Page 142 of Hoax and Kisses
And finally,finally, three months ago, just in time for the tourist season, the new and improved Butterfly Inn opened its doors. Bookings have reached a record high. Carl’s expedition trips are sold out until next year, the microbrewery tours we’ve organized with Cooper are a must-hit on the Pine Falls itinerary, and Mia and Rosie are the official breakfast suppliers.
The town has been thriving, and the best part is that the locals are reaping the rewards of all that hard work.
“What are you thinking about?” Matt asks as we walk hand in hand into the room.
“How far everybody has come this year. It feels like a whole new town. Don’t you think?”
He squeezes my hand. “It does, and you have everything to do with it.”
I smile, accepting the compliment, knowing he won’t allow the brush-off on the tip of my tongue.
“Why do you think Rob called this emergency meeting?” James asks when we get to our group of friends.
“It has to be about Emile’s land,” Oliver says. “It’s been sitting on the town’s books for too long. They have to decide what to do with it.”
“Hopefully someone will propose something soon,” I mutter as Matt guides me into a chair.
“How’s school going?” Charlee asks, leaning forward to peer around Oliver.
“Good,” I say. “Saving every penny I can to eventually open my own practice in town one day.”
Matt hums next to me, his arm resting on the back of my chair. His support over the past few months has been unwavering.
Opening a practice here in Pine Falls. That’s the new dream. But between the money I poured into the program for Matt’s store and the renovations at the Butterfly Inn, my bank account is running low.
Mom offered to help me, but she already lives on a relatively tight budget. Having her by my side, supporting me at every turn, means more to me than any amount of money could. When I broke down and told her about the Pine Falls saga, we spent hours on the phone, the two of us fighting to catch our breath between sobs.
Despite its loads of challenges, this year has been transformative in so many ways. The most important change of them all was the shift in my career and aspirations. It took me a while to find the specialty that was right for me and even longer to figure out what I want to achieve after I finish school.
All my life, others have made choices for me. Then, last year, I suddenly found myself standing in front of a blank canvas, and the sheer number of options was overwhelming. But with Matt and my mom acting like my own personal cheerleaders, celebrating victories as ridiculous as when I passed my first exam, I’m no longer afraid.
It’ll take time, but I’ll get my practice up and running. And once I do, it’ll be the most reputable pediatric practice in all of BC. I’ll make sure of it.
“Everyone, please grab a seat. This won’t take long,” Rob says into the mic, his tone official. “Thank you. The matter on the table tonight is a vote on a project for Emile’s land, as I’m sure everybody knows.”
Frowning, I tilt closer to Matt. “Did you know?”
“No.”
“Matt,” Rob calls. “Would you join me up here, please?”
Twisting to face him head-on, I blink.
Matt only grins, a slow, teasing expression that suddenly makes my stomach flip.
“Okay, maybe I knew a little bit.” He drops a quick kiss on my cheek. “Okay, bye.”
Then he’s gone. Up and out of his seat before I can string a single thought together.
My heart takes off at a sprint as he joins Rob at the podium. What is happening?
I glance at Lola, and when she spots me, a mysterious smirk tugs at the corner of her mouth. Charlee catches my eye and winks.Winks.
What is going on?
“Thank you all for coming tonight,” Matt says into the mic. His voice moves over me like a caress. “As we all know, we welcomed a new member into the Pine Falls family last year.” His eyes find me. He always finds me. “She arrived in ridiculous shoes and yelled at me for almost running her over while her head was buried in her phone. Remember that, honey?”
As laughter bubbles up around me, I manage a dazed nod.
