Page 68 of Falling For You

As soon as I walked in, the smells of cinnamon and fresh bread hit me. I spotted Ellen and Carol sitting in the corner, sipping their coffee.

“Violet, honey!” Ellen called out, waving me over. “What brings you here today? Your mom usually does all her own morning baking.”

I grinned and nodded. “Oh, she’s still at it. But I might grab a chocolate-filled croissant in a bit.” I slid into the seat across from them, trying to sound casual. “Have you two heard anything about the property next to our lodge? Someone said it might be going up for sale.”

Carol exchanged a glance with Ellen before leaning in, her voice low. “Oh, you mean the Medowski place? Yeah, I heardsome folks talking about it. Could be a big deal in the works, but no one’s saying much.” She eyed me cautiously. “Didn’t your parents have some agreement with Vern and his wife, though? Shouldn’t you all know about it?”

“Well, we don’t know much of anything…” My voice trailed off.

Ellen nodded, stirring her tea. “You know how these things go. Somebody from out of town is probably looking to buy it. Everybody wants a piece of Buttercup Lake these days.”

Owen.

My stomach twisted, and I hopped up from the table.

“Don’t you want that croissant, honey?” Ellen asked, following me.

Even though the last thing I felt like doing was eating, I breathed in and nodded. She trundled to the counter and slipped one in a bag for me.

“It’s on the house.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I still owe your mom for coming in last month when I was down with a cold.”

I smiled and thanked her quickly before heading back outside into the chilly air. I could barely focus—first, Jessie overhearing Owen’s conversation and then, these rumors.

Something was happening, and I needed to find Owen to get some answers.

I poked my head inside the coffee shop, looked around, and snuck out before Abby noticed.

I hurried over to the park and wandered the sandy beach. It always surprised the tourists that Wisconsin had sandy shores. I combed the area, and my heart sank when I realized Owen was too good at hiding.

When the sun started to dip low in the sky, I sat on a bench at Buttercup Lake. The water shimmered under the fading sunlight. The trees along the shore reflected on the glassy surface in a brilliant patchwork of color with the last few remaining leaves.

The setting was peaceful, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside me.

I stood at the lake's edge, arms wrapped around myself to keep warm as I stared at the water.

Why hadn’t he called me back? Where was he?

Just as I was about to head back to my car, my phone buzzed in my pocket. My heart leaped as I pulled it out, and I felt a flicker of hope for the briefest moment.

Owen’s name popped up with his message.

Can we talk?

Relief and anxiety crashed into me all at once as I typed out a quick response, my fingers trembling.

I texted back.

Of course. Where are you?

I stared at my phone, waiting for what felt like forever before his reply finally came through.

Meet me at your lodge. I’ll be there in 10 minutes.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket, taking a deep breath.

---