Page 14 of Summer in Kentbury
“You know,” I start, choosing my words carefully, “sometimes, figuring out what we don’t want is just as important as figuring out what we do.”
“What is it that you don’t want?” Her question catches me off guard.
The list is long. I don’t want all the meetings I’ll have to attend once I’m back in Boston. Maybe I will have to give up and tell my father his company is done, but I don’t want to do it. He has to sell it or just close it and give a good severance to his most loyal employees. Probably stop pretending that I don’t own my own business or . . .
I have to stop living a double life. But Lavender doesn’t need to learn any of that. I doubt I’ll see this woman after I head back home. She’ll return to New York and I’m definitely not setting foot in this place again. Which makes it easy to lie when I say, “Well, for starters, I don’t want any more surprises like mylast birthday party. Imagine thinking you’re going to a quiet dinner and ending up at a surprise karaoke bash with your ex in attendance.”
Lavender laughs, the sound bright and easy. “That sounds—horrifying, actually. Were you forced to sing a duet?”
“Worse,” I groan playfully. “I had to sing ‘Endless Love.’ And let me tell you, it felt endless.”
She giggles, shaking her head. “Somehow I don’t believe that you’ve ever been to a karaoke party—or have had any kind of celebration that doesn’t include stuffy suits like you.”
“Judgy much?” I tease her.
Lavender shakes her head. “Nah, just calling you out on your lie. But enough about you. It’s your turn to ask me.”
I nod, leaning back on the log, thinking it over. “Alright, what’s one thing you definitely don’t want out of your time here in Kentbury?”
She bites her lip, her brows furrowing as she ponders the question. I can’t help but stare, captivated by the way she loses herself in thought. “I don’t want to just sit around feeling sorry for myself,” she finally says, her voice filled with determination. “I came here to heal, not to brood.” She pauses, a flicker of pain crossing her features. “And definitely no more getting involved with guys who have more secrets than a spy.”
“That’s fair,” I reply. “No spies. Got it. How about we make a pact? No wallowing and no falling for mysterious, secretive types?”
“Just having fun . . . Unexpected fun, like skinnydipping in the lake, bonfires and . . . More.” She extends her hand, and I shake it, feeling a surprising jolt of warmth from the simple touch. My skin tingles where our fingers meet, and I find myself reluctant to let go.
“What’s more?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. I lean in closer, drawn to her as if pulled by the gravitational force of a hidden planet.
“We can go to festivals, go on hikes . . . Places where there’s music, maybe some dancing. It could be fun, or at least a distraction.” Lavender’s eyes light up. “That actually sounds great. It’s a date.”
Lavender’s cheeks flush a pretty pink, and she quickly corrects, “A friend date.”
“Of course, a friend date,” I agree, my voice softer than I intend. There’s something about her quick smile and her earnest eyes that makes me want to agree to just about anything. I find myself getting lost in her gaze, wondering if she feels the same inexplicable pull that I do.
Chapter Seven
Lavender
It’s barelypast lunch when Ruby’s incredulous ringtone comes through the phone. “I had to learn what’s been happening to you through the Kentbury grapevine.” Her voice rises with each word, frustration evident in her tone. I can picture her pacing back and forth, her free hand waving wildly as she speaks.
I chuckle softly, trying to lightenthe mood. “Wow, who gave you caffeine after ten in the morning?” I reply.
“Come on, be serious for a second. I’m not sure where to start. I mean, our parents sold the house. Are you kidding me?” She lets out an exasperated sigh, and I can almost feel the tension radiating through the phone. “I was planning on heading up next weekend so the kids could spend some time with you.”
“Right. I was definitely surprised when I found out yesterday. Well, at least you found out before you got here, unlike me. I do have good news and bad news though,” I say. My fingers fidget with the hem of my tank top, enjoying the momentary suspense.
“What is the good news?” Ruby asks, her voice suddenly filled with excitement.
“The Kentbury grapevine is still working perfectly. Actually, it’s so good that the information gets all the way down to Maryland in less than twenty-four hours.”
Ruby groans. “Lavender, this isn’t funny. What’s going on? Are you okay?” Her voice shifts from annoyed to concerned, and I can hear the worry in there too.
“Oh, it’s in fact hilarious,” I counter, still grinning. “So who told you about my eventful day?” I ask, as I start grabbing my clothes so I can take a shower. It’s been a long day, and it’s just the beginning.
“Don’t worry about who told me. You didn’t answer my questions. Are you okay though?”
I sober up, realizing that she’s genuinely upset. “I’m fine, Rubes. It’s just been a lot to process, youknow?” I admit, searching for my shampoo. I’m pretty sure I brought it with me. “The house, the temporary job offer, everything’s happening so fast . . .”
As I delve into the details, she listens without interruption.
