Page 37 of Pity Parade

“I don’t know yet,” I tell her truthfully. “I’m walking the land now. Once I got past the woods and into the meadow, I knew I needed to find out more.”

“It’s a great location,” she says before warning, “Just remember that for eight months of the year, Elk Lake is a pretty nothing town as far as commerce goes. As such, I’m not sure you’d be able to find enough people looking for commercial spaces.” Unneeded commercial space seems to be a new reality of our time. “If you’re thinking about short term rental properties,” she continues, “you’d probably only be able to rent it during the summer months.”

“I don’t know what I’m thinking about yet, but that’s good information to have.”

“Let me know if you have any other questions.”

“Will do, Anna. Thanks.”

After hanging up, I find a fallen log and sit down. I have no idea why I’m so drawn to this land. I don’t want to live in Elk Lake, and a commercial enterprise in the woods doesn’t make a lot of sense. Yet, I’m still intrigued.

I think back to last night’s conversation with Trent about zip-lining and I wonder if something like that could be done here. This seems like the perfect spot, so long as part of the property has enough elevation differential.

After sitting for what feels like hours, I finally get up and head back toward my car. I laugh at the thought of telling Shelby what I’m contemplating. She’d probably send men in white coats after me.

Once I’m back on the road, I decide to go into town for a cup of coffee. I might even head to the diner for a more substantial breakfast. And while food is my main motivation, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was hoping to run into Trina.

There’s more to her story than she’s owning up to, and I’m very curious to find out what that is.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

TRINA

I can’t believe Daniel is already here. More importantly, I can’t believe he’s already met Heath—especially as I forbade Heath from talking to him. Hurrying to get out of bed, I try to formulate a plan for the day. The first thing I need to do is figure out how to bump into my ex while making it look like an accidental reunion.

Daniel is very methodical, so I’d lay money on his first stop being the market. As I don’t need any groceries, I’ll walk there instead of driving. That way if I run into him, he might offer to give me a lift.

After brushing my hair and putting on minimal makeup, I get dressed in my favorite yellow sundress and head out. There aren’t many people shopping this early on a Monday morning, so instead of going inside the store, I loiter around the parking lot and wait for Daniel to pull in.

Sitting on a bench out front, I do my best not to look like I’m a stalker, or on stakeout. I pull out my telephone and text Paige.

Me

Daniel is here.

Paige

Already? How do you know?

Me

Heath called to tell me.

Paige

Uh-oh.

Me

It sounds like it went okay. He said he didn’t do anything more than introduce himself.

Paige

I wish you’d known Heath was next door before you signed the rental agreement.

Me

But according to Anna, that was the last vacancy in town.