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“Yeah, it was like this last year, too. Bryce and I were in town deciding whether to move back or not, and I needed an escape from my parents’ house. Before that, I don’t know. We were still in Nashville.”
“Do you miss it?” I ask her, watching her to see her reaction.
She pauses and then says, “I’m not sure. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. When I first left, I wanted excitement and the freedom of a new place and living in a big city, but I don’t feel like I’m missing that now. I thought I would. Yes, I love Nashville, but there’s something about being here with my family and friends, and having Bryce grow up in a town like this.”
I completely understand what she’s saying. I grew up in a giant city, went to a wealthy private school, and had everything money could afford, but I didn’t have this. This place makes the heart feel different, warmer, at ease.
The quote, “Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling,” I finally understand it.
“Mom, can I go play?” Bryce asks, breaking me from my thoughts. He’s pulling on her hand and points toward some kiddie activities set up on the other side of the main house and in an open part of the orchard.
“Yep, just let me know where you’re going if you decide to do something different and check in frequently, so I don’t worry.”
“Okay. I’m going to go jump. Nathan’s there.”
Juliet glances toward the bounce houses and sees a woman she recognizes. They wave at each other, and Bryce runs toward her.
“A friend from school?”
“Yes, a new friend. The family is nice. She’s only asked me about my brothers and y’all maybe three times.” She laughs.
I grab her arm and stop her.
“People ask you about us?”
She shrugs one shoulder. “Of course they do.”
I frown. “It never even occurred to me that they would. I’m sorry.”
“Nah, no biggie. I’m used to it. Just you wait. The mom will find her way over here at some point to meet you.”
“Should I feel flattered or annoyed?” I ask as we resume walking. I’m glad I’m wearing sunglasses, as the later in the morning it gets, the brighter it gets, and they give me a little bit of a secure feeling like I’m hiding. Ridiculous, I know, but still effective.
“Let’s go with flattered. From what I’ve seen over the years, people tend to gawk more than approach, so if she actually has the nerve to come over, then good for her.”
“I suppose, you just tell me what you need,” I say to her. Yes, we’ve had fans over the years approach us, but not so much recently. We’ve slowed down on performances over this last year, so mostly people just stare, and here in Horizons Valley, they’ve respected our privacy.
“Thank you,” she says. “Oh, look! There’s your favorite person being interviewed.”
Speaking of staring, it’s a shame that I dislike him so much because now that Avery has planted the seed, I think she’s right. He is my type, and he looks good today. Standing just outside of the cider house, he’s tall, commanding, and appears comfortable at the same time. He’s wearing black denim pants, black work boots, and a white button-down untucked with the Red Barn Orchard logo embroidered over his heart and the sleeves rolled up. His hair is styled, and his beard is trimmed. He looks straight out of a Men’s Journal mountain man magazine.
Briggs’s eyes flicker over the reporter’s shoulder and lock on me. Usually, this is when the scowl drops in place, but today, all I get is a twitch, a once-over as his gaze drags over the length of me, and a neutral expression. So that’s how it’s going to be. He has to play nice to maintain his businessman image. He can’t see my eyes behind these shades, but a slow smile twists onto my lips, and his nostrils flare in response.
The news anchor interviewing him realizes she’s being momentarily ignored and turns to see what’s caught his attention. Her face lights up. “Well, if it isn’t Cora Rhodes,” she beams loudly. The cameraman whips around to follow her lead, and I swear so does everyone else in a twenty-yard radius. She quickly walks to where she’s standing directly in front of me and forcefully extends her hand. “I’m Jessica Smith from channel eight news. We’re here to capture Briggs’s opening weekend event for an around-town segment we’re airing tonight. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”
Pasting on a smile I perfected at a young age, I return her handshake and tell her, “Of course. Ask away.”
Briggs then moves to stand next to me, halfway scowling. Maybe more like grimacing. It’s not like I’m purposely trying to steal his thunder, but I don’t hate that this is an in-his-face moment where he sees that people actually like me. I smile up at him, as he’s perfectly angled behind me, and he wipes the expression off his face. Removing my sunglasses to make this interview more genuine, deep brown eyes bore into mine, and unwittingly, my stomach swirls at his nearness.
Juliet squeezes my hand to pull my attention. I totally forgot she was there. Actually, I forgot everyone was here at the moment. “I’m going to go find Bryce. I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Okay.” I nod at her, and as she walks away, she turns back once to grin at me and wiggle her brows.
And just what is she grinning at? I narrow my eyes.
“All right,” Jessica says, turning to face the cameraman. He shifts into place to capture all three of us, and she shimmies her body to make sure her outfit is lying flat.
“Joining the festivities today is Cora Rhodes. You may know her from the musical group Avery, Emma, and Cora, and we are delighted to catch a few moments with her.” She angles toward me and shoves her microphone in my face. “Cora, we hear you recently moved to Horizons Valley. How are you finding it so far?”
