Page 8 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

I headed up to my apartment to shower, knowing the ball was in Amelia's court now. All I could do was wait and see where this new chapter might lead us.

Chapter five

Amelia

Istared at the newly replanted garden, my fingers flying across my phone screen. " Hey Trevor, we need to meet Mayor Tom at Coffee Grind at 11:30 for an 'important discussion.' Can you make it?" I hit send and held my breath, waiting for his response.

My phone buzzed almost immediately. "Yeah, I can be there. See you at 11:30." I exhaled in relief, grateful he was available on such short notice.

I quickly dialed Mayor Tom's number, tapping my foot impatiently as it rang. "Mayor Tom, it's Amelia. Trevor and I will meet you at Coffee Grind at 11:30 am."

"Wonderful!" he boomed through the phone. "I look forward to seeing you both there."

"So...any hints about what this meeting is about?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual despite my growing curiosity.

"Now, now, Amelia, you'll just have to wait and see! It's a surprise." I could practically hear him winking through the phone.

I sighed, knowing there was no point in pressing further. "Alright, see you soon then!"

As I hung up, my mind bloomed with possibilities. What could the mayor possibly want to discuss with both Trevor and me? I glanced at the clock—9 a.m. Just enough time to get in a yoga routine, freshen up, and head over to Coffee Grind without looking like I'd been dragged through a hedge backward.

I arrived at the cozy café a few minutes early, the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping me like a warm hug. Leon, the friendly owner, greeted me with a smile.

"Amelia! Your usual vanilla latte?"

"You know me too well, Leon. I think I'll get a sandwich as well. Gotta fuel up for whatever whirlwind the mayor's about to unleash on us."

I settled into a comfortable booth near the window, people-watching and sipping my latte. Just as Leon brought over my sandwich, the door swung open with a jingle, announcing the arrival of Mayor Tom and Grace Harper.

"Amelia, dear!" Grace air-kissed both my cheeks before plopping down across from me. Her elaborate scarf nearly knocked over my latte in a whirlwind of silk and sequins.

Mayor Tom chuckled, his colorful bowtie bobbing as he sat beside her. "Now, where's that strapping young firefighter of yours, Amelia?"

I nearly choked on my coffee. "Trevor? He's not 'mine,' he's just my tenant," I sputtered, feeling my cheeks flush.

Grace leaned in, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, come now, darling. You can't tell me that having such a handsome, heroic man living under your roof isn't thrilling!"

I wanted to crawl under the table and disappear. "It's not like that at all, Grace! We're just... it's complicated." I trailed off, not quite sure how to define our relationship.

Mercifully, the door jingled, announcing Trevor's arrival. My stomach flipped as he strode towards us, his presence commanding the room. I took a deep breath, plastering on a smile and preparing for whatever surprises Mayor Tom had in store.

Trevor slid into the seat beside me, his muscular frame encased in his fitted firefighter uniform. The scent of smoke and sandalwood enveloped me as our arms brushed, sending an unexpected jolt through my body. I mentally chastised myself for my reaction. Get it together, Amelia. He's just your tenant, remember?

"Sorry I'm late," Trevor said, flashing an apologetic smile. "Had to rescue a kitten from a tree on my way here. From what the guys say, it’s an ongoing event over at Ms. Hillary’s place."

Grace clasped her hands together, her eyes wide with adoration. "Oh, how heroic! Amelia, you must feel so safe with Trevor around. I bet he's always ready to sweep you off your feet and carry you to safety!"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "I'm perfectly capable of caring for myself, thank you very much. I don't need a knight in shining... firefighting gear."

Mayor Tom clapped his hands, drawing our attention. "Alright, folks, let's get down to business. As you know, our annual fall festival is just around the corner, and we have some exciting plans!"

I leaned forward, curiosity piqued. The fall festival was always a highlight of Rivermint Cove's social calendar.

"This year, we're doing something extra special," Mayor Tom continued, his eyes twinkling. "Grace here has come up with a brilliant idea—a grand butterfly release!"

My eyes widened in surprise. A butterfly release did sound whimsical and enchanting. But as Mayor Tom's gaze fell on me, a sinking feeling settled in my stomach.

"And Amelia, my dear, we want you to be the project lead for this magnificent event! Your gardens are the perfect place to set up a caterpillar habitat."

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