I look up to see Shayla staring down at us from the front door. She’s studying us a little too intently for my liking.
Judging by the noise level that greets us, the entire town showed up for this one. There’s a smattering of people hanging out in the front room, but it sounds like the majority of guests are in the open kitchen and dining room area.
Aura freezes in her tracks. “I thought this was a family dinner. Maybe a few friends.”
“Stew night always draws a crowd. Caleb makes enough to feed half the town. It does sound a bit busier than usual, though. Are you going to be okay? I can grab us some to go and head back to my place if you’d like.” I don’t relish the thought of it, despite my earlier offer to go home for grilled cheese and another round of whatever that was in the tack room. My siblings will give me shit, and I do enjoy the way stew night brings everyonetogether. But I can understand how it might be too much for her.
She swallows hard and pulls her shoulders back, making that transition into the actor who can handle anything that comes her way.
“No, I’m good. Everyone knows I’m here now, so it’s not like we’re hiding.”
I nod, but slip my hand around hers, giving it a squeeze.
She glances down, then relaxes into the hold. We are supposed to be keeping up appearances after all. I did tell my family the truth about our fake relationship. They’re the only ones I trust to keep the secret. None of them quite understand why I’m going along with it, though, and my sister has been particularly vocal about her disapproval. I hope she can keep her mouth shut tonight.
The kitchen is packed with bodies. Dean and the rest of the ranch hands of course, Leonora and her daughter Casey. Lenny from the garage and his wife Mallory, who runs a hair salon. If you need any information to get around fast, just let those two know and sure enough, the whole town will be informed within hours. Better than the Internet and just about as questionable in terms of accuracy.
Blink is pawing at Caleb’s old hound dog, Cody. Cody is lying there patiently, but every once in a while he raises an eyebrow in a help me expression. I don’t even know how or when Blink got here. True to her name, she’s a furry Houdini.
The chatter continues for a moment until Mallory notices us. “Quinton, so good to see you, and Aurelia, welcome to Balsam Grove.”
That’s the match that sparks everyone’s attention. All eyes in the place focus on us, and I shift on my feet, not used to the attention. Even though I know it’s not for me. Now the big turnout is starting to make sense. They’re all here to ogle the star. Crap. I’m going to have to keep a close eye on the situation.
“Hey, everyone. Just gonna check on Caleb.”
I squeeze Aura’s hand, leading her into the kitchen which is almost as crowded as the rest of the house. “How’s the stew coming, Caleb?”
He grunts from his position in front of the gigantic pot on the stove. “Might be faster if all these people weren’t crowding my space.”
The complaint vanishes into the chatter. It’s not a real complaint, anyway. He loves these dinners.
Mallory walks toward us like she’s on a mission, and she probably is. I eye the door, but she’s in front of us before I can make a move. “Hello, dear, I’m Mallory. I run a hair salon in town, so if you ever need something a little special done while you’re here, you come to me, all right? Maybe if you’re going out for a nice dinner?” She directs a pointed gaze at me.
“Thank you so much,” Aura says graciously. “But I’m going to be pretty busy once filming starts.”
Mallory waves a hand at her, the assortment of silver rings adorning her fingers glinting in the bright lights of the kitchen. “They’ve got to give you some time off. Andwhen they do, make sure you come see me. I’ll give you a good deal.”
I hold in my laugh, but a snort from behind me tells me Dean wasn’t so successful. Mallory doesn’t seem to notice, barreling on.
“And then you can tell all the other actresses to stop on by too. We’d love to have them. Do you happen to know who else is going to be starring in the show? Everyone I’ve talked to is just dying to find out. We’ve never had anything this exciting happen in Balsam Grove.”
“Well…”
“Oh, you know what Mal?” I say. “I forgot Caleb asked me to bring some extra dishes. We’re just going to head back over to my place. See you at dinner.”
I tug on Aura’s arm, and we escape from the small crowd that gathered to hear the conversation.
The sky is layered with every shade of pink and orange when we get back outside.
Aura gasps. “Oh wow, look at that sunset.”
“Pretty isn’t it?”
“It’s gorgeous. No wonder they chose this place for the show. Might be the prettiest one I’ve ever seen.”
The mountains are cast in a warm pink glow, and so is she when I turn to look at her. It’s like the warmth of the sun washes over me, spreading through my veins until it settles in my heart with a soft ache. It’s stronger than anything I’ve ever felt before, and I can’t even tell her.
“I’m sorry about everyone. Nothing this exciting has ever happened in our little town before.”
