He nods, turning his furry reddish face toward me. His dark eyes twinkle and he has a devastating smile. I can see why he caught Maggie’s attention. “That’s me.”
I reach out to shake his hand. “Juliet. I’m Maggie’s cousin.”
“Oh!” Somehow, his grin gets even bigger. He bypasses my hand and comes around the counter, pulling me into a hug. “Great to meet you. Welcome to Harmony Glen!”
“Uh, thanks,” I say, a bit taken aback by his exuberance. Maggie told me he was friendly and she wasn’t kidding. I freeze for half a second, then decide what the hell. I hug him back, intrigued by the strength in his furry frame. I never knew monsters could be so varied and interesting, though it makes sense. I need to research all the different species!
“Let me grab the keys and take you upstairs, show you the apartment.” He turns and calls out, “Miguel, cover the register for me? I’ll be back in a few.”
“You got it, boss!” comes the reply.
“Right this way,” Gabe says to me, leading me outside and around to the back of the building, where a staircase leads to the second story. “There’s a parking spot there if you need one,” he says, pointing it out as we ascend.
The one-bedroom apartment is small and tidy, with a single bedroom and bathroom, a living area, and a decently sizedkitchen, which is open to the living room. It smells like fresh paint and possibilities. As promised, it comes with furnishings, including a couch and easy chair, a bed and dresser, a TV, and basic kitchen utensils. On the coffee table is a big white candle. I pick it up and sniff it, getting whiffs of vanilla and caramel, two of my favorites. I inhale more deeply, savoring the delicious aroma. There’s no doubt Maggie left this here.
“The place is yours for as long as you need it,” Gabe says. “The paint is all new, these countertops are only two years old”—he wraps his knuckles on the simple laminate—“and Maggie scrubbed the place. All the linens have been washed, and we stocked the pantry and fridge with some basics.
“It looks great. Thank you. About the rent—” I begin, but he cuts me off.
“No rent. I thought Maggie already talked to you about that. You’re family and I’m happy to help you while you get back on your feet.”
A warm, fuzzy feeling blossoms in my chest. For the first time in months, my life doesn’t seem like a complete disaster. The relief at having some semblance of order again is palpable. “You’re sure? You could totally rent this place out.”
“I’m sure. It’s just been sitting here. I’m glad to have it occupied. Where’s your stuff? I’ll help you bring it up.”
“Oh,” I say, shrugging. “I parked a few blocks over so I could walk through town. I need to go get everything.”
“Gotcha,” he says with a nod. “Well, when you do, let me know and I’ll give you a hand. In the meantime, definitely explore Harmony Glen. It’s a great town with a lot to offer. There’s a café around the corner if you’re hungry. Gillian does great sandwiches.” He gives me directions to a place called Cool Beans. A sandwich does sound good. I could use some food, and maybe a few minutes to organize my thoughts.
“Hey, before I go, I have a question.”
“What’s up?”
“I hope this isn’t rude to ask, but the guy who owns the bookstore, Spenser? I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of creature he is.”
Gabe grins. “Sure. Spenser is our local mothman. As I understand, they’re kind of a rare species. He’s the only one in town that I know of. Certainly the only one I’ve ever met.”
“Good to know. Thanks.”
He nods and goes back to work, and I take his advice and make my way to Cool Beans.
A woman who looks as though she’s part peacock takes my order, and once I’m settled with my sandwich and a coffee, I pull out both my phone and my paper planner. It may seem like overkill, but this is just who I am. I need lists, calendars, and pens in various colors. Occasionally binders.
I cross off a couple items on my to-do list, including “pick up keys,” and then pull out the application for the bookstore. It’s fairly standard, asking for information about my work history and a couple of references. The whole process seems old-school; you’d think there might be some sort of online application system, but whatever. I don’t mind. In fact, I kind of like it. I’ve been called old-fashioned a time or two, after all.
I fill everything out quickly, including my brand-new address, and then finish my sandwich. Grabbing my coffee, which is in a convenient to-go cup, I make my way back to my beautiful blue Bronco. On the way, I drop off my application at Moonbeam Books, then move the Bronco to the parking place behind the hardware store.
When I moved out of my mom’s house—what a nightmare staying with her was; she actually took my ex Braeden’s side in our breakup!—I dumped most of my stuff in a storage unit and threw the rest in a mishmash of suitcases and duffels.
Which I now have to haul up the stairs.
I could go ask Gabe for help, but I don’t want to bother him. Besides, I’m a strong, independent woman now. I can do this.
It takes me two trips, which I only manage by hanging bags all over me. I spend the rest of the afternoon unpacking and getting settled, then swinging by the general store next door—called Mack’s Snack and Pack—to pick up a few additional pantry staples and a bottle of cheap wine.
After some pasta and a couple of glasses, I decide to call it a night. I shower, change into my pajamas, and collapse onto the bed.
All in all, my first day in Harmony Glen went pretty well.
