Page 38 of Falling For You

“Dad and I went on a stroll, and your window shades were wide open.”

I sighed, feeling uncertain about what to say next.

“It’s none of my business,” she teased, sipping the water.

I laughed and shook my head. “No. It’s not like that. Remember the guy tromping around Vern’s property the other day? That’s him.”

“You’re trying to sweet talk him out of answers with dinner?”

I laughed and set my cider down. “No. Not quite. He actually asked me out yesterday morning, and I forgot by the time dinner rolled around. I’d already stuck a casserole in the oven, and he showed up.”

She snickered. “That sounds exactly like the Violet I know.”

“Worst part of it was I chose to make a new recipe that involved sauerkraut and corned beef.”

“Oh, I’m sure the smells were lovely.”

“Very enticing.” I laughed and nodded. “He actually seemed to like it. Had two servings.”

“Might be a keeper.” My mom patted my arm and cocked her head slightly. “But what’s truly on your mind?”

“I know it’s too soon to even talk about this, let alone think about it, but I always fall for guys who aren’t right for me.” I sighed with a silly smile on my face. “And after hanging out with Owen and thinking about how we first met, it’s like deja vu.”

My mom came up beside me, and her voice softened. “I know you’ve gone for men who tend to be emotionally unavailable or—”

I laughed. “Mom, these guys don’t tend to be. They are completely checked out before we get through the first date. It’s like I zero in on the men prioritizing work over love.” I shook my head and raised my hand. “And I’m definitely not saying I’m headed that way with Owen. I’ve just met him, but I couldn’t help but realize last night that here I went again. Even when I’ve moved far away from the big city, I find the one guy who’s attached to his phone like they’re magnetized to one another. The kicker is he’s even here on business.”

My mom nodded slowly and grimaced. “I see what you’re saying.”

I glanced outside to see the wind blowing a few leaves down. “I mean, let’s be honest. Buttercup Lake isn’t exactly a bustling hub of business activities.”

“No, it’s definitely not that.”

“Anyway, I know Owen won’t be here for long, and there’s nothing to worry about since we won’t actually be dating. It’s just that the epiphany smacked me on the side of my head.” I chuckled. “I’m the problem. My picker is off.”

My mom’s hand rested softly on my shoulder, and she chuckled. “It’s not you, Vi. You can’t help who you’re attracted to, and you can’t be sure Owen is like the rest of them.”

“I’d be a fool to think he wasn’t.” I shrugged. “I can just tell. But again, this revelation isn’t about him. It’s about me. I go for the unavailable guys.”

“What is that telling you, honey?” she asked, cocking her head slightly. “If you truly believe what you’re telling me, what is that tellingyouabout yourself?”

“I don’t know,” I said, ignoring the knot in my stomach.

Maybe that I hadn’t been available either?

My mom’s loving gaze rested on me as she brushed my cheek like when I was a kid. “You know more about yourself than you let on. But one day, your heart and mind will finally be on the same page.”

“Is that the sort of pep talk you give Liddie too?”

She chuckled. “You’re an amazing daughter, friend, sister…” My mom let out a deep breath. “So don’t be so hard on yourself. It will all work out when it’s meant to. If it takesButtercup Lake for this eureka moment to pop up for you, then great.”

“You always make me feel calmer,” I told her. “How do you do that? I was ready to run in circles with my thoughts.”

“That’s what moms are for.”

I grinned. “However, I did go over to Vern’s and knock on the door to see what was going on.”

My mom’s right brow arched. “And?”

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