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It’s where I fell in love with books and slowly grew into the person I am. Where I went from drinking orange soda to Earl Grey tea.
Where I first crushed hard on Noah Reeves.
“How long has it been?”
“Seven years,” I say, taking a bite of my salad.
“So you’re taking the job in Denver then? The children’s museum?”
“After three rounds of interviews, two by phone and one video, they made an offer last week.”
“And the apartment?”
That, unfortunately, isn’t as lucky. The realtor called me a few days ago rejecting my application because of “uncertain income requirements” and recommended a few options outside the city.
It was devastating since it would have been nice to live in the center of everything.
Luckily, I have time to keep looking since Pepper and Chase are letting me stay in their apartment in Denver until the fall when the new hockey season starts.
“I’ve got a place,” I say, and it’s enough for now.
She reaches for the check. “Well, you keep working on that little project of yours. Your plans are spectacular, just…outside of our budget.”
I smile politely. “I will. Thank you.”
On our way out, Em gives me her card as if I don’t know her number by heart. “If you ever need anything. If it doesn’t work out in the city, give me a call and I’ll see if we can get you back in.”
I frown. “Why wouldn’t it work out?”
She rolls her eyes. “Charlie, you’re not the first person to want to make it in the big city and come back to town needing work. Look at Pepper. And Tessa for that matter. They both disappeared and came back.”
She's wrong. I don't have big city dreams. I love Hideaway Springs. I'm only leaving because there's nothing here for me.
I slow my steps and she takes my hand. “I love that you have big dreams. But sometimes, they’re just dreams. And trying to chase them can be pretty costly. Just don’t be afraid to come back. We’re happy to have you.”
Smiling I offer her a hug because I know she means well. “Thanks, Em.”
I walk into the house after seven, dropping my tote bag on the floor and shedding off my boots. The ones that will need to go in storage soon now that summer is around the corner.
Noah’s car is in the driveway so I know he’s home. But I can also smell that he’s home. Baked fish, garlic, spices, and good wine hits my senses almost instantly.
I’m famished so this definitely messes with my plans to talk to him tonight.
Tomorrow, Noah is going to find out that Landon and I are not on a date. It's going to be kind of obvious if the man shows up with a tall hot girl who is not me. Or if he doesn't bring a date but isn't anywhere near me all afternoon.
I've wrangled my brain all day on how to approach this and came up blank.
The only way is the truth.
Maybe he'll find it funny.
Maybe, but not in a good way…
Noah calls from the kitchen. “You just going to stand there all night? It doesn’t smell that bad in here.”
I swallow. “Coming.” My voice croaks and he peeks out.
“You alright?”
