Page 19 of Hometown Girl

“But shouldn’t I use them to create the life I’ve wanted instead of building a new one here with Molly?”

Lilian stayed quiet for a few long moments. “I suppose. If that’s what you really want.”

Beth sighed. “It’s like a conspiracy around here.”

“I assure you, it’s not.” Her mom’s tone stayed soft. “You just get these ideas in your head, Beth. The way things are supposed to be. The things you’re supposed to accomplish. I wish I could erase all of that and help you figure out what your heart wants.”

Beth shook her head. “That’s not how I’m wired.”

Her mother stopped shuffling. “That’s not how youthinkyou’re wired.”

“I can’t believe we’re even having a conversation about this. What are you saying? You think I should join Molly in this crazy, doomed project?”

“You need a change.”

“I’m fine.” Beth stared off toward the house.

Lilian ignored her. “Can you think of a more exciting change than this?” Her eyes almost sparkled in the light of dusk. “For once in your life, what if you did something completely unexpected? What if you even surprised yourself?”

“Anything in Willow Grove isn’t exactly my idea of a surprise.”

“Beth, youlivehere. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Then why did it feel wrong?

She needed to stay focused on what really mattered. Making things right at Whitaker Mowers. Taking care of her mom. Being smart with her money.

And yet, as she drifted off to sleep that night, the image of a big white barn floated through her mind.

Chapter Five

Butler’s Bake Shop sat smack at the center of downtown Willow Grove. On either side of Town Hall Road, visitors perused boutiques, antiques and historical buildings. Cafés and sweet shops, like the old-fashioned ice cream parlor on the corner, drew tourists in from the city and beyond. But the locals preferred Butler’s.

It was quaint without being overly charming, the kind of place the hometown crowd could appreciate.

And for Beth, Butler’s was chock-full of memories. Being the best friend of the owners’ daughter, she’d practically grown up sitting on the last bar stool, closest to the kitchen, a plate of freshly made french fries between her and Callie. They’d watch Callie’s parents, JimBob and Verna Butler, maneuver their way from the kitchen to the main floor, chatting up their loyal patrons.

If Beth didn’t know better, she’d almost think JimBob and Verna had no interest in appealing to tourists. They’d done little to keep the place updated, and they didn’t even have a website. In many ways, they were Willow Grove’s best-kept secret. After all, they made pot roast and mashed potatoes that would rival Paula Deen’s.

The morning after the disaster of a family meeting, and after a restless night of practically no sleep, Beth walked in and spotted Callie waiting on someone near the back set of booths.

Beth made a beeline for the same booth near the back that she’d claimed since she was twelve years old, which was about the time the bar stool became “uncool.” Callie gave her a quick nod, then turned her attention back to her customer—a handsome stranger Beth hadn’t seen before.

Odd. He must’ve wandered in. Goodness knows he couldn’t locate Butler’s on his iPhone.

“I’ll be right back, Beth,” Callie said, then whisked off toward the kitchen.

Before Beth could respond, Dina Larson locked eyes with her from a table right in the center of the room.

And this was the downside of strolling into places where only the locals seemed to gather. Dina had moved out of town not long after high school, and Beth would’ve lost track of her if it weren’t for Ginny Larson, Dina’s grandmother. Ginny had a way of broadcasting Dina’s latest.

“Did you hear about Dina’s engagement party? It happened on a yacht right next to Navy Pier. It cost a fortune, but her fiancé isR-I-C-Hrich, and he said, ‘Only the best for my Dina.’”

Beth forced a smile and reminded herself to be nice.

Dina’s smile widened as she approached, and Beth noticed the woman’s teeth were perfectly straight and blindingly white. Beth’s smile faded as she felt suddenly self-conscious and worried that her teeth weren’t bright enough.

“Beth Whitaker,” Dina said. “I haven’t seen you in ages. My grandma told me you were still in Willow Grove. I must say, I was a little surprised.”

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