Page 57 of Love Thy Neighbor

I hold back my sigh because I have a feeling I know what’s coming next.

I steeple my hands together, resting my chin on them. “Shoot.”

“So, you know how we have the Harristown Jubilee in a month…”

She pauses, probably waiting for me to interrupt her.

I don’t.

“I was thinking…it’s a huge community thing, and peoplelovesupporting each other here. They want to buy local and buy handmade. So…”

“River,” I say when she pauses again. “We both know where this is going. Just get to the point already.”

“Right.” She flashes a quick smile. “Well, since we both know, I want you to put your pieces up. Like, I want you to showcase them at the festival. Front and center. I want it to be what everyone sees first when they come to our truck.”

I push my shoulders back, sitting up straight, surprised.

I knew she was going to ask me to put a few pieces in the lineup, but this? This is big.

We’re both well aware that this event istheevent of the year. It’s what paid for the rest of the mobile truck we saved all year for. It’s what pays for our Christmas bonuses.

Asking me to put my stuff out there is big. Asking me to put it front and center…wow.

If I fail, we fail, and that’s an important thing to shoulder.

I’m sure you’re talented, Caroline, but your silly hobby isn’t going to pay your bills. You need a real career.

My dad’s words float through my mind like they always do when I get excited about designing.

I like to think I’m a decent designer, but front-window-worthy? There’s no way.

Sensing my hesitation, River reaches across the counter, covering my hands with hers.

“Look, I know it’s a big ask, but you’re a fantastic designer, Caroline. Don’t think I don’t pay attention to what you stroll in here wearing.” She nods toward the top I have on, which used to be a blanket and is now a fringe sweater. “You have an eye for this. You’re trendy while still being unique, and I think your pieces will really make us stand out this year. This place is a hodgepodge of local talent, and I want you to be a part of it.”

She squeezes my hands.

“Just think it over, okay? Even if you come to me at the last minute and decide you want in, I’ll make it happen. If you don’t want to, that’s fine too. I just had to put this out there since you’re on this kick of trying new things, like macking on your best friend.”

I smile when she winks.

“Thank you,” I tell her. “I’m really not sure I’m ready, but I promise to think it over.”

Her eyes spark with hope as she pushes off the counter. “It’s not a yes, but it’s not a definite no either, so I’ll take it.” She brushes her hands together. “My work here is done, then. I’m going to get back to poring over the inventory. I have to be out of here on time tonight or Dean said he’s going to storm the store and carry me out.Again.”

River has a bad habit of spending too much time at work, and though she’s gotten better about it since she started dating Dean, she still gets in theseI need to do all the things and need to do them nowmodes. He’s always there to support her…and drag her back to reality, sometimes literally.

“I saw the look on your face when he hauled you over his shoulder. You totally liked it.”

“Idolike it when he smacks my ass.” She bounces her brows up and down, grinning, and her eyes get that now familiar lovestruck haze in them as she starts to think about Dean.

With a giggle, probably because she’s thinking dirty thoughts, she practically skips to her office.

I let her offer simmer the rest of the afternoon.

I have pieces ready. Not a lot and they’re mostly just in my size, but the design is there and that’s always the hardest part. The festival is a month away. It’d take some work to make new pieces in varied sizes, but it’s doable. Not like I have a social life anyway.

River was right—I have been trying new things lately.

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