So, that bank account never sat in the forefront of my mind.
And I never told Cory about it.
I had no idea I would rely on that money for an escape.
It became my safety net. And most recently, it enabled me to straight-out purchase a small house without worrying about a bank approving a mortgage for Juliet Adair, whose fake ID might not have held up to the scrutiny of a credit check.
And now, I want to buy more things.
Something about my time in Bear Valley made life seem shorter. Like I need to take advantage of the time I have.
So, I’m not emptying out my savings account completely, but I’m not going to let that money sit unused for another stretch of years.
I’ll dip into the fund to purchase things that bring me joy.
Like this polka-dot skirt and frilly blouse. I swish in the mirror, grinning at my new outfit. This getup has major let’s-sip-tea-and-gossip vibes.
At least, I hope that’s what Hester wants.
One of the best parts of working in a public library is getting to hear patrons whisper about small-town drama. And what better way to utilize that knowledge than forming bonds with my new neighbor? Even better if she can give me some hot tea of her own.
The sun is out, warming my skin as I stroll down the road to my neighbor’s house.
When I press the bell, I listen to the deep ring of it, loving the weight of the sound. This house feels heavy with history. Maybe Hester will give me a tour.
The door swings wide, silent on well-oiled hinges, and reveals Hester in a fitted linen jumpsuit that looks elegant and comfortable. The outfit sits beautifully on her tall, lithe form, and I wish I could emulate the style. But I’m at least six inches shorter and have more muscle and curves.
Rompers look adorable on me though, I remind myself.
The self-compliment comes easily, and I’m glad. I’ve gotten in the habit of finding good things to focus on whenever life gets dark. A silent battle against the way Cory used to belittle me.
“You received my invitation. Good.” With a regal sweep, Hester waves me into her home.
“I did. That paper you used was beautiful. I appreciate the effort.”
She hums an acknowledgment while leading me down a long hallway. Paintings of dark landscapes hang in gilded frames, andI wish I could take a moment to admire them. But I don’t want to overstep myself on visit number one.
Passing through a set of paned glass doors, Hester leads me out to a screened-in back porch. The view beyond shows a garden, then the same trees and peaks of mountains I can spy from my own backyard. There is an element of beautiful disarray to the garden that allows the space to blend seamlessly with the woods across the yard.
As the woman disappears back into her house, I settle on an intricately designed iron chair. Unfortunately, despite the furniture’s creative appearance, the maker didn’t seem to take comfort into account. Trying to find the best angle, I only stop squirming when Hester reappears with a silver tray.
“Oh!” I pop up. “Let me help you with that.”
I’m about to reach for the tray when Hester gives me a reproachful look. The meaning is clear.Sit your ass back down in that chair.
Without my help, Hester settles the spread between us, then pours tea into two delicate cups. The steam rising from the liquid is fragrant in a way my bags of Lipton could never be. I give in to the urge to pick up my cup and inhale the scent deeply.
“This is a settling tea.” Hester answers my question before I can ask it. “I blend the herbs myself.”
“Why a settling tea?”Do I look ill?“For my stomach?”
“Not for your stomach. For your body.” She arranges herself in the chair at my side before picking up her own cup. “My assumption is that you wish to become comfortable in Pine Falls. You purchased property despite having no true connections in this town. Did you not?”
“That’s … true.”
The question seems personal, but it’s not really. She’s only making an observation. Maybe it’s the way Hester regards me.Like I’m a book she’s reading and she hasn’t decided whether she likes the plot yet.
When I sip the tea, I hope to feel that elusive sense of being settled. Or maybe even more comfortable in the unforgiving chair.
