Page 39 of Call It Serendipity

I look down at my cup. “Well. Yeah.”

“Wild.” She shakes her head. “Jake told me this place was different, but…”

“He said Jitters is different?”

“He said Ellicottville is different.”

I lean forward. “What did he mean by that?”

“I think he was trying to prepare me for the pace of things around here. I’m not like him, I’m not good at being still.”

It takes all my willpower to resist asking more about him and his stance on my town. Taylor would undoubtedly see right through that line of questioning.

Instead, I wait for her to continue.

“I’m only here because our parents are awful, and Jake is my fixer.”

“Fixer?”

“Ever since we were kids, he’s always been there to make things better. There are eight years between us, and for as long as I can remember, he’s the person that has always taken care of me. So, when I came home from a trip to find my condo rented out, Jake was the first place I turned. He’s going to help me stand on my own two feet. Get my own place without our dad’s name on the deed.”

The more I learn about Jake, the harder it is for me to see him as the man here to hurt my town. My heart swells as I think of his nervousness asking to bring her along the other day.

And that’s when I get an idea.

“What are your plans for today?”

“I have none, really. Hide out here until I reach my caffeine limit and then I guess go back to his makeshift office. I can’t really shop right now; he told me I have to start saving money. And that I have to find a job. But I can’t do that until I head back to the city.”

I smile. “If you want the opposite of still, how do you feel about helping out at my family’s animal shelter?”

Her eyes widen, as if I’ve just offered the best thing imaginable. “I would love to do that.”

Gathering our things, we head out for the rescue, the same walk I first took with her brother only weeks earlier. It’s hard to believe how quickly he’s become such a part of my life in that amount of time.

I smile to myself as we go, thinking Jake would make a comment about that being because the universe felt it was meant to be.

“This barn is an animal shelter?” Taylor asks, stopping on the gravel drive outside of Pine + Paw.

“It is.” I move ahead and hold the front door open for her. “My family converted it years ago.”

“It’s adorable.”

Stepping inside, I find my father reading a book at the front desk. He’s probably the only one here on a weekday morning. “Morning, kiddo,” he says, looking up with a smile. “Brought another new friend?”

“Yes, this is Taylor. She’s, um, the sister of the travel writer in town.” Apparently, I’m bringing Mathew Hart into the trust circle too.

“Travel writer, huh? I didn’t know we were getting a write up.” He closes his book. “How cool. Well, welcome Taylor. Here for anything in particular today?”

“To lend a hand, if that’s okay?” she asks softly, more timid than I thought she was capable of.

“Always. Lucy will get you squared away.”

Taking my cue, I lead her down the hall toward the animals’ side of the building. Today, I figured I’d start her with something light and fun, get her interested in working here. Socialization.

“Cats or dogs?” I ask, stopping between the doors that lead to each.

“I should probably start with cats, they seem safer.”