I knew it. You’re gonna marry him.
Me: Ha. I have to break up with Denver first.
Kayla: ARE YOU BEING SO FOR REAL RIGHT NOW?
Me: I don’t know.
