Page 10 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

Chapter Three

Liam visited the gyro truck for the next two days, hoping to see Stone. The man intrigued him. Stone seemed sweet, nice and welcoming—nothing like the ladies at the library. He’d never expected two octogenarians to be so catty.

Unfortunately, he hadn’t seen Stone and couldn’t locate the phone number to the animal shelter.

He’d spent three days in Cedarwood and hadn’t ventured beyond the food truck and the library. He should probably make a grocery run.

His phone rang. When he checked the ID, he noticed Patricia’s name. He stayed in the rental car and turned off the engine. At least he’d made it to the grocery store. “Hi.”

“Hi. How’s Cedarwood?”

“It’s been three days. It can’t let me down yet.” He pressed the button to lower the window and let air into the vehicle. “No one except my real estate agent and Tanner knows who I am. Two older ladies at the library recognized me, but I’ve lied to them about my identity. I figured I’d be found out by more people by now.”

“You think too much,” she said. “Plus, no one expects you to be there.”

“True.” He scrubbed his hand over his mouth. “What’s up?”

“I’m having the script couriered to you tomorrow. Start prepping. Get into character. No one in Cedarwood would be the wiser,” she said.

“I’ll know.” He didn’t mind stepping into his roles, but he’d already done enough lying. He hated being so fake with the people he was trying to impress. Besides, what would Stone say if he found out Liam was playing fast and loose with the truth?

“So?”

He groaned. “Just send the script.”

“Good boy. Made any friends?”

“Kind of.”

“Tanner and his family?”

“No, this guy runs the animal shelter.”

“He?”

“I can have male friends.”

“Until the paparazzi see you.”

“I’m off the leash. This is a guy and he’s a friend. It’ll be fine.” He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “Anything else?”

“No, I just wanted to keep an eye on you. I’ve had the rental car paid for the duration of your stay. The money for the duplex has been transferred and you should have plenty of cash in your account. Study these lines and become Ned.”

“Ned?”Gag.He wanted a more exciting name. “Could the character be renamed?”

“No.”

“Not even updated?”

“He lives in the middle of nowhere and he’s a plain kind of guy. Ned fits him.”

Whatever. He’d argue about the name later. Maybe he could lobby the director to change it. “I’ll do it.”

“Good,” she said. “You won’t regret it.”

“I’m sure.” He spotted Stone’s dented black truck. His heartbeat sped up. Excitement flowed through him. “I need to go.”

“Hot date?”

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