Page 20 of Keepsakes and Kismet

“Oh, I’m definitely an employee somewhere. Here, too. Kind of.”

I release a long, tired exhale. “Are you new to the area? I don’t remember seeing you around much before the last few weeks.”

Clover peers over her phone. “You literally don’t see anyone. You never leave your house.”

I glare at my sister before hedging a glance back at Peyton, who’s still smiling.

“I’ve been living in Waterton for about two years now, but it’s not my first time in the area. My grandparents had a summer home not far from here, and I used to visit as a kid before they passed away.”

I frown. “I’m sorry about your grandparents.”

“Thanks. They were both in their nineties, and they lived full, happy lives. My favorite childhood memories are in Ohio. Swimming in Lake Erie, taking the ferry to South Bass Island…” She trails off, a wistful look on her face. “So, I decided to move here after doing a stint in New York.”

Peyton left New York for Waterton? It’s not unheard of to move here from a bigger city, but I’d imagine the differences are jarring. We only have one business that’s open 24 hours. It’s a gas station, and every pump says “See an Attendant.”

I wonder what she left behind in the Big Apple. Is she on her own? I shake my head, trying to stop myself from asking about a woman I barely know. Why do I care so much about someone who relishes my confusion?

Clover’s eyes widen. “Wow. New York City? I’d love to live there one day.”

Clementine scoffs. “You’d love to live anywhere that’s not here.”

“What did you do there?” Clover asks.

I know I should stop my sister’s incessant line of questioning, but… I kind of want to know, too.

“I was in the fashion industry,” Peyton tells her, finishing off the dregs of her smoothie.

Clover lights up and puts her phone in her pocket. She actually puts her phone away for Peyton. “Oh my God, stop it right now. Who did you work for? Anyone I know?”

“I worked for Haus of Lamont.”

Clover’s eyes spark with interest. “Holy shit. That’s one of my dream labels. I’m saving up so I can buy one of his signature leather jackets one day. What was it like working in couture?”

Peyton plays distractedly with the straw of her smoothie. “Oh. Um, it was okay. I’m much happier here.”

Clover’s jaw drops. “In Waterton?”

“Yeah, it’s beautiful and everyone’s really nice. I enjoy the small-town vibes. Bigger cities aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be.” Peyton shrugs. “But enough about me. Tell me more about you guys.”

It’s clear she’s interested in changing the subject, but Clementine can’t seem to let it go.

“Our oldest sister works in fashion, too. You’d fit right in at our family dinner⁠—”

I cover Clementine’s mouth with my hand. “Anyway, we have to get going. Clover, did you get enough pictures for socials?”

Clover throws me a shit-eating grin. “Almost. I could use one more of a couple people who aren’t me. Just to show how popular it is. Why don’t I get one of the two of you?” she asks, gesturing to Peyton and me.

I wipe a hand down my face. “Clover, I don’t⁠—”

“Sure, why not?” Peyton cuts me off, standing beside me but leaving a foot or so between us.

“Oh. Um, okay,” I stumble, glancing at Peyton’s perfect smile before awkwardly smiling for the camera myself.

Clover frowns behind her phone. “Cal. Quit hunching like that. You look like you’re about to lure me in with a poison apple.”

“Jesus, Clover,” I mutter, standing taller.

The woman next to me covers her mouth to stifle a laugh, and I try to smile like a regular person.