Page 21 of Everything Has Changed
“I’m kidding. I want nothing more than to work with you on this. Would ten o’clock work for you?” He starts walking backward, back to his own front door. I nod in response, knowing I’ll make it work simply so we don’t have to go back and forth on another time.
He speaks again when his hand lands on the door handle at the same time mine does. “Hey, Gwen? I can’t wait to spend the next few weeks getting to know you again. And making sure this is the most kickass Harvest Festival this town has ever seen.”
8
Gwendolyn
October in North Carolina could go one of two ways.
You either have the most beautiful fall known to man full of bright colors and crisp air, or the days are so hot you wonder if you time traveled right back to summer—but specifically in the Devil’s backyard.
Lucky for us, it seemed like we were getting the former this year. Which couldn’t have come at a better time, because I would not have been happy if I had to plan the festival in eighty degree weather.
There were a few unfortunate years where the attire was more shorts and tees than sweaters. It made for some sweaty pictures. We always made the best of it as a town, but I would be damned if I didn’t give the full Harvest Festival experience to them this year.
I had taken the moment to step outside in an attempt to slow down my overactive brain this morning while I watch the clock like it was a bomb preparing to explode as soon as it hit ten. While it might not actually explode, I might if my heated body is any indication of when the thought of Logan crosses my mind. The cooler air was a welcomed feeling against my skin.
Why did he have to get hotter? Why did he have to be such a smooth talker? Why did he have to know the exact formula to make my mind turn to mush and my body light on fire?
The questions were spinning ever since I left him in the hallway last night. So, when I saw a single chair slightly out of place from our windows, I announced to Piper and Stacy that I would take care of the tidying up outside. Usually it would be a fight over who got to spend a few free moments outside in the beautiful weather, but I must have been giving off vibes because they all but pushed me out the door.
A giggled shout comes from town square. The location of The Willow Whisk gives me a perfect view from where I tidy up our outside seating. A prime location for people watching right on the corner of a side street leading onto Main.
I always loved how the stores surrounded the square, their rich colors fitting every season. Especially now as the trees lining the street turn a mix of yellows and oranges and red with the autumn weather.
I turn toward the excited voices, watching for a moment as the teacher leads her class in painting pumpkins in front of the old gazebo. They must have walked from the elementary school a street over.
“Well, isn’t that adorable?”
A deep voice has me returning my attention to the task I originally started, and I finish pushing in the chair in front of me while taking in the man sitting at the corner table. He has a low baseball cap covering his eyes and a grin on his lips, which is momentarily covered by the coffee cup he brings to them. The gray beard on his face giving him a silver fox look I just know Piper appreciated when he came in to order.
“They sure do look like they are having fun, don’t they?” I ask. “Maybe we should all take the day and paint pumpkins.”
He chuckles, nodding his head in agreement. “I guess I could add that to my Willow Grove itinerary while I’m here.”
I take note of his laptop half closed in front of him. “Work trip?”
He squints his eyes, thinking for a second before a smirk plays on his lips. “Something like that.”
Ominous. Okay, then. “Well, I hope you get to take some time to enjoy all that Willow Grove has to offer while you’re here for whatever it is you’re here for. How long will you be staying in town?”
I’m not expecting a lot of information out of the man, but color me curious. I want to see what he says.
“Sort of playing it by ear right now. That’s one of the joys of being able to work from wherever. The place I’m staying at says they have the room available for as long as I want and rumor has it the town hosts a festival every year that I can’t miss. Might stick around to find out for myself.”
I feel my whole body perk up at the mention of the event. “Well, the rumors are true. We still have a few weeks to go, but I can promise it’ll be one you won’t want to miss.”
Tipping his hat to me, he says, “I’ll hold ya to it. Also, you keep making a cup of coffee as good as this one,” he points toward his cup, “and I’ll never want to leave. Compliments to the owner next time you see them.”
My cheeks heat at the kudos. “Actually, you can give them to her yourself.” I put my hand between us. “Gwendolyn Prescott, owner.”
“Mitch Shepherd. Wonderful to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise, Mr. Shepherd.”
With a grimace, he declines the formality. “Please, call me Mitch.” He opens his mouth to say something else when his gaze snags on something behind me. “Looks like someone is in a hurry over here.”
I look over my shoulder in time to see Logan jogging across the street, his hand up to thank the car he cut in front of for slowing down.He wears an apologetic expression on his face as he slows himself down and walks toward me.
