Page 51 of Checking Mr. Wrong
Neesha’s eyes widen. “That’s all people were talking about before the season kicked off here. They ran out of money, I think. Programming changed, they’ve stripped things back.”
I nod. “Mom mentioned it to me, too. Said they barely have news on that station anymore. It’s like a small lifeline is going away.”
“Except it isn’t,” Willa says, grinning like a cat who definitely caught the canary—and maybe the whole flock. “Noah and I want to back it, but we don’t have enough capital. So—drumroll, please—we found investors, you guys. We’re going to revamp that station and make it something good.”
Neesha claps her hands together, practically vibrating with excitement. “Oh my gosh, Willa! That’s huge! Are you serious?”
“Dead serious,” Willa replies, her grin softening into something more reflective. “I’ve missed being part of something that matters, and this…this feels right. It’ll be a lot of work, but I’m ready for it. It not only gives back to Maple Falls, but it’ll help be a conduit for the rest of the rural area out this way, too.”
“This is incredible,” I say, my mind racing to catch up with the scope of what she’s just shared. “You’re actually going to run a TV station?”
“Not just run it. Transform it. Local stories, real journalism. Definitely fun stuff for the community.” Willa’s eyes sparkle with the kind of energy that comes from a dream that’s just about to become reality. “I’ve been sitting on this news for weeks, and I couldn’t keep it in any longer. We’re signing the paperwork next week.”
Neesha beams. “Girl, you’re amazing. This town needs something like this. People need something like this.”
“Thanks, Neesha. I hope it works out the way we’re planning. Anyway, I’ve got to run, but I’ll touch base with you girls soon.”
Willa hugs us both before heading for the door, her excitement still radiating even as she waves goodbye.
As the door swings shut behind her, I’m left standing there, feeling like I’ve been caught in the wake of a whirlwind. Willa’s enthusiasm is infectious, but her words stick with me, gnawing at the edges of my mind. Something about her boldness, her drive to jump into something so audacious, leaves me spinning. I’ve been so focused on keeping my own life steady that it’s almost jarring to see someone throw caution to the wind and leap.
“Can you believe her?” Neesha’s voice pulls me back.
I level my gaze on my dear friend. “Yes, a woman who is strong and smart, who is grabbing her life like a bull––by the horns and owning it.” I shrug my shoulders. “Seems there might be another woman in this shop who could do the same thing…”
“Oh pot, are you trying to name me as the kettle?” Neesha teases, but before I can answer, the bell over the door jingles as another customer walks in. “Hold that thought,” she says with a wink before moving to help them.
I’m alone now, still standing by the counter. The faint hum of the espresso machine and the soft chatter of other customers fade into the background as I replay Willa’s words. There’s a spark of something. Excitement? Restlessness? I can’t quite put my finger on it. Whatever it is, it’s making my stomach twist in a way that feels suspiciously like possibility.
I love Maple Falls—I do—but even as a child, it never felt like home. Since I left here after high school and went to college, it’s become a stopover, a place to regroup before diving back into the pace of New York City. A place to visit, not to stay.
Yet, since I’ve been here this time, there’s a shift inside me. I want to deny that I know what it is, but I can’t. With Asher here, the town feels a little brighter, a little more charming. Even the quirks I used to roll my eyes at are suddenly seeming oddly endearing.
And that’s the problem, isn’t it? It’s not the town, not thefestivals or the people. It’s him. Asher. The man who can’t seem to stop invading my thoughts. Falling for him feels as natural as breathing, but it terrifies me. Because falling for him means letting go. Letting go of my plans, my city life, my carefully constructed future that is far away from Maple Falls.
The thought clutches at me, equal parts thrilling and unbearable. I glance toward the window, at the golden leaves swirling on the street outside. They move wherever the wind takes them, unrooted and free. But me? I’m not sure if I’m ready to let go of my roots or return to them, and can’t even fathom what will happen if I do either. I never saw him coming.
Neesha’s laughter rings out from across the counter, and I force myself to snap out of it, waving goodbye as I head toward the door. This isn’t the time to spiral. But as I step outside and feel the crisp autumn air bite at my cheeks, I know one thing for certain.
Asher Tremblay is changing everything, and I’m not sure I’m ready for it.
CHAPTER 18
MABEL
I don’t thinkthe ballroom at the Hawk River Lodge has ever looked this good. This isn’t what I expected. Not for a bachelor auction in Maple Falls, of all things. It’s gorgeous.
From where I’m sitting—tucked into the corner at a table near the back with my mother and her book club friends—I’ve got a perfect view of the room. Twinkling lights are strung across the ceiling like a canopy of stars, casting a warm glow over the crowd. The tables are draped in crisp white linens, each topped with arrangements of greenery and candles flickering in glass holders. It’s cozy and elegant, a far cry from the rustic lodge vibe I’m used to seeing here.
There’s a stage at the front of the room, complete with a banner stretched across the back, announcingMaple Falls First Annual Bachelor Auctionin looping, slightly uneven calligraphy. The velvet curtain behind it is forest green, the kind of fabric that catches the light and makes it shimmer, adding to the coziness of the room.
My phone buzzes on the table. I glance down and see Asher’s name.
Are you going to bid on me?
My head snaps up to the front of the room, where he’s seated at the table reserved for the bachelors. He catches my eye, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. I try to suppress my laugh as I quickly type back.
No.
