Page 14 of Broken Promises

“That’s amazing, Mom. I’m so proud of you.”

A smile reflected on her face. “Thanks, pumpkin. Another great thing happened today, too.”

“Oh yeah, what’s that?” I leaned against the kitchen island.

“I signed you up to work the food tent at Hometown Days this weekend.” My expression fell, and my eyebrows furrowed together. I didn’t…expect that.

“Well, I thought I was just going to visit. I wasn’t planning on participating, Mom…” I stammered. With everything going on, the last thing I wanted to do was be surrounded by people for days. I came here to find peace and clear my mind, but my mom was impossible to say no to.

“I know, but the historical society needed more volunteers, and I can’t help since I’ll be

helping to judge the pie-baking contest. Plus, you don’t have to work the entire time. I signed you up for a two-hour shift at the beginning of the fair.” As she looked at me with her hope-filled eyes, it was impossible to say no.

I sighed, opening the fridge to put the eggs she bought there. “Fine, but I’m only doing this because I love you.”

Excitement flooded her face and she clapped her hands together. “Perfect! You won’t regret it, you’ll see,” she said. “By the way, I heard you ran into Luke at the coffee shop today.”

I laid my head against the fridge door.Of course,she already knew. “I forgot how quickly news travels around town.”

My mom came to my side and hugged me. “Unfortunately, this town runs on gossip…or rather, fortunately, in my case.”

“Mom!” I laughed, shaking my head as she tightened her grip around me.

“What? An old lady has to get her jollies somewhere!”

More laughter rumbled from my chest to the point where I could barely breathe. “One, you’re not old, and two, you’re ridiculous.” As my laugh subdued, a pang of guilt quickly replaced it. How many moments like these did I miss out on because I was so eager to escape the moment Luke and I broke up?

“So, what’s the story there?”

“There’s no story. I know you’re hoping for something…spectacular, but there’s nothing like that.” I felt bad that I was lying to her, but telling her the truth was not an option. She’d gether hopes up and try to push me to pursue a relationship with him again. Her intentions were good, but it wasn’t what I needed now, just like it wasn’t what I needed a decade ago. “I ran into him at the coffee shop. I spilt my coffee all over him and myself. He

gave me some clothes to wear home. That’s it.”

“I see. So, why are you blushing, then?” She cocked her eyebrow at me. Apparently, nothing got past her.

“Because of the weather, Mom. I’m not used to heat like this back in Seattle. Sorry to disappoint your gossip-loving heart.” I rubbed her arm. “Now, why don’t we order pizza for

dinner? I’m starving.” I hoped my mom would take the bait and change the subject. Luke was the last thing I wanted to talk about tonight. My mom pressed her lips together before she gave me a small nod.

“Nice try to avoid the topic,” she said with a sigh. “Sure, we can get pizza for dinner.”

lucy

. . .

Over the next few days,I managed to avoid Luke, mainly because I didn’t leave my home. I still counted it a success, but a girl could only stay locked up for so long.

By the time the weekend arrived, I was going stir-crazy, and I actually found myself thankful that today was the start of Hometown Days. It was finally an excuse to leave the house.

My mom put me in charge of working at the food tent, so hopefully, I could hide in the back and get my shift done—away from people and, more importantly, away from Luke.

Hometown Days was Port-Cartier’s annual summer festival. It was their kick-off to the

summer tourist season. There were food vendors, baking contests, exhibitions and many craft vendors. It lured the tourists in like no other event and for a good reason. It was spectacular, and everyone put so much effort into their part. And though I wasn’t here by choice, I planned to do the same.

I took in the smell of the fried food as I walked by the various food tents, looking for the Polish sausage tent my mom had signed me up for. Most of the Hometown Days tents extendeddown the coast, so the tourists could enjoy fantastic food and the stunning view of the sea in front of them.

I found the tent wedged between the dough boy truck and the French fry stall. I hesitated for a moment before I approached the old woman at the front of the tent, giving her a small smile.

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