Page 9 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

I blinked, momentarily stunned. "Me? But I... I don't know the first thing about organizing a butterfly release!"

Mayor Tom waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense! With your creativity and eye for beauty, you're the perfect choice. And you won't be doing it alone. Trevor here has graciously volunteered to be your partner in this endeavor."

My head snapped towards Trevor, who had an unreadable expression on his face. Working closely with Trevor on a project like this? The idea both thrilled and terrified me.

"Well, I suppose I could give it a try," I could hear my voice wavering slightly, like a delicate stem in a strong breeze.

Trevor's eyes met mine, a flicker of something unidentifiable in their depths. "I'm looking forward to working with you, Amelia. I'm sure we'll make a great team."

I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the butterflies in my own stomach that had nothing to do with the upcoming festival. As Mayor Tom and Grace launched into a lively discussion about the event's details, my mind raced. How on earth was I going to pull this off?

"So, what are your initial thoughts?" Mayor Tom asked, jolting me back to the present.

"Oh, um..." I started, my mind suddenly blank. "Well, we could set up a beautiful garden display with colorful flowers to attract the butterflies. Maybe wind fairy lights around the stems to create a magical atmosphere when we release them!"

Trevor frowned slightly. "That sounds nice, Amelia, but we need to think about the practicalities too. How will we ensure the butterflies are healthy and ready for release? What about the logistics of containing them before the event?"

I felt a spark of irritation. "Of course, we'll consider those things, but the experience is important too. We want this to be memorable for everyone in town."

"I understand that," Trevor said, his tone measured. "But if we don't get the basics right, there won't be an experience to enjoy. We need to focus on the essentials first."

"The essentials include the aesthetics," I argued, feeling my cheeks heat up. "This isn't just about releasing insects; it's about creating a moment of wonder for the town."

As Trevor and I began to debate our differing approaches, our voices growing more animated with each passing minute, I couldn't help but notice the amused glances exchanged between Mayor Tom and Grace. Humph, what do they know?

We left the meeting with no real resolution, our ideas clashing like mismatched flowers in a bouquet. Trevor had to rush back to work, probably to rescue more kittens or whatever it is firefighters do when they're not setting my world ablaze.

I burst into Emily's house, my mind still reeling from the meeting at Coffee Grind. Emily looked up from where she was playing with baby Trent on the floor, her eyebrows raising at my frazzled appearance.

"Whoa, what's got you so worked up?"

I flopped down on the plush carpet, letting out a long sigh that could've powered a wind turbine. "Where do I even begin? Trevor's dog destroyed my garden, then he helped me replant it, and we almost had a moment, but then Mayor Tom called, and now I'm stuck working with Trevor on this butterfly project, and I don't know what to think anymore!"

Emily's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face. "Hold up, back up a bit. Trevor helped you replant your garden? And what's this about a 'moment'?"

I felt my cheeks heat up. "Well, after the garden incident, he offered to help fix it. We were working together, and it was actually...nice. He even invited me to dinner as a thank you, but my phone rang, and I don't know. If the phone hadn't interrupted, I might have said yes, but now I'm wondering if it was a sign that it's not meant to be."

"Oh, Amelia." Emily shook her head, a knowing look in her eye. "Don't you think you're overthinking this a bit? From what you've told me, it sounds like Trevor is trying to make amends for the past. Maybe this project is a chance for you two to start fresh, to grow something beautiful together."

I bit my lip, considering her words. "But we're so different. We couldn't agree on anything! He's all about practicality and logistics, while I'm more focused on the experience and the magic of it all. How are we supposed to work together when we can't even see eye to eye?"

Emily reached over, squeezing my hand. "Sometimes, the best partnerships are the ones where each person brings something different to the table. You and Trevor may have differences, but I think you could balance each other out if you give it a chance. Like how different flowers complement each other in a bouquet."

I sighed. "I guess you're right. It's just...hard, you know? I don't want to get hurt again."

"I know, sweetie. But you can't let fear hold you back from something that could be wonderful. Speaking of which..." Emily's eyes sparkled with more mischief than a garden fairy. "You should come to the baseball game this weekend. Kevin will be playing on the police team, and I heard Trevor will be on the firefighter team. It could be a chance for you to see him in a different light."

I groaned, flopping back onto the carpet. "Emily Reynolds Carter, you are a menace."

She grinned, unrepentant. "A menace who loves you and wants to see you happy. Just think about it, okay?"

As I lay there, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't help but let my mind wander to Trevor. His strong, steady presence at the meeting, the way his eyes had locked onto mine as we debated our ideas. Maybe Emily was right. Perhaps this project was a chance for us to start anew, to build something beautiful together.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever was to come. One thing was certain—working with Trevor on this project was going to be an adventure, for better or for worse.

Chapter six

Trevor

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