Page 65 of Falling for Finn

“I’d been living with a roommate for the past two years, and when the landlord announced the rent was increasing, she bailed and moved in with her boyfriend. Claimed it was cheaper. So my lease ends on November fifteenth, and I have to decide if I’ll renew or not. Another option is finding a one-bedroom that I can afford,” she tells me, and I can hear the stress in her voice.

“I had no idea you were facing that,” I say, somewhat disappointed she hadn’t mentioned it sooner.

“Honestly, I’ve been trying not to think about it. Tiernan told me to move to Florida and live with them until I found my own place. It would give me an opportunity to save some money and be there when the baby’s born. And I could probably help out too. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea, considering I have so many contacts in California, but if I can’t find another apartment, I might not have a choice.”

I almost suggest Vermont as an option, but I’m not stupid enough to think she’d pick me over her sister and niece. It would force us into a conversation I’m not sure we’re ready to have.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry you’re dealing with all that. I can’t even imagine what the cost of living is there.”

“It’s more expensive than Florida, that’s for sure.”

As we walk under the marquee with the times and latest releases displayed, I slow down and open the door to the theater. “I want you to see this.”

“Whoa…” She glances around, taking it all in.

The smell of buttered popcorn fills the foyer as kids play on the old pinball machines in the game room.

“I worked here one summer before I decided I’d rather be outside in the orchards than deal with customers.” I chuckle.

“This puts my hometown theater to shame.” She spins around in awe.

“It was remodeled last year. The orchard held a fundraiser for the owner, who was undergoing cancer treatments. She was so focused on maintaining her health that this place was in disarray and on the verge of closing. Everyone in Maplewood Falls came together and rallied to bring it back to its original state. Not only did we raise enough to replace the carpet, seating, and concession equipment but all her medical bills were covered too. A bunch of local carpenters volunteered to fully remodel it, and since it reopened, it’s been nonstop busy. She even hired ten new employees to help run it properly.”

“Oh my gosh, that’s amazing! I love hearing stories with happy endings like that.”

“Yeah, what’s even better is that her cancer is in remission.”

We continue walking around, and Oakley’s eyes light up when she spots a large mural that fills an entire wall.

“Incredible, isn’t it?” I say behind her as she stares at the portraits interlaced with embellishments of bright colors.

“That’s an understatement. I bet this was a dream piece to create. I can tell it was painted with care and respect. The shading is incredible.” She slides her hand over the wall, feeling the layer of paint on the bricks.

“No one knew about it until we showed up at the grand opening. A Vermont artist heard about the theater and asked the owner if she could paint the faces of different business owners and leaders in the community. One day, this will be a part of our Maplewood Fall’s history.” I smile wide.

“It must’ve been rewarding to be part of something so special,” she tells me. “Without the generosity of the orchard, this might’ve never happened. You should all be so proud to have helped make this place what it is today.”

“My family does what they can and treats others how they’d want to be treated. All the townspeople look out for each other. It’s the way of life around here.”

She beams, interlocking her fingers with mine. “I can see why everyone loves Maplewood Falls so much. I’m even more honored that Mayor Myers asked me. How lucky am I to get to paint something that will be admired for years?”

“We’re the lucky ones, trust me.” I wrap my other hand around our fingers and kiss her knuckles. Damn, I’m going to miss her when she’s gone.

We make our way to the town square, and I hold her sketchbook as she takes pictures. People say hello and ask how we are as Oakley takes in the buildings and scenery. It’s the perfect time of year for tourists to experience fall and enjoy the autumn foliage.

“I could paint at least twenty landscapes of this place. There’s literally no part of Maplewood Falls that wouldn’t be a great attraction. The architecture, cute shops, and street design are an artist’s dream.”

“Wait until you see it this weekend. Tents, booths, pumpkins galore. You’ll be living inside your Hallmark movie.”

She laughs. “Do you mind if we sit for a minute so I can sketch an idea?”

“Go ahead. I’ll grab us some coffee from the café while you get started.”

I lean in and brush my lips against hers for no other reason than because I want to. The lines between what’s real and fake are so blurred I don’t know where it started.

She positions herself on a bench that overlooks the town hall, and I head toward the café a few blocks away.

While I wait to place our orders, I pull out my phone and see an unread text from Levi.

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