Page 34 of Novel Problems

Hannah laughed.

“It’s true! Max and I might make a stop at Van Hoorn’s Creamery. It has the best ice cream in Putnam County, possibly New York State. And the world, for that matter. Would you like to join us, or should we drop you off on the way?” I raised an eyebrow. “It’s really delicious.”

Hannah smiled. “How could I say no after that ringing endorsement?”

Ten minutes later, Max was tied up outside the creamery next to a water bowl while Hannah agonized over her flavor selection under the attentive gaze of the owners, Mark, and his wife, Cheryl. While the creamery was housed in a three-story Victorian house near the pier and had old-school signage and decor, the flavors were anything but old-school. I’d already selected a strawberry, balsamic, and black pepper ice cream in a cup and, having sampled a number of flavors, Hannah was debating between the red cherry and goat cheese or dark chocolate and paprika.

“Argh, I can’t decide!” Hannah frowned, looking adorably serious as she weighed her options, and then her face broke into a half smile. “Screw it! I’ll get both—in a cone, please.”

Mark grinned. “Done. Did you two enjoy the film screening? I saw you there.”

“It was a great night,” I said as casually as I could muster.

I took a bite of my ice cream in hopes that it might counteract the warmth that crept up my cheeks at the memory of sitting through multiple sex scenes and gallons of sexual innuendo with Hannah. I caught Mark’s gaze by accident and could have sworn there was a knowing twinkle in his eye. Perhaps it had been just as awkward for him, sitting next to his daughter, as it had been for me.

Ice creams in hand, we walked past the bandstand to the pier and leaned against the railing overlooking the Hudson. It was still light, and across the blue expanse of river, the green, tree-covered mountains were visible. The water lapped at the posts of the pier.

Hannah moaned, the sound sending my insidesfizzing and my head jerking in her direction. “This ice cream is incredible!”

“Yeah, Mark and Cheryl are really passionate about experimenting with new flavors and techniques. I’m glad it’s living up to the hype.” I chuckled. “Remember how you thought Mark was a finance bro who was married to his daughter?” I spooned a scoop of ice cream into my mouth, savoring the unusual flavor combination which sounded questionable but somehow worked perfectly.

Hannah laughed, shaking her head. “I couldn’t have been more wrong. He is an ice-cream-making genius.”

She took another lick of her ice cream, her pink tongue sliding over the chocolate.Oh god.A shiver of desire shot down my spine.

“If you don’t mind me asking, why did you decide to move to Sapphire Springs?”

Hannah drew her gaze away from the river and looked at me. “I fell in love with this place when I was at NYU. I came out for day trips, occasionally a weekend away. It always felt like such a…tranquil escape from city life. All the gorgeous nineteenth-century buildings, being nestled in nature right next to this”—Hannah gestured to the river—“and the mountains. And everyone who lived here always seemed so happy and friendly.” My heart warmed hearing that Hannah seemed to love Sapphire Springs as much as I did.

I chuckled. “You clearly didn’t catch Romina on a bad cooking day or Rory Goldsworthy, ever.”

Hannah grinned. “No, I got lucky. I know there are some exceptions, but don’t you think people seem happier here generally than in the city? In New York, everyone seems to be in a rush—to get somewhere or to achievesomething. It’s different here. People here seem to have more time to be in the moment and actually enjoy life.”

Hannah took a long, slow lick of her ice cream, her tongue swirling to catch some of the drips that were starting to make their way down the cone.I wonder what it would be like to kiss her, for that tongue to be exploring my mouth…I blinked.Pull it together, George.I tore my eyes away and focused my attention on the view of river and answering Hannah’s question.

I nodded. “Even with work being so hectic lately, at least I haven’t had to deal with long commutes and the other stresses of city living on top of that. And being able to take Max out in the evenings like this, being able to breath in fresh air and enjoy this incredible view without being surrounded by other people, is the perfect way to unwind.” Hannah had stopped licking her ice cream for now, so it was safe for me to turn my gaze back to her. “So you’d been planning this move for a while?”

“Well, I always thought I’d end up here—or somewhere like here—eventually, but my plans were accelerated recently.” Hannah’s face clouded, suggesting that the reason for the acceleration wasn’t a happy one. Perhaps it was the divorce she’d mentioned?

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said gently.

“It’s fine.” Hannah raised the cone to her mouth, parted her lips and then closed them around the ice cream. This time, I couldn’t look away. “What about you? Why did you decided to move here?”

Mesmerized, I watched Hannah savor the mouthful of ice cream and then swallow it. She stared at me with a raised eyebrow, and I realized I hadn’t answered her question.

“Sorry. I think I mentioned I grew up in Florida, near Tampa, but my grandma lived in Sapphire Springs, and I used to visit her at least once a year.” Gran, my dad’s mom, was no longer with us, but the love we’d shared for this town remained. “Like you, I fell in love with it. Compared to where I grew up, it’s so quaint. I come from suburban sprawl, rows of characterless 1960’s brick houses on grassy lawns in a planned community. Whereas this place just feels steeped in history.”

Hannah nodded. “I know what you mean. Even while New York and Chicago—which is where I grew up—have amazing old buildings, there are also skyscrapers and so many other signs of modern life—like Times Square and all its billboards.” Hannah shuddered and I grinned. I avoided Times Square like the plague every time I was in the city. “Whereas Sapphire Springs has really retained its character.”

“While still having high-speed internet, running water and electricity, not to mention amazing ice cream,” I said, and ate another large spoonful.

Hannah laughed. “It really is the best of both worlds.”

The light was beginning to fade, but the air was still warm. “I also love the seasons here. In Florida, it’s either warm, hot, or hot and humid, but in this part of the world every season is so unique. Summer’s heat, fall’s foliage, winter’s coziness, and spring’s bloom. I swear, now that I’ve moved here, my memories seem stronger, and I think it might be because they’re linked to the changing seasons. It’s almost as if the seasons mark the passing of time.” I sensed Hannah’s eyes on me, and heat crept up my face. I’d gotten carried away rhapsodizing about the seasons, to an extremely talented author of all people. “Sorry, that probably doesn’t make any sense.”

Hannah smiled. “No. I totally get it. I vividly rememberthe hike I did in September two years ago in the Catskills, and I think it was because it was the first time it really felt like fall that year. The air was so cool and crisp, and the leaves were starting to change. If it hadn’t been for that, the hike probably would have blended in with all the other hikes I’ve done over the years.” Hannah paused. “By the way, have you ever considered being a writer? That was very poetic.”

I chuckled, relieved that Hannah understood what I meant. “God no, I’m quite happy promoting writers and reading their books, but I can’t imagine writing one.” A thought struck me. “Speaking of writing, how quiet are you planning to keep your pen name in Sapphire Springs? Maintaining your privacy is clearly really important to you, but I’m just wondering if it’s okay to mention it to Blake. Of course, I won’t say anything if you don’t want me to.”

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