AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Tessa tilts her head in that way I hate—the pity tilt. “This is different. Maeve is different. We’re just looking out for each other—not malicious, or whatever you think it is.”
I bite down on my response. Tessa simply can’t understand what it’s like because she’s not other. She’swe. “Can we just watch the game? No more Maeve talk.”
“Only if you promise to stay away from her.”
“I promise,” I say and resist wincing at the burning sensation that always follows when I lie to my sister.
After the game, a shower, and an assurance to Logan that I’ll be at the house for dinner tonight, I head toward the Inn, like I promised Tessa.
I find Will sitting at the desk cradling his head. There’s a tension around his mouth that I haven’t seen before. “Everything okay?”
He nods his head. “Yeah. Just the joys of being temporary manager of the family business in a small town that knows all about your past.”
“Aah, yes. Can’t escape that in a small town.” I think of the gossip about Will’s mother.
His eyes travel the length of my sweatpants and shirt. Laundry day came and went days ago, and this time, I can’t blame the extra shifts at the hospital—because I haven’t picked any up.
“Yeah.” He blinks, as if waking up. “Let me get your paperwork. I know you have better things to do than listen to me complain.”
I take the seat across from him and note the suitcases stacked by the desk, the button-down shirt draped across the top. He swivels in his chair and riffles through a filing cabinet topped with a shaving mirror, toothpaste, and deodorant.
The meaning of “temporary manager” couldn’t be clearer.
His face is flushed when he spins toward me. “Still getting organized here.”
“I’m sure it’s a lot of work. Especially if you’re planning to leave soon.” There’s an edge to my voice. I sound like Tessa when she’s fishing for information.
Will pauses.
“Not that it’s any of my business,” I say quickly, before he can read any more into my question. “Because it’s not.”
His features soften. “Don’t worry, Hope. The whole town knows my mother took off, and I know you won’t report back to the Kingsette powers that be that I’m living like a nomad. If you were one ofthem, the whole town would be talking about our roof-deck rendezvous.”
I might not be awe, but at least I’m not athem. As far as consolation prizes go, it’s not half-bad.
“Oh, you’re out of the loop, buddy. Young widow. Tragic artist. Come on. They’re not just talking about it. They’re salivating over it.”
Will’s obliviousness confirms what I suspected: he’s further outside the Kingsette gossip loop than I am. Which means, he probably doesn’t know what people are saying about his mother and Maeve. It’s probably better that way.
Will grimaces. “I’m so—I mean I sincerely apologize you have to deal with that.”
I laugh. “Are you trying to bypass my no-sorry rule with a synonym?”
Will opens his eyes in mock innocence. “Never.”
“I thought we were past the lying portion of our friendship.” My voice climbs a notch and sounds ... flirty. I clear my throat. I’m supposed to be doing kissy-face-emoji damage control, not ... whatever I’m doing.
“We are, Hope,” he says, his voice low and husky. “Past that part of our friendship, for sure.”
Our eyes lock. It feels like he’s challenging me to hear what he’s not saying. I look away first. “So that’s the contract?”
The heat of his gaze remains for a heartbeat longer. Then it’s gone, and a shiver vibrates down my spine.
“It is,” he says, sounding more composed than I feel. “Just need a head count.”
“Aah, easier said than done, actually. Tessa told me she may have more guests than she originally thought. Would that be a problem?”
“Hmm ... it’ll change the layout, but we could make it work.” He talks me through floor plans and table settings with the ease of someone who’s been doing this his entire life. He gives me copies of everything to show Tessa.
