Page 8 of Pity Parade

“I am. I came here once as a boy and loved it so much I’ve always dreamed of coming back.”

“My husband was the same way,” she says. “He came every year with his grandparents.”

“And you met when he came back to visit as an adult?” I don’t normally make idle chit chat with strangers, but there’s something about Elk Lake that makes it feel like everyone is a friend.

She hands me several dollars in change. “Yes. But before you think that’s all there is to it, I should point out that Teddy’s and my paths crossed as kids.” She leans in and lowers her voice. “He was my first kiss.”

“Now that’s a good story,” I tell her. Pointing toward her stomach, I add, “One I’m sure your baby will enjoy hearing someday.”

“Are your wife and kids here with you?” she wants to know. That’s a question I’m probably going to hear often.

“I’m not married.” Her pretty face morphs into a sad expression, so I add, “By choice.”

“I still predict you’ll have a wonderful summer.” She reaches her hand across the counter, “I’m Faith Helms, by the way.”

Shaking her hand, I tell her, “Heath Fox.”

“Don’t be a stranger, Heath.” Then almost as an afterthought, she adds, “There’s a big fish fry up at the country club tonight to kick off the season. You should stop by.”

“The cashier at the grocery store already told me about it,” I say.

“We’ll look forward to seeing you there.” She sounds like it’s a foregone conclusion I’ll be going.

I walk back to my car, feeling like this town is the home I’ve always wanted but didn’t realize I needed. Even though I knew I liked Elk Lake as a kid, I wasn’t sure how it would strike me as an adult. So far, I’m enchanted.

I’m almost to my destination when I see two women walk into a realty office on the corner. One is short and blonde, the other is a tall brunette. The tall one looks like a summer transplant. She’s wearing a dress that’s a shade too sleek for a small town. And while I might have given her a double take in the city, I’m not currently in the market to date anyone, let alone a city gal in the throes of rusticating.

You have to love that I don’t at all see myself in the same light. Like spending three months here as a kid has elevated me to local status.

As I drive slowly down the wooded road that leads back to the lake, I wonder what Shelby would do if I picked up and moved here. I laugh out loud at the image that pops into my mind. The truth is that Shel could use a summer here as much as the next guy, but she would have no idea how to unwind enough to fully embrace the experience. As such, I push all thoughts of her out of my head.

Once I get back to the cottage, I make several trips bringing in supplies. While unpacking the groceries, I’m hit with a sense of wellbeing that nearly knocks me over. How can this shabby little cottage feel more like home to me than the high-rise I’ve lived in for nearly six years?

As I open the fridge and grab a soda, there’s a knock on my front door. Don’t tell me they have a welcome wagon in town? I chuckle at the image of six old ladies showing up with a basket of homemade baked goods. Then I practically run to the door, hoping that’s who it is.

I’m slightly disappointed to find a nice-looking woman wearing intricate box braids wrapped around her head. She smiles engagingly. “Hey, there. You must be Heath Fox.”

“Have we met?” I ask, knowing full well that we haven’t.

“Anna Tanaka. I work at the realty company where you made your booking.”

“Oh, hi,” I say. “Don’t tell me you welcome all your guests personally.” Although maybe they do in a town like Elk Lake.

“Not normally, no.” She points toward the cottage next door. “I’m showing the neighboring house to a friend. You share a dock with them.”

I peek around for her friend but don’t see anyone. “Oh, okay. Well, thanks for stopping by.”

“There’s a fish fry up at the country club tonight,” she says.

A small smile creeps across my face. “I’ve heard.”

“I’ll see you there then!” She waves before walking away.

I can’t help but wonder what it is about this fish fry. I mean, seriously, Anna is the third person to mention it to me in the last hour. After walking through the house, I open the french doors that lead to the back deck before kicking off my shoes and sitting down on a hammock chair that faces the water.

By the time I finish my drink, I decide to go ahead and have supper up at the country club tonight with the rest of the town. I might as well get to know a few people if I’m going to be here all summer.

CHAPTER FIVE

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