Page 52 of (Un)Expected

His smile almost blinded me. “I’d love that. Lost Tavern?”

“You know it.”

When we reviewed the contract, we decided some places needed to be off-limits to the cameras. The Lost Tavern was one of them. Not only had it become a little sanctuary for Adam, but Curt and Marta would also kill me if the tourists and fangirls invaded their space.

He glanced at the call sheet attached to the script. “Meet me here at…eight? Does that work for you?”

“It’s perfect.” I grin, excited to leave my desk for another night. I was getting used to being around other people, and my house had become too quiet for my liking. Being alone used to be my solace. Now, it made my bones ache with loneliness.

For the past week, I’d been spending almost all my nights at work, not wanting to feel that familiar ache in my empty house. A couple of times, I’d fallen asleep at my desk, and Javi had to drive me home.

Tonight that wouldn’t be a problem. A dinner with my fake boyfriend sounded perfect. Even though we were staying strictly in the friend zone, Adam was quickly becoming one of my favorite people. From the way he told me about his day to how he spoke so passionately about his craft, it made my heart clench.

It had been years since I’d felt that passionate about my career. Actually, I didn’t know if I’d ever had that feeling. In the past, I’d picked my job because of stability. I was more concerned about being comfortable than happy.

Now, I wanted both.

Only I had no idea where to start.

With three years of experience in hospitality, it made logical sense to keep on this track. None of the other properties in town would hire me, too terrified of Diane’s wrath to poach one of her people, but maybe I could find a way to utilize my experience while finding a job I preferred.

As I glanced outside the large picture windows, the tickle of a plan started to scratch the back of my mind. I did have things I loved, and most of them were about this town and the beautiful landscape surrounding it.

A slow smile pulled at my lips as I opened another search window on my computer. Perhaps it wasn’t as hopeless as I thought.

“Alex?”a voice called out, breaking me from my thoughts.

All afternoon, I had been researching what it would take to start my own business, like maybe even an inn or bed and breakfast, something much smaller and more personal than the Isadora. There were plenty of older properties deeper in town, ones that needed some love and care but had terrific bones.

I never pictured myself as a small business owner, but the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. I’d spent years studying finance and marketing, ready for a career in a Fortune 500 company when I graduated. Maybe this wasn’t in my plans before, but plans were meant to change. I was living proof of that.

If I waited until I was ready, who knew when that would be? Maybe I was being impulsive. No, scratch that—this wasdefinitelyimpulsive. But I was tired of weighing every choice, of acting like a passenger in my own life. Looking didn’t mean that I had to purchase anything; it was just worth it to explore some options, to see if this pipe dream could ever become a reality.

“Alex?”

My head snapped up, meeting Everly’s surprised gaze. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“Don’t be silly,” I said. “You’re not disturbing me at all.” I glanced at the clock: 8:30.Shit, had I zoned out that long?My eyes roamed the lobby, searching for Adam, but he was nowhere to be found.

“Looking for someone?” Everly asked, arching one of her perfectly manicured brows.

“Adam was supposed to pick me up when he finished filming. I guess he’s running late.” I gave a half-hearted shrug. “Oh well, gives me more time to get some work done. What can I help you with tonight?”

“You can have a drink with me.” She smiled brightly back at me. “I’m desperate for some girl time, and all my friends are on the other side of the country.”

“Oh…” I glanced toward the door. “I don’t know if I should; Adam’s expecting me to have dinner with him.”

“Last time I saw him, he was reviewing the day’s reels with the directors,” Everly answered. “I doubt he’ll be back anytime soon.”

Oh.I rechecked my phone, searching for any missed calls or texts.Nothing.I know it shouldn’t hurt, but it still stung that Adam hadn’t even bothered to message me.

“Well,” I smiled tightly, “then I’m in.”

“Perfect!” Everly leaned back, clapping her hands together. “I’ll give you some time to get ready, and then we can go at what…ten?”

“Everly…”

“You’re right—no one good shows their face until at least 11.”

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