by Robyn Neeley
Walking back to his desk, he picked up his briefcase from the floor. Maybe he should go home for a couple of days. He did want to see his kids, and it wasn’t like he didn’t have the vacation time now that his perfume was out in the world. There was the matter that his boss was on him to finish up the follow-up fragrance to his successful first. Josh had been working long hours on that new scent, but it wasn’t even close to being ready. Maybe a break was what he needed.
Glancing down at his Facebook wall, he gazed at the photo of Adam and Caitlin in the park with the triplets. Adam cradled Jacob in his lap, while Caitlin held on to Lily and Cassie. To someone that didn’t know better, they looked like one big happy family.
Just how close had his best friend gotten to the mother of his kids? Josh powered off his computer, placed the framed picture of the triplets into his briefcase, and snapped it shut.
It was time to find out.
2
Caitlin rounded the corner and slowed down her pace. “Let’s catch our breath for a second,” she called out to Bridget and threw her leg up on the back of an empty bench to stretch. The bright sun warmed her face. Fall was just around the corner, but right now she wanted to soak up every last day of summer.
It had been a lot of work, but she was almost back to her pre-pregnancy weight and now on a mission to fit into all her cute clothes. Not that she’d wear the slinkier dresses she was known for. These days, she could be found in comfy yoga pants and tops mostly covered in baby spit.
And she wouldn’t change that for all the micro-mini dresses in her closet. She loved being a mom and was getting the hang of it, if she did say so herself. Still, it was nice to have “Caitlin time” to focus on her health, exercise, and catch up with her favorite cousin.
“So, we’re going . . . to do this . . . every day?” Bridget asked in between breaths. She bent down, hands on knees. Her blond ponytail messy with strands now sticking to her sweaty face.
“Yes. At least until the snow flies. Running is an excellent workout. Brandon and Jason do it all the time and look how in shape they are.”
“Yeah, but they’re guys.”
“So.”
“It’s different.” Bridget sighed. “I don’t know. Brandon likes to run around the park with his shirt off. I really think he initially did it to turn heads, including Abby’s. That was his motivation.”
Caitlin giggled. “Well, we can take our tank tops off if you want. Maybe that will improve my love life.”
“That would be a no, but speaking of which . . .” Bridget sat down, motioning for Caitlin to join her on the bench. “I’ve noticed you’ve been hanging out with Adam a lot. What’s going on there?”
Caitlin knew Bridget was stalling and didn’t really want to run any more than she had to, but she sat down anyway. “Why, what has your husband told you about me and his older brother?”
“Nothing. We’ve just noticed that Adam’s car seems to be always parked in your driveway.”
Caitlin laughed because that was certainly true. He did stop over at least once a day—usually in the morning for coffee on his way to work, but she knew the reason why. “He’s been a huge help with the kids, and I love hanging out with him, but he admitted that Josh put him up to it.”
“Really?” Bridget gave her a look of surprise. “To spy on you?”
“Something like that. You know they’re best friends. He asked Adam to report in weekly.”
“Josh did that? What a jerk. He can’t bother to come home and see the kids. It’s not like New York City is that far away.”
“Apparently, he’s been busy with work.” Caitlin gave her cousin a mischievous smile. “Don’t worry. I got even. I told Abby that Adam and I were messing around. She can’t keep her mouth shut to save her life. I’m sure it will get back to Josh if it hasn’t already. I’ve been dropping some hints on how great Adam is in bed.”
“Caitlin!”
“What? If Josh wants to play games, so can I. Besides, it’s making Rachel Foster insane with jealousy seeing us around town together. Eventually, Adam and she will get back together, and he will owe it all to me.” Caitlin knew Adam still had the hots for his ex. Not a day went by that he didn’t bring her up in conversation.
“If you say so.” Bridget tapped her shoulder. “So, how is the hunky father of your triplets these days, anyways?”
Caitlin shrugged because she didn’t really know. She sighed and glanced behind her shoulder across the street at the Buttermilk Tavern. It had been over a year since her one-night stand with Josh that led to her new normal. “Abby told me months ago that he just needed time, but I don’t think he’ll ever forgive me for the wrench I threw into his perfect bachelor lifestyle.”
“Um . . . I think he played a part in it, too.”
Yes, he did. Caitlin’s cheeks began to heat up, and she was pretty sure it was the memory of her being with Josh, and not the sun this time, causing it. Sleeping with Josh had been completely unexpected. “I guess it didn’t mean as much to him.”
Bridget raised an eyebrow. “I thought it was a one-night stand for both parties.”
“It was.” Caitlin paused. “I think I’ve always had a crush on him.” She blew out a breath. “Even in high school when I was with Michael.” Michael had been her first real boyfriend. When they broke up, he started dating Emma almost immediately.
“You think you had a crush?” Bridget shook her head. “Might I remind you that I have proof of your feelings for a one Josh Stevens.”
Caitlin groaned. “I still can’t believe you kept that video from our sophomore year. It was a stupid game of truth or dare. I should have taken the dare.” She shook her head. “You all were awful to me after I made that admission, making me go talk to him where he proceeded to call me a drama queen who wouldn’t amount to much in front of the entire football crowd. It was so humiliating.”
“Oh, my gosh. I remember now that slap you gave him.”
“He deserved it.” She sighed. “He never knew how I truly felt.”
“Well, it’s not too late to tell him.” Bridget gave Caitlin’s shoulder a supportive—albeit an ‘I will always have something to blackmail you with’—squeeze. “You know, Josh was adorably geeky back then, but man—grown-up Josh has filled out.” Bridget snickered. “I wondered a couple of years ago what he’d be like in bed.”
“Bridget!” Caitlin swatted her. “You’re a married woman.”
“What? Tom and I weren’t together then. He wasn’t even in this country.”
Her cousin was referring to the fact that Tom spent some time stationed in Iraq. Bridget was head over heels in love with the war veteran. Last month, they’d celebrated their one-year anniversary with a Vegas-themed party at the Elks Lodge. Since they had eloped in Sin City, the party served as the reception they didn’t have.
“Well, I’m not going to think about Josh, Adam, or any guy we grew up with in a romantic way.” Caitlin slapped her knees. “Screw love. It’s time to focus on me, my kids, and a career.”
“Career? You want to work?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “I think I do. I want to do something with my life. Something meaningful. The triplets are going to need a strong role model.”
“I think that’s a great idea. Will you go back to your dad’s company?”
“I don’t think so.” No, that was definitely not happening. After college, her father had given her a job at his paper mill. A nine-to-five job answering e-mails behind a desk really wasn’t for her. No, she needed to do something that had her up and moving around. “I’d love to go into business for myself like Brandon did.”
“You want to buy an inn?”
“Not really.” Brandon and Abby had worked countless hours over the last year opening the Lakeside Inn and launching Abby and Emma’s Taste the Magic catering business. “Not a restaurant or anything like that. I just love how passionate they were about starting something that is all theirs.” She sighed. “I love their entrepreneuria
l spirit. I just need an inspiration.”
A crash interrupted their conversation, and both she and Bridget jumped up to help Josephine Williams with her packages. Josephine and her husband, Henry, owned the landmark Majestic Theater in front of them. The old woman had apparently been trying unsuccessfully to open the front glass door with her hands full. “Are you okay, Josephine?” Caitlin asked.
“Oh, yes. Thank you, girls.” Josephine pushed up her black wire-rimmed glasses. “I thought I could manage all these bags in one trip. Guess I was wrong.”
“Here, let us help.” Caitlin grabbed a bag from the ground and handed it to Bridget and then picked up the other two.
Josephine unlocked the door and motioned for them to go ahead of her. The nostalgic scent of movie theater popcorn immediately filled Caitlin’s nostrils. It had been ages since she’d been inside.
She’d loved going to the movies here as a kid, and her high school still used the stage each year for its annual senior play. She’d had the lead role in her class’s production of Bye Bye Birdie her senior year. It had been one of her greatest accomplishments and was the reason Caitlin had decided to study acting in college.
So much for that. Her small town dreams were crushed by competitive classmates who made some of her less than favorable antics in high school appear as child’s play. She soon realized she wasn’t cutthroat enough to pursue an acting career and switched her major to business.
She glanced around the empty lobby. The theater had been for sale for months and her dad had toyed with the idea of purchasing it a time or two but decided against it.
“Thank you, dolls, for lending a hand. I appreciate it.” Josephine motioned toward the wall. “You can set the bags down next to the paint cans.”
“Are you painting?” Caitlin felt silly asking the obvious question.
“We are. We’re hoping that sprucing up the lobby and marquee might help in selling it.”
“So you haven’t had any bites?”
“No. Not since your father inquired about it.”
“I really wish he’d reconsider. I have so many wonderful memories in this place.” Caitlin set the bags down.
“Making out with Michael in the last row,” Bridget kidded before excusing herself to answer her ringing phone. “It’s Tom. I sent him to the grocery store, but I bet he forgot the list. Men.” She sighed. “I’ll be right back.”
“Tell him he almost lost you to Josh,” Caitlin joked. “Hey, Josephine, may I take a look?”
She motioned in the direction of the large auditorium.
“Of course. I turned the lights on this morning. Go on in.”
Caitlin walked down the long corridor into the auditorium. Something about this place warmed her inside. She loved the art décor along the walls and the deep burgundy curtain drawn to cover the large screen.
She smiled, picturing her seventeen-year-old self pledging her love to Conrad Birdie. “I have so many good memories of this place. It really is a gem.”
Josephine came up beside her. “You know that many actors and actresses got their start right here on that very stage.”
“Really?”
“Come check out the corridor wall. My father was a budding photographer. My mother had him taking pictures left and right. He photographed many of the actors who came through these parts.”
Caitlin followed Josephine back into the corridor decorated with picture frames. “Wow, these photos are incredible. I can’t believe I never noticed them before.”
“That’s because we only recently hung them up here. A few of them we had behind the refreshments counter, but Henry and I found the rest in our attic while packing. We thought it would be fun to have them framed and hung along the wall. Our gift to honor the theater’s legacy before we leave.”
“It’s a wonderful gift.” Caitlin’s gaze lingered on each black-and-white photo. “They all look so glamorous.”
“Our little theater was the place to perform back in the day,” Josephine said proudly. “My parents used to boast that this was the gateway to Hollywood.”
Caitlin could understand why, studying all the pictures of the actors in their glory. How many dreams had started on this very stage?
Her eyes rested on the last picture and she did a double take. It was different from the others and appeared to be an outside shot of a customer standing in line.
Her gaze zoomed in on a small object the woman cradled in her arms, and her eyes widened. Even though the picture didn’t hold a hint of color, Caitlin recognized it immediately.
“Josephine, do you know who this is?” Caitlin asked, not believing what she was seeing.
“You know, that picture actually hung in our office and to this day remains a mystery. That woman was our first customer. The way the story goes, she stood in line for hours to see the movie they showed. It was a slapstick comedy and only sixteen minutes long. She was by herself and carrying that box.” A knock at the front door ended their conversation. “That must be my lunch. I asked Mel if he could send over a BBB Burger. Be right back.”
Caitlin’s own stomach growled at the mention of Mel’s famous burger made with fresh blueberries from his garden, oozing with blue cheese, and topped off with bacon. If she suggested lunch at the Star Lite, Bridget would be thrilled.
She turned back to the picture, staring at the young woman. “Who are you?” she whispered.
She didn’t know who this mysterious woman was holding the box she’d seen with her own eyes on New Year’s Eve, but this theater had obviously been important to her. Maybe she was following her dreams.
“What inspired you to come here?” she asked, touching the picture.
That question caused a rush of excitement to race through her. “Josephine,” she called out.
“Yes, dear.” Josephine appeared, holding a brown paper bag.
“How much are you asking for this place?”
3
Josh took a deep breath and headed into the Sugar Spoon bake shop. Since it was Monday evening, he wouldn’t have to worry about running into Caitlin or any of her girlfriends. Batter Up night was an estrogen-free zone.
The spell only worked on men and around men.
He’d come to the bakery straight from the airport. His plan was to go over to Caitlin’s tomorrow and see if he could spend time with the kids. Tonight, he’d deal with his sister and her blue spoon silliness.
“Josh!” Abby squealed from behind the counter. She flew around it and gave him a big hug before slugging him. “I knew you’d come. When did your flight get in?”
“About an hour ago. I rented a car.”
“Why didn’t you call? I could have picked you up.”
“I didn’t want to interrupt Batter Up night.”
Abby rolled her eyes. “You wouldn’t have. It was Gary Anderson’s turn, and we all know Sabrina Keeler is his true love.” She lowered her voice. “He should have proposed years ago. Though, honestly, I think she has more in common with his brother, Chip.”
Josh laughed at his sister’s blatant honesty. It was a trait he loved about her. “Was Adam here?” Josh didn’t see him among the guys heading out, no doubt to the Buttermilk Tavern for a few celebratory brews.
He needed to talk to his dear old pal. As his plane sped closer to Buttermilk Falls, his irritation only grew. He’d trusted his best friend to keep an eye on Caitlin, not make a play for her.
“Hey, Josh.” Emma winked and filled her cupcake tins with the creamy batter. “You just missed my prediction.” She waved her shimmering pink mixing spoon in the air. “Unless you’d like me to do it on you.”
Josh shook his head. That wasn’t happening. “I think I’ll pass.” He came up to the counter and pulled out a stool. “So, where is this magical blue spoon my crazy sister insisted I drop everything and fly home for?”
Rolling her eyes, Abby pulled up a seat next to him. “Like you’d do anything I asked.”
Emma headed toward the swinging doors. “It
’s in the safe. I’ll go get it.”
Abby stared at him with a stupid grin plastered across her face.
“What’s that look for?”
“I knew you missed Caitlin and the kids.”
“I miss the kids,” he corrected, adding just to make it clear, “not their mother.”
“Whatever you say. Why can’t you admit you have feelings for her and that you two would be good together?”
“When did you become president of the Caitlin Reynolds fan club?”
“You know we’re all friends now.” She gave him a playful swat. “And family, too, thanks to your sperm.”
“You’re welcome,” he said dryly. “Why are you so interested in Caitlin and I getting together? I thought you said she was with Adam?”
“I think it’s just sex.” Abby reached over to the cupcake carousel and pulled two red velvet ones out, waving her hand over one before handing it to Josh.
“What was that for?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“What?”
He motioned with his hand. “That little wave.”
“Nothing. It’s a ‘welcome home’ spell to bring you good luck.” She smiled innocently. “You know I’m not very good at casting spells. It’ll probably turn you into a toad.”
He laughed and took a bite. “I’ll take my chances. Now, back to Adam and Caitlin. Did she tell you they were sleeping together?”
“For someone who isn’t here to see Caitlin, you sure are curious about what she’s doing.” Abby wiggled her eyebrows. “Or is it who she’s doing that’s got the feathers under your fancy Armani suit all ruffled up?”
“I couldn’t care less about Caitlin’s sex life.” That wasn’t true, but he’d never admit it to anyone, and certainly not to his sister. “Honestly, Abby, stop stirring up trouble.”
“Speaking of stirring up.” Emma came back from the kitchen, holding the glittery blue mixing spoon. It was the same size as the pink one she held in her other hand.
“I’ll be damned.” Josh gazed at the spoon. “So, that is the thing that ransacked the place?” Josh asked. Only in his family would that question not sound farfetched.