Lucy:Love you too.
I slipped my phone in my back pocket, stretched, and headed toward the cottage, eager to explore.
Stepping onto the front porch, the boards creaked under my feet as I reached for the not-so-hidden key my landlord had placed under the doormat.
I popped the door open and stepped inside, surveying the wood-paneled front room, complete with a brick fireplace, and small kitchen to the right.Though the peach refrigerator made it look as if I’d wandered into the 1950s, the place had a certain charm.
Plus, I was somewhat prepared since my cousin Daphne had done a walkthrough the week before and warned me that wood had vomited all over the walls and every available surface.
I had to admit, I’d thought she was being dramatic.
A quick walk down the short hall led to a bedroom paneled from floor to ceiling in wood, outfitted with a brass bed, and decorated with framed paintings of ducks throughout the room.
I was sure there was some sort of story there.I was also sure those paintings would be coming down immediately.Though I was grateful the place had come partially furnished, having very little furniture myself, I drew the line at mallards watching me sleep.
The bathroom had survived the wood-panel explosion and instead had floral wallpaper that complimented the peach tub and sink quite nicely, if you were into that sort of thing.
I made my way back out to my SUV, which was packed to the gills with all of my belongings—or at least the ones that mattered.I’d left many of my possessions behind, along with Josh and my former life.
It took me about ten trips to get everything inside the cottage, and by then I was exhausted and starving.
I hadn’t been sure if I’d make it over to the restaurant on my first night, but it was either that or hit the grocery store, and the latter was far less appealing.
Despite my exhaustion, after a quick rinse and a clean change of clothes, I decided to walk the short distance rather than get back into the car.
The evening was warm with a gentle breeze as I took in the bungalow and ranch-style homes that lined the street.I knew from previous visits that just outside of town, sprawling ranches and large properties awaited.Green River hosted a beautiful countryside that had called to me since childhood.I looked forward to experiencing it with fresh eyes.
I hit Main Street in no time, a quaint strip lined with boutiques, a coffee shop, and its evident main attraction—Goodie’s.I could hear the chatter and music from down the block.I’d known that business was good, but judging by the scene that welcomed me when I stepped inside, I’d underestimated just how good.
The large space was packed to the brim, country music playing over the speakers as customers stood elbow to elbow at the circular bar.I glanced past the bar to the restaurant area where every table I could see was full.
And it was a Tuesday.I couldn’t imagine what this place was like on a Friday night.
“Lulu!”I spotted my aunt as she appeared from the kitchen.
She looked older than the last time I’d seen her, her dark hair woven with gray and a tinge of sadness in her eyes, marked by the loss of my uncle.But she was a beautiful woman, and that smile, when turned on you like it was on me now, had a way of making your day brighter.
“Hi, Goodie.”I grinned as she wrapped me in a tight hug.
“Goddamn girl, but you are gorgeous,” she marveled, pulling back to get a look at me.“You must be exhausted and starving.Let me find you a seat at the bar.”
“Oh, don’t go to any trou—” I tried to interject, but she was already shooing a large man off a barstool.
“Make room for my niece, Ed,” she clucked without ire, and judging by the man’s grin, he was used to her antics.“Isn’t she gorgeous?”she added, making me blush.“Drove all the way from Washington, DC, can you believe it?”She seemed to be telling the room at large.“I’ll get you a menu, but in the meantime, bet you could use a cocktail after that drive, am I right?”she asked with a raised brow.
“I so could,” I agreed, taking the seat that poor Ed had relinquished.
A moment later, a delicious-looking drink on ice was being slid in my direction.
“I’m sorry, love, but we’re slammed tonight, so I’m a little crazed.But know that I’m so happy you’re here.Beyond happy.”Aunt Goode squeezed my hand briefly.“Take a look at the menu.If I can’t take your order, grab one of the bartenders.They’ll help you out.And we can catch up tomorrow when I’m not running around like a chicken with her head cut off.”She made a goofy face I remembered from my childhood.
I grinned.“Don’t worry, I’m all good,” I assured her.“Do your thing.I’ll eat and go home and crash.I’m whooped.”
“I bet.”She nodded and, with a tap on the bar, strode off to wherever she was being pulled next.
I took a sip of my drink, unsurprised to find it delicious, and scanned the crowded bar, eager to people watch as always.
When my gaze landed on the man across the bar, my stomach pitched and a gasp escaped me as I was all but ensnared in his gaze.
