Page 50 of When We Were Young

“About your comment earlier regarding my friends and family, there’s something you should know. Yes, they’re mine, but the way it works around here is that they’re yours now, too. Ruthie proclaimed it on that day at your place.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“When we first saw each other again, Ruthie put Georgie and me in our places and told everyone that you belong to all of us now. You’re not just Georgie's friend or my⁠—”

Her color pales, and I swear her eyes glisten. She swallows, and her mouth parts slightly as if she’s going to say something, but she doesn’t.

I watch her for a few more seconds and decide I need to let her off the hook.

“So...” I force a smile because I don’t feel much better than before I got here. “Sorry I scared you, and, uh, welcome to Aron Falls. I guess I’ll see you later.”

“Goodbye, Holden.”

As I turn to walk away, I hear the scraping of wood against wood as she shuts the door. It’s the sound of not just one lock clicking but a second one as well. Ella never had more than one lock. I know because I fixed it for her multiple times. So, why does Lizzie have two, and why is she locking the door on a beautiful summer day?

Chapter Nineteen

Lizzie

“Ican’t believe he prefers looking at creepy bugs to kicking around a soccer ball with me,” Georgie says. “He doesn’t know what he’s missing. I’m loads of fun.”

Georgie plops down next to me on one of the many benches in the fabulous, sycamore tree-lined town square. This space has quickly become one of my favorite spots, and I consider us fortunate that it’s right across the street from our new home.

Georgie smiles as she watches my boy. I chuckle because it’s 100 percent true. Simon loves bugs. Actually, he loves anything to do with science and living things—any animal, any bug, even plants.

“He got that insect-inspecting kit for Christmas. It comes with a magnifying glass and a little notebook.”

“Maybe he’ll throw a frisbee with me.” She picks up the frisbee we brought from the ground next to her. “Hey, Simon, would you rather throw a frisbee?”

Simon glances over but stays crouched. He hesitates before speaking.

“Is it okay if I don’t do that yet? Maybe later? Or maybe Mom can play with you.”

My curly-haired boy is so thoughtful; always aware of how things might make other people feel. I’m kind of proud of that because I’m not sure most kids his age are.

“Sure, buddy. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t need someone to play with.”

“Thanks, Georgie. Right now, I’ve got this cool bug over here, but maybe in a little while, okay?” His face lights up. “Or you can help with the bug!”

I laugh softly at the serious, almost parental tone he takes with her, and Georgie grins.

“Uh, that would be a yes to frisbee or soccer if you want to play later, but a hard no on the bugs. I’m scared of bugs.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot.” He smiles, and it’s one of those smiles just like his father used to have. I’m happy it passed on to Simon.

He turns back to his fun.

A few more minutes pass, and we talk about the progress at the bakery; the wallpaper came down, most of the cleaning got done, and I reluctantly agree to let Georgie help me tomorrow. I’ll paint, and she’ll put up wallpaper on one focus wall. It’s definitely a softer, more understated wallpaper than what Ella had.

I want people to come to my bakery and feel cozy and safe, not overwhelmed by wild décor like what was originally there.

I feel bad that Georgie is doing so much to help me.

“Georgie, you don’t have to help me tomorrow if you don’t want to. I’m sure you have other things to do.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I have a very flexible schedule, and I’m actually ahead on my current book. Plus, you’re one of my best friends. Best friends help each other.”

I look over at her, searching for even a hint that she’s joking, but there’s nothing. My chest tightens, and my nose burns.