Page 7 of Summer in Kentbury
The man’s arrogant tone and dismissive words make me want to push him into the cool waters of the nearby lake. I clench my fists, struggling to bite back a sharp retort as I feel my temper rising.
Lou, standing nearby with her broom, raises an eyebrow in amusement at the exchange between us.
Feeling defeated, I drop my phone onto the mattress and slump my shoulders in frustration. “What am I supposed to do now? I had planned on staying for a few weeks, maybe even the entire summer.”
Lou offers a sheepish smile and explains that they are currently hiring personnel for their upcoming camp. “We’ll provide room and board,” she adds.
Sinclair immediately interjects with disapproval. “You can’t just hire a stranger like that. She could be a serial killer or worse.”
I can feel my glare intensify toward Sinclair as I cross my arms over my chest. “I assure you, I am not a serial killer. You, however, are quite skilled at being an asshole.”
Lou chuckles at my remark while I shoot a smirkin Sinclair’s direction. “Not that I’m accepting the job offer, but I do have some skills. I design and sell light fixtures for a living.”
Lou suggests we conduct an interview tomorrow and to show me their plans for the camp once I’ve rested. She winks mischievously as she mentions I use the mattress they brought in.
Sinclair immediately protests, his face turning red with frustration as he throws his hands up in the air. “The mattress is mine, and she is not staying with me.”
“I was thinking more along the lines of you heading back to live with Paul while she stays here,” Lou counters with a sly grin.
Paul takes a step closer, his expression apologetic and sincere. “Look, we’re really sorry about the mix-up. Why don’t we help you get settled back into town? Dinner, on us? We can discuss how we might be able to make this work for all of us.”
My initial impulse is to storm out of town and drive four hours back to my small apartment, but the thought of making that journey again is exhausting. And where would I even stay? I leased my place to a student, thinking it was a good idea at the time. Now, I’m regretting that decision as I realize just how vulnerable and dependent on these strangers I am.
I bite my lip, feeling completely at their mercy and unsure of what to do next.
Okay, I’m officially screwed.
“Dinner, huh?” I say with a reluctant smile, tugging at my lips. “You’re lucky I’m starving, and you two definitely don’t fit the typical trespasserprofile.” I uncross my arms, trying to ease the tension in my body as I take in their friendly faces.
“Trust me, we’re harmless. Mostly.” Paul glances at his brother with a teasing grin.
I can’t help but let out a genuine laugh, the weight on my shoulders slightly lifting. Maybe this unexpected detour isn’t such a disaster after all. Maybe it’s exactly what I need to get my life back on track.
“Alright, you’ve convinced me to have a meal with you,” I concede, grabbing my bag from the floor. “Lead the way to this promised dinner. But fair warning, I have a big appetite.”
Lou grins and links her arm through mine. “Oh honey, you’re in for a treat. The food at the resort is to die for. We’ll come back later and clean up.”
“Or,” Paul chimes in thoughtfully, “we could set you up at the resort or the Bed and Breakfast for a night or two while we work on fixing up the house. We can’t have our new employee staying in an unsafe environment.”
Before I can tell them I haven’t accepted their offer, Sinclair complains, “Hey, you were willing to leave me here with the dust and dirt.”
Lou’s reply is matter-of-fact as she states, “You deserve it. I’m still upset with you—plus you need a lesson in humbleness.” Then, she turns her attention toward me. “So, which one of the Wilde sisters are you, Ruby or Lavender?”
My confusion must have shown on my face because Lou nods knowingly and explains, “Yeah,before we bought the house, Knightly told us about her friend Ruby and little sister Lavi.”
A smile spreads across my face as I remember why I loved this town so much. People just become a part of Kentbury, and even when you leave, you still have a friend or two who keep your memory alive.
“Ruby is my sister. I’m Lavender,” I correct her, hoping she doesn’t use my childhood nickname.
“Well, Lavi, welcome back,” Lou says warmly, but I don’t correct her this time.
“I’m not staying,” I weakly protest, but my heart isn’t fully in it. The thought of being back in Kentbury, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, is more appealing than I care to admit.
These people may be strangers, but they’re also part of Kentbury and that already makes them friends in a way. My parents may have forgotten to mention that they sold the house, but they would never sell it to just anyone. Maybe it’ll be okay to stick around? I do have enough money to stay at the B&B for a couple of days, and perhaps the Harrises will give me a discount since they’re practically family.
I don’t really have anywhere else to go. Driving down to Maryland to stay with Ruby, her husband, and their three children doesn’t seem like the best option. As much as I love them, they don’t need me imposing.
“My siblings have gone mad with this mission to convert everyone they know into Kentbury citizens. They won’t listen to reason,” Sinclair says, a faint smile playing at the corners of his blue eyes as he looks at me. I feel my breath catch in my throat, takenaback by the sudden warmth emanating from his gaze.
