by Annie Rains
“Not happening.” Jake reached for her arm. “I’ll pass on breakfast and go talk to her right now. Then I’ll meet you over at the last cottage on our list.”
“Sounds great.” Trisha nibbled at her lower lip. “How upset do you think Vi will be?”
“She won’t be mad at you,” Jake promised. For a moment, it looked like he was about to lean down and kiss her. He stopped himself though, probably remembering that Petey was inside and possibly watching them.
Her heart melted a little. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to step into his arms and allow herself to be held. “See you in a bit?”
“Yep.”
As Jake walked away, Trisha wondered again who had called the law this morning. Her gaze caught on a man in a cowboy hat who was walking along the lakeshore. Uncle Tim.
Trisha’s gut clenched, and a thought popped into her head. Or more of a question. Was Uncle Tim so eager to get Vi to sell the property and move that he’d call the sheriff’s department? He’d heard Jake offer to wake Mr. S this morning. And he’d been the one to distract Jake from doing just that.
The thought felt paranoid. But as she watched him walk along the lake, it also rang true.
* * *
Jake had worked hard all day. He’d finished the floors and had installed all the appliances that he and Trisha purchased from the thrift store earlier in the week. He was bone tired, but his mind whirred with too many thoughts to allow him to rest. So instead, he got himself cleaned up and drove to Lakeside Books on Hannigan Street. He’d read all the manuals and how-to books in his collection. He needed something new to stimulate his mind.
He pushed through the front door and glanced around for Tess.
“I was wondering when you’d make your way here.” Tess appeared from one of the tall aisles of books.
He headed in her direction. “I’ve run out of things to read. I’ve read the cereal box in my pantry at least ten times.”
“Oh no.” She laughed, the sound stirring memories from high school. Tess, Moira, Lucy, and Rachel had been close. Tess had always loved to laugh, and whenever she and Rachel had gotten together, that’s all they’d seemed to do. Jake used to suspect half the time they were laughing about him. Or at him.
“Well, I have books that are more interesting than cereal boxes,” Tess said. “If I remember correctly, you like those nonfiction instructional books.”
“Guilty. Although at this point, I might have read them all.”
“Doubtful.” She shook her head on a laugh. “Do you know how many books are published each week in each genre? It’s so hard to decide what to order for a little bookstore like mine.” She led him toward a wall of books with a sign overhead that read HOW TO. “So what do you want to learn? How to make a woman fall madly in love with you?” She lifted a brow.
Jake cleared his throat. He wasn’t expecting the bluntness, but he should have been. Tess loved books, but she wasn’t the stereotypical, face-in-a-book, shy type. She was outgoing and also incredibly perceptive.
“Or how about a book on how to come home again? Because they say you can never go home again, but that’s just silly.” Tess clucked her tongue.
“I’m only here for a few weeks,” Jake said. At this point, the line felt tired and rehearsed. He didn’t even believe it himself.
Tess folded her arms, her dark eyes narrowing. “The right woman might change your mind.”
Jake looked at the spines of the books in front of him. “You never left. I was the one who was supposed to stay and marry my high school sweetheart. You were going to leave us all behind, if I remember correctly.” He looked at Tess.
“And Rachel was supposed to live forever and become a teacher.” Tess gave him a knowing look. She’d been one of Rachel’s best friends. She’d also grieved after the accident. “Yes, I remember. Lucy was going to be a trophy wife. Instead, she’s single and delivering babies, which is about the grossest thing I can imagine. I mean, she nearly passed out when we dissected a frog in biology. How did she ever become a midwife?”
Jake grimaced at the sudden mental images. “I don’t know. It’s just how life works, I guess. Nothing happens the way you think it will.”
“Well, I’m a believer that things happen for a reason, even if they make no good sense to us mere humans.” She angled her body toward him. “That’s why I have a hunch that this summer excursion for you is more than a short trip down Memory Lane.” When he didn’t respond immediately, she gestured at the wall of books. “Anyway, these are the instructional books I have. I can order something different if you have a certain subject you want to learn about. Orders usually take about a week to come in.”
Jake ran his gaze over the wall of guides. “I’m sure I can find something interesting here.”
“I hope so. I’ll be at the counter,” Tess said. “Take your time, but I’m closing in ten minutes.” She winked at him. “Sunset Over Somerset is calling. Are you coming out tonight?”
“I thought I would.”
“You bringing Trisha?” she asked with a mischievous grin.
“And Petey,” he confirmed.
“See? You were always meant to be a family man.”
Trisha and Petey weren’t Jake’s family though. Vi was his family, and the rest of the Fletcher family was in Florida. Vi would have to move too. It was happening, whether she or Jake liked it or not. And when it did, Trisha would lose her job and her home. Everything she’d built over the last couple months would come crashing down.
Jake turned to the books, needing something to occupy his mind. He was hardwired to fix things, but he couldn’t seem to figure out a way to stop what felt like an oncoming, out-of-control train.
He grabbed a guide on camping because he’d told Petey they could pitch a tent sometime this summer, and he wasn’t one to do anything without knowing all the ins and outs and possible complications.
Next, he found himself reaching for a manual on photography. Not for himself, but for Trisha. She’d mentioned that she’d lost the instructional guide that came with her camera. She’d like this, and for a moment, he could make her happy. Even if he was afraid he was about to turn into just another man who brought her to tears.
Jake carried the books to the counter and laid them down.
Tess looked between the books and back up to him. “I’ve always thought that men should bring a woman a book instead of flowers. Good choice.”
Jake pulled out his wallet from his back pocket. “What makes you think one of those is for Trisha?”
“Because she was looking at that same book in here during our book club last night. She also told us she’s interested in photography. That’s about the only thing she disclosed. She seems like a private person.”
“And you seem like one to ignore a person’s privacy,” he said, teasing her.
“It’s the Southern way, Jake.” She winked again and rang up the book. Then she picked up the camping book. “I’m guessing this one has to do with Petey.” She lifted her gaze questioningly.
Jake nodded, but didn’t say more. He liked his privacy as well. He paid and took his bag. “See you downtown. I think Mayor Gilbert is probably anxiously looking forward to punching your dance card.”
“Stop!” she pleaded. “Gil has his eye on Moira anyway. Not me.”
Jake chuckled. “See you later, Tess.”
“Enjoy those books, Jake,” she called as he turned to walk away.
Jake opened the door and stepped back onto Hannigan Street, thinking about Tess’s words. She was right about him being a family man at heart. He just wasn’t sure which family he would choose this summer.
Chapter Nineteen
Mom, you look pretty!” Petey stepped into Trisha’s room and sat on her bed, watching as she fixed the tie on her sundress.
“Thank you, sweetie. It’s just an old outfit that I purchased at your aunt’s boutique a long time ago.”
Petey’s little mouth pinched as he gave her a thoughtful loo
k. “You haven’t worn those clothes in a long time,” he observed.
Trisha turned and walked over to sit on the bed beside him. She waited for him to ask a question, as always. Instead, his gaze lingered on her clothes.
“Jake is going to think you look beautiful too,” he said quietly.
Trisha felt her face warm. It would be naïve to think that Petey wouldn’t notice something between her and Jake after all the time they’d been spending together lately. Yes, she and Jake had tried to keep their hands to themselves when Petey was around, but there’d been long glances, lots of laughing, and just a general vibe that even a seven-year-old would notice.
“He’s not Dad. Or Uncle Chase.”
Trisha swallowed as she shook her head. “No, he’s not.”
“But I like him.” Petey picked at something on the leg of his shorts, most likely dried food from lunch, focusing there for a long moment. “Jake is different from them in a good way.” He looked up at her. “I like his dog, and I like his plane. I like that he can answer most of my questions too. He’s like a walking YouTube video.”
This made Trisha laugh unexpectedly. “He does seem to know a lot of stuff, doesn’t he?”
“He reads a lot of books,” Petey added. “That’s pretty cool. But most of all, I like that he makes you happy, Mom. You laugh a lot when he’s with us.”
Trisha’s eyes burned. If she blinked, a tear might slip down her cheek, and she was tired of crying. They would be happy tears this time though.
She blew up a breath to dry her eyes. A second motivation for keeping her tears at bay was that she was wearing mascara tonight, and she didn’t want to look like a raccoon. She wanted Jake to think she looked beautiful just like Petey had said.
Petey wasn’t just inquisitive, he was also perceptive, and even though she’d intended to leave him out of whatever was going on with her and Jake, he’d seen through the facade. Which meant that if Trisha got her heart broken, he would too. When Jake left Somerset Lake as planned, she wouldn’t be the only one crying.
“Jake and I enjoy each other’s company,” she said. “I guess you’ve picked up on that.”
“If you’re worried that I’ll be sad because of Dad, I won’t be.” Petey looked down for a moment. “I mean, I miss Dad, and I wish he wasn’t in prison. I wish he was here with us.” His little mouth twisted to one side thoughtfully. “But then we wouldn’t be here. We’d still be in Sweetwater Springs, which I guess would be okay, but I like it here.”
“You do?” Trisha asked.
“Of course. I like that you don’t work so much and have more time for me. Oh, and I like the twins. They’re really cool. They told me all about the other kids who’ll be in my class this fall. It’s going to be pretty great.” Petey was bubbling over with enthusiasm.
“That’s great, sweetheart.”
Petey looked shy for a moment. “Mom?”
“Yeah?”
“I need to tell you something.” His voice tremored softly.
Uh-oh. Trisha felt a sense of dread rising through her chest and throat. “Okay. You can tell me anything. I hope you know that.”
He rolled his lips together. “I told Justin and Jett about Dad.”
Trisha blinked, trying to decipher how she felt about that. She’d told Jake, but she trusted him. Petey had told two little boys who, even with good intentions, would never be able to keep a secret.
“Are you mad?” Petey asked. His first real question of the night.
She sucked in a breath and let it out. “We talked about not telling people about your dad. You got picked on because of that. Why would you tell your new friends? They could pick on you too.”
Petey’s eyes were shimmering with tears that he was visibly trying to hold back. “Then they’re not real friends. I only want true friends.”
Trisha sucked in a shallow breath, finding it hard to pull enough air into her lungs.
“Mom, are you okay? Are you crying because you’re upset with me?” Petey asked, the worry thick in his voice.
Trisha hadn’t realized she was actually crying. She wrapped her arm around his little shoulders. “No, I’m not mad. I’m very proud of you. You are growing up so fast, and you’re so wise.”
“It’s all those books you make me read.”
Trisha laughed. “No, it’s you. You are a good boy and one day you’re going to be a good man.” She didn’t have to worry about him landing himself behind bars like his father. Petey was okay. They were fine, and they were going to continue to be fine. “What did Justin and Jett say when you told them your dad was in prison?”
Petey squirmed under her arm. “They asked a bunch of questions. They wanted to know why he was there and if he was ever coming back. Then they asked about your divorce. Their mom and dad are getting one, too, but not because he’s going to prison.”
Trisha twisted her bracelet around her wrist as she listened. Della Rose said that she hadn’t told the twins just yet, but it appeared the boys were as perceptive as Petey. “Right. So back to the subject of Jake. We like each other, but he’s still leaving town. I want to make sure you understand that.”
“I know. But his grandma lives next door,” Petey argued. “And I left my grandma in Sweetwater Springs, and I’m going to visit her all the time. So when Jake leaves, it’s not forever. He’ll be back, Mom.”
* * *
Jake had never enjoyed Sunset Over Somerset this much growing up.
He reached out for Trisha’s hand. They were under the stars and being serenaded by music onstage. Petey had run off to Della Rose’s blanket to be with his friends a half hour ago.
It was just Jake and Trisha. Yeah, 70 percent of the town was here tonight, but it felt like, here on this blanket, they were in their own little bubble. A bubble for two.
“Hey, you two.” Lucy stepped over with Moira. “Are we interrupting?” She looked between them.
Jake wanted to say yes, but Trisha answered first.
“No, of course not. Not at all,” Trisha said cheerily. She radiated happiness. When he’d first met her, she’d offered a reluctant smile. There’d been a guard that had fallen as quickly as he had for her.
“Good.” Lucy and Moira sat down on the blanket.
“Okay, I have good news!” Moira said. “Your website is finished.”
“Already? You just offered last night. I just sent you a couple pictures earlier today.”
Moira shrugged. “It was easy. And the photos you sent me were amazing. I had no idea you were so talented.”
Trisha shook her head and deflected the compliment. “I’m not really. I’m just playing around with my camera.”
“Well, you have a great eye. They were terrific. The website is seriously very simple, but sometimes less is more. You want prospective customers to focus on what you’re offering anyway. I emailed you the link to the website. Check it out later and tell me what you think.”
“I will. Thank you so much,” Trisha said.
“And send me the link too,” Lucy told Moira. “I want to forward it to my friend Ainsley.”
“You got it.”
Lucy practically squealed. “I will be so happy to have my friend move closer to me. It would also be awesome to help you out. How many cottages are left to rent?” Lucy asked.
“Seven after Jake leaves,” Trisha said quietly.
“Right.” Lucy looked at him. “I guess some part of me blocked out the fact that you were leaving soon. It’s good to have you home. Anyway, we’ll leave you two alone.” Lucy gave Trisha a meaningful look that didn’t escape Jake’s notice. It was the kind of look that women gave each other when there was a new love interest.
Jake looked down at his hands. How did a couple short weeks turn into a love interest?
“Bye, guys,” Lucy said, standing. “Going to save Tess. Gilbert is talking to her. He’s probably looking for Moira.” Lucy winked.
“Stop it!” Moira complained as she stood as well. Then she follow
ed behind Lucy toward a nearby blanket.
Trisha laughed and looked at Jake. “I haven’t met this Gilbert guy yet.”
“He likes to be called Gil,” Jake pointed out.
“Is that what his friends call him?” she asked.
“No, no.” Jake shook his head on a laugh. “His friends definitely call him Gilbert just to mess with him.”
Trisha laughed even more. “So I guess we might be about to rent out one of the six…seven cottages.”
“I guess so.”
“That’s reason to celebrate.”
“Well, I just so happen to have a present for the occasion. I didn’t know this was going to happen, but it seems fitting.” Jake reached into the picnic basket that Vi had packed for them again tonight.
“You got me a present?” Trisha asked. “It’s not my birthday.”
He slid his gaze to meet hers. “When is that, by the way? I don’t want to miss it.”
“October,” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
He wouldn’t be here in October. “I’ll have to remember that.” He pulled out the purchase from Tess’s bookstore. “Sorry I didn’t wrap it.”
Trisha gasped as she looked at the book. “How did you know I wanted this?”
“I didn’t. I was in there buying a book for myself.”
Trisha tilted her head. “Let me guess, a how-to book on something interesting?”
“Camping. I promised Petey so…”
Trisha’s lips parted. She fanned her eyes for a moment.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just emotional tonight it seems. I’ve already cried once with Petey.” She placed the photography book in her lap. “He told the twins about his dad being in prison.”
“Oh.” Jake stiffened. “And?”
“And I’m proud of him, actually. His head and his heart are in the right space. I’m the one who needs to get with the program.”
Jake reached for her hand again. “I think you’re amazing, if that counts for anything.”